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MISSOULA- The Missoula Maulers and Helena Bighorns both qualified for the Junior national tournament, but neither returned to Montana with any hardware. But one team will be a champion since the two rivals are duking it out for the American West Hockey League championship.

Missoula trails the Bighorns two games to none in the best-of-seven series and game three is this just three days away and the Maulers, back on the home ice at practice, know they must turn the tide to survive.

"We need it to get back in the series 2-1 and give us a chance of winning it still," forward Anders Nord said.

"One goal or really one period in the playoffs can set momentum. One play in the playoffs can set momentum. We just need some momentum to get us going here and make a comeback," forward Al Maul added.

Game three will take place Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Glacier Ice Rink.