By Kevin Scott
GREAT FALLS, Mont., November 7, 2014 — The Great Falls Americans (12-1) lost for the first time in thirteen tries as the Billings Bulls held on for a 1-0 victory over the Great Falls franchise on Friday night in front of 690 spectators in attendance at the Great Falls Ice Plex.
The game looked like it might go into overtime but the Billings Bulls scored a goal with 27 seconds left in the third period for their eighth victory of the season (8-4-1).
Great Falls and Billings could not find the back of the next during the first two periods of the NA3HL contest. Both teams were evenly matched early on as Great Falls held a slim 20-18 lead in the shots on goal category.
The game-winning goal for Billings was produced by Nick Rizzo and assisted by Ralfs Karelis and Josh Pena at the 19:33 mark of the third period.
The Americans and Bulls went 0-3 in power play opportunities on the night.
Despite the loss, Great Falls registered 30 of the 62 shots on goal against the visitors from the Magic City. Both teams had 12 shots apiece in final period.
Neither team had any penalties in the third period but they each had 3 infractions for just six minutes of penalty time in the first two periods of action.
Lauren Massie finished with 29 saves for Great Falls. Billings goaltender Cole Semchak stopped all 32 shots by the Americans offense and earned the shutout victory.
NEXT CONTEST: The Great Falls Americans will remain at home on Saturday, November 8th when they face the Helena Bighorns at 7:30PM at the Great Falls Ice Plex. Join us for Lithia Motors Night at the arena.
| Period 1 | Period 2 | Period 3 | Final | |
| Great Falls | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Billings | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
First Period – NO SCORING
Second Period – NO SCORING
Third Period – 1, Billings, Nick Rizzo (Ralfs Karelis, Josh Pena), 19:33.
Shots on Goal – Great Falls 30, Billings 32.
Power-play Opportunities – Great Falls 0-for-3, Billings 0-for-3.
Attendance – 690
Box Score: Billings @ Great Falls
Additional Media Coverage: November 7, 2014: Great Falls Tribune: Great Falls Americans looking to stay undefeated tonight