Maulers rush past Roughriders

By the Missoulian

The Missoula Maulers scored the first six goals Saturday night in their 8-2 Northern Pacific Hockey League victory over the Butte Roughriders at Glacier Ice Rink.

Michael Zook had two goals and an assist for the Maulers (30-12), who remained two points behind the Yellowstone Quake in the race for second place in the league's America West Division. Saturday night, the Quake beat league-leading Helena 2-1.

Gary Astalos had a goal and four assists for the second time in as many evenings for Missoula, which outshot the Roughriders 65-25. Martin Dubec scored and added two assists, while Zak Aubol, Matt Anthone, Zach Frye and Aaron Arnold also lit the lamp for the Maulers.

Randy Japchen posted a 23-save effort for Missoula, while James Korte (39) and Dylon Snyder (18) combined to stop 57 shots in goal for Butte.

The Maulers visit the Bozeman Icedogs on Tuesday night.