NOTE: A Special Thanks to Michael Noel (above, https://mnoelphotography.smugmug.com) for providing the photos.
By Kevin Scott
GREAT FALLS, Mont., November 6, 2026 — The Great Falls Americans (8-7-0-1) and the Helena Bighorns (13-1-1-0) were even at 1-1 after two periods of competition between these two rivals but the Bighorns offense scored three goals during a three-minute span to defeat the home team, 4-1 during NA3HL junior hockey action inside the Great Falls Ice Plex on Friday evening as the Americans celebrated the first of two nights of “Military Appreciation Weekend.”
Xander Troyer, who earlier this week along with teammate Gordon Jennings, was named to the 2026 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament (Birth years 2006-2007), gave the Americans the early lead in the first period. The Great Falls, Montana native took advantage of a Helena (hooking) penalty and went one-on-one against Helena netminder Landen Bullock Pahua and put the puck in the net for his eighth goal. Both teams skated away the final eleven minutes without any successful scoring opportunities. Great Falls allowed 13 shots and provided five shots on the offensive end.
The Americans kept the Bighorns off the scoreboard for the first 37 minutes until Joey Hemr found Chase Berg for the goal to even the contest, 1-1 with 2:27 left on the clock in the middle frame. Helena’s offense attempted 26 shots while limiting Great Falls to 8 after the first intermission.
The Bighorns broke the tie early in the third period as Blake Chapman connected on his fourth lamplighter of the season as John Freitas and Braden Davis collected the assists. Helena’s offense continued their offensive attack. Joey Hemr added the third score 32 seconds later off a pass from Jeffrey Hershberger and Chase Berg. Mason Blair put the biscuit in the basket for the final scoring drive of the night with Chase Berg adding another assist to his resume with 12 minutes remaining in regulation with the Bighorns leading 4-1.
The visiting team from the capital city accumulated over 20 shots in the final two periods to end their third game against their rivals with 59. The host team amassed just 22 shots in the three regulation periods.
Power plays did not factor in this contest as both teams combined for five unanswered power play chances.
Landen Bullock Pahua (4-0-0-0) picked up his first victory against Great Falls this season. The California goaltender stopped every shot sent his way after the first period and finished with 21 saves. JD Stephens made 55 saves as he saw his record fall to 7-4-0-1 including one win and two losses against Helena.
NOTES: Great Falls Americans forward Xander Troyer and defenseman Gordon Jennings were named this week to the 2026 North American 3 Hockey League’s (NA3HL) Marlborough Top Prospects Tournament that will take place November 22-23 at the New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts as two of twenty players on the Frontier Division squad. Click here for the press release with full rosters, schedule and coaches for each of the six participating teams.
Defenseman Jarret Averett was traded to the Yellowstone (WY) Quake and forward Parker Jusczak went to the Texas Brahmas (NA3HL South Division) earlier this week.
NEXT CONTEST: The Badlands Sabres are the next opponent for the Great Falls Americans as the South Dakota team will be in Great Falls on Saturday, November 7th for a special afternoon start at 3:35PM (MST) and can be seen live on the NA3HL’s official streaming service, NATV with Ryan Siders on the call.
Following the Americans game, the University of Providence Argos men’s hockey team will face the Montana State University Bobcats at 7:30PM (MST).
For complete schedules/results, promotions, team stats, rosters and much more information, please go to our official website: www.greatfallsamericans.com