HELENA — The Helena Bighorns are off to an otherworldly start through their first 20 games at 19 wins and one loss. One of the key contributors to the Bighorns success this season is Elliot Plourde, a 5-foot-9, 20-year-old from Seattle, Wash., who is averaging two points per game so far this season.
Bighorns head coach Bob Richards said Plourde’s success on the ice comes from a mature demeanor.
“He’s a 20-year-old, he’s very mature for his age. He’s a mature hockey player. And he shows up every day, puts forth the effort every day and is a good role model that way,” said Richards. “That’s why he’s been consistent in games as well, because he shows up to practice, practice is hard everyday, and then he has the talent and that work ethic.”
Plourde attests his success to his aggressive pursuit to get better and his willingness to work on the little things.
“I have a lot of passion for the game, I love being out here on the ice,” said Plourde. “I’m always working on things, preparing for games, going over a little film and working towards being more efficient on the ice.”
On top of his preparation, Plourde’s pre-game meal is far from what you expect to see in an athlete’s diet, but it’s the superstition behind it that fuels the competitive fire.
“The single serving easy mac, mac and cheese, that’s my go-to. I just love them,” chuckled Plourde. “There was a tournament when I was younger, I ate one for breakfast before the games, I think we were in San Jose, and I scored nine goals during the tournament over the course of like four games, so I just stuck with it (ever) since then.”
The Bighorns next test on their pursuit to a championship will come on Nov. 30, when they play the Great Falls Americans in Great Falls at 8 p.m.
