MASON CITY, Iowa – The North Iowa Bulls have their eyes on being one of the NA3HL’s “Elite Eight” again this season, and forward Josh Arnold certainly looked like one of the league’s elite players this past weekend against the Rochester Ice Hawks. Arnold was chosen as the NA3HL’s Bauer Central Division Star of the Week, after scoring four goals on Friday night and four more on Saturday.
The most recent home-and-home set against the Ice Hawks was a record-setter for the Bulls, starting with a home-record 17 goals on Friday night as the Bulls won their 300th game in franchise history. Saturday night, North Iowa was credited with a national Tier III-record 101 shots in a 13-0 win at Rochester.
“[Josh’s] speed creates opportunities for himself and his linemates, and he is hard for teams to defend,” said North Iowa head coach Todd Sanden.
It’s the second time this season that the Bulls have garnered back-to-back-to-back Central Division Star of the Week awards – Tyler Bump earned the honor a week ago, and Jarod Blackowiak was chosen as the division’s Star of the Week out of the Thanksgiving weekend.
North Iowa is off until Sunday, when the Bulls face the Lewiston/Auburn Nordiques from the Coastal Division in the NA3HL Showcase. The opening faceoff at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine is scheduled for 4:30 p.m., with exclusive live streaming coverage on HockeyTV.
North Iowa’s next home game takes them up against the Ice Hawks on Saturday, Dec. 30 for the Bulls’ New Year’s Bash at “The Barn.” For tickets to that game or any future North Iowa home contest, click here.