NOTE: A Special Thanks to Michael Noel (above, https://mnoelphotography.smugmug.com) for providing the photo.
By Kevin Scott
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HELENA, Mont., December 5, 2025 — The NA3HL rivalry continued on Friday night as the Great Falls Americans (16-8-1-1) made the trip to Helena, Montana for a fifth encounter with the Helena Bighorns (15-8-1-0).
Both Frontier Division foes met on the ice last Friday (November 28) in Great Falls. The Americans led 3-0 after the first period thanks to goals by Jaxen Savage, Ethan Miller and AJ Prioli. Helena’s offense would not be denied as they scored three consecutive goals in hte middle period for a 3-3 tie before the second intermission. Braden Davis, Mason Blair, and Caden Feinstein each put one in the net for Helena. Great Falls would not lead again as the Bighorns scored four of the five third period goals to pick up a 7-4 victory. Caden Feinstein added a second goal while Clint Isakson, Cameron Kennerly, and Joe Voix each answered for the visitiors. AJ Prioli tacked on a second goal for the host team six minutes into the third frame. Cole Murphy (29 saves) took his third regulation loss. Andrew Blake won for the eighth time in 12 appearances (8-3-1-0).
Ethan Miller scored all three goals to lift the Great Falls Americans to a 3-1 win over the Helena Bighorns to remain in second place in the NA3HL’s Frontier Division in front of a large crowd at Steed Arena in Helena, Montana. Cooper Clouse earned three assists and netminder Cole Murphy stopped 27 shots for the winning side.
Ethan Miller opened the first period by scoring two goals three minutes apart with two assists going to Cooper Clouse. Despite trailing in the opening twenty minutes, Helena made 18 saves and limited Great Falls to five with no penalties.
After the first break, Helena’s Caden Feinstein took advantage of the Americans penalty to net Helena’s first goal of the game with assistance coming from Austin Uecker and Kade Pareja, The Americans held a 2-1 advantage with one regulation period remaining.
Both defenses played solid hockey in the third frame. Ethan Miller ensured the Americans second win over their rivals by scoring his third goal (hat trick) of the night in an empty net with 74 seconds left in the contest. Cooper Clouse added his third assist and AJ Prioli also was credited with an assist on the final tally.
The Americans scored three goals on 21 shots. Helena was held to one second period goal on 38 shot attempts.
After a penalty-free opening period, both teams combined for five minor penalties resulting in ten minutes spent off the ice.
Cole Murphy, who allowed just one goal in the second period, recorded 27 saves to improve to 8-3-1-0. Meanwhile, Branson Appelman (0-1-0-0) made his season debut with Helena finished with 19 saves. He also saw action last season with the Bighorns.
Great Falls is 2-2-0-1 against Helena this season after Friday’s contest.
NOTES: Americans defenseman Gordon Jennings, who had two assists in their home (7-4) loss to the Helena Bighorns and then scored two goals on the road (4-3 win) while taking on the Butte Irish, was named the Frontier Division “3rd Star” of the Week ending November 30, 2025.
The Americans are having their “12 Days of Christmas” event where the team will draw one winner each day from December 13-24 through the DASH activation. Another activation is the “Jersey Off Our Back” Night presented by Russell Country Federal Credit Union with the proceeds going to the Josh Huestis Foundation, a local non-profit that supports youth programs. Josh was a former C.M. Russell High School (Great Falls) basketball player and Stanford University graduate who spent time playing in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Oklahoma CIty Thunder. Use the QR Code on the right to get activated with these auctions. Fans can also purchase a special edition Baldy Christmas Ornament through DASH.
At our December 6th home game versus Bozeman, we will be having a Teddy Bear Toss. where fans can toss a plush toy that they bring when the Americans score their first goal of the game. For more information, please view the FREE “Baldy’s Puck Drop” weekly Newsletter (register below) for more information and upcoming events. You can also view the newsletters online by clicking here as well.
This week, the NA3HL released the team-by-team schedule for the upcoming 2025 NA3HL Showcase Tournament held at the NSC Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota on December 14-16th. The Amerians opponents and game times can be found by clicking here.
AMERICANS E-NEWSLETTERS: The Americans have two email newsletters for fans to receive in their inbox this season. Kevin Scott, the Americans Media Coordinator, has an Americans E-Newsletter that you can get on Sunday’s during the regular season filled with game summaries, press releases, links, schedule, etc. Click here to subscribe (if you haven’t already).
Americans Owner Matt Leaf creates and sends out a weekly email called “Baldy’s Puck Drop” that features team news, player profile, sponsor information and lots of other tidbits relating to Americans hockey that is published on Thursday mornings. Click here to receive the weekly newsletter (if you haven’t already).
NEXT CONTEST: The Bozeman Ice Dogs will be the Americans opponent on Saturday, December 6th when Great Falls plays their final home game before the Christmas break. Game begins at 7:05PM (MST) live from the Great Falls Ice Plex on NATV. Fans are encouraged to bring their teddy bears to throw out on the ice after the Americans score their first goal.
Old Chicago Pizza & Taproom (1101 7th Street South) is the place to be after Friday and Saturday night home games where the Americans invite their fans and supporters to their post-game dinner.
Buffalo Wild Wings, located at 17 Northwest Bypass in Great Falls, hosts the “Americans Watch Party” this season when the Americans are on the road. Fans are invited to get food and drinks and watch the game.
NATV is the NA3HL’s new streaming platform and is the place to catch all the action for fans that are unable to attend the home and away games this season. Click here to learn more about how to view any of the Americans home and away contests.
For complete schedules/results, promotions, team stats, rosters and much more information, please go to our official website: www.greatfallsamericans.com