NOTE: A Special Thanks to Michael Noel (above, https://mnoelphotography.smugmug.com) for providing the photos.
By Kevin Scott
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GREAT FALLS, Mont., September 12, 2025 — The Great Falls Americans (0-3) enter the second weekend of competition for the 2025 North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) hoping for their first victory.
Last weekend (September 5-6), they hosted the Helena Bighorns on Friday falling 8-3 and then attempted a comeback that fell short (3-2) against the Bozeman Ice Dogs on Saturday at the Great Falls Ice Plex.
Great Falls played host to the Badlands Sabres (3-0) tonight, a team based out of Rapid City, South Dakota, who won both of their opening weekend contests inside South Dakota’s Roosevelt Park Ice Arena, winning 3-2 and 4-2 against the Sheridan (WY) Hawks.
Wyatt Pink and Patrick Gosselin each scored goals in the first and third periods to pace the Badlands (SD) Sabres to a 2-0 shutout victory over the Great Falls Americans during Friday’s NA3HL junior hockey action at the Great Falls Ice Plex.
Badlands forward Wyatt Pink gave the Sabres the early 1-0 advantage 6:46 into the first period. The Iowa native scored his second tally of the season off the stick of teammates Maddox Harn (third assist) and Peyton Kostad (first assist). The Americans took just nine shots and could not find a way to get the puck in the net during the first twenty minutes. The visitors accumulated 15 shots with one successful goal scored.
A total of 24 shots were taken between the Americans and Sabres in the second period. Neither team was able to capitalize on any lamplighters during the 20 minute session.
Patrick Gosselin scored the lone goal for the South Dakota squad in the third frame. The forward from New Jersey, who is one of eleven returners from last season, scored his first goal of the season with 15:23 remaining. Maddox Harn picked up his second assist (fourth overall) and Rhylan Olson added his second assist in three games.
Great Falls created 14 shots in the second and third frames to finish with 37 shots-on-goal. Meanwhile, Badlands made 25 shots before the second intermission to end their first game in Great Falls with 33.
Nine penalties were issued by the on-ice officials between both Frontier Division opponents with no successful power play opportunites awarded.
Badlands netminder Jackson Roethler, who returned from last season’s squad, won his third game to move to 3-0-0-0 for head coach Brooks Mitzel’s squad. The Kasson, Minnesota standout had an impressive outing by stopping all 37 shots by Great Falls.
Kaden Rhyder (0-1-0-0) was back in the net for the Great Falls Americans for his third season with the team. The Pennsylvania goaltender went 24-13-2-0 in 40 games (including the playoffs) during the 2024-25 season where he finished with a 0.930 save percentage. He got the start tonight after joining the team this week. He took his first loss by producing 26 saves.
NOTES: Members of the Charles M. Russell High School Chamber Orchestra played the National Anthem prior to tonight’s contest. The local high school orchestra is going to the National Orchestra Festival in San Francisco, California in February 2026. They will be the first ensemble from Montana to accepted to this prestigious event. They are currently fundraising with cash calendars and donations for their trip can be made through the Great Falls Public School Foundation by putting “CMR Orchestra” in the memo line. Click here to donate online. Under the direction of Mr. Steve Olson, the orchestra consists of Sophia Alhambra, Shaina Baldevia, Addie Crist, Kate Creek, Katelyn Nix, Madison Medved, Maddy Deiter, Alan Mofett, Bristol Meiners, and Vienna Meiners. We wish them well at the National Orchestra Festival!
“Northwestern Energy’s Salute to Eagle Mount Therapeutic Recreation” was the promotion for tonight’s contest. The Americans parterned with Northwestern Energy to honor Eagle Mount’s Sled Hockey athletes. The Americans helped revitalize Eagle Mount’s Sled Hockey Program after the COVID pandemic occurred. A few members of the sled hockey team were in attendance along with special activations are planned to honor these athletes. During the first intermission, Northwestern Energy presented Eagle Mount with a $500 check towards their program.
On Saturday, September 13th, the Great Falls Ice Plex is hosting USA Hockey’s “Try Hockey for Free” at 9:15AM for anyone wanting to try hockey.
A new feature this season is the “Chuck-A-Puck” occurring at the second intermission at all home games this season. Fans can secure their pucks before each game through the DASH QR Code (right). On game night, stop at the chuck-a-puck table and pick up your bag of Montana Air National Guard pucks. Thanks to the following sponsors including Play It Again Sports, Montana Rib & Chop House, Fire Pizza, Teriyaki Madness and the Sip-N-Dip Lounge who provide the targets and prizes for fans to win.
The Americans Booster Club is raffling off a Remote Controlled Zamboni Cooler with the ticket drawn at the October 25th contest against the Yellowstone (WY) Quake. Tickets are $10.00 each. Click here for more information. To purchase tickets, please see any of the Booster Club members at any of the home games or contact Adam Stanczak (406-564-6771).
NEXT CONTEST: On Saturday, September 13th, the Americans will tangle on the ice for the second straight night on Saturday, September 13th with the Badlands (SD) Sabres staying in town with the puck set to drop at 7:05PM (MST) inside the Great Falls Ice Plex. Each home and away contest this season can be streamed on the NA3HL’s official streaming service, NATV.
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