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BALDY’S PUCK DROP Weekly E-Newsletter (September – August) |
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Baldy’s Puck Drop” Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf
Volume 118: November 5, 2026
PDF Printable Download: Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf
Dear Great Falls Americans Enthusiast: Another weekend is in the books and pretty much followed the similar path; an up-and-down weekend from a young team that is still learning to trust the process and bring a professional approach to every minute of every game. Friday’s 5-4 shootout win capped a solid effort where the Americans recorded 71 shots on goal and needed ten shooters in the shootout to secure the win. They fought back from a 3-1 deficit and took a 4-3 lead, only to allow Yellowstone to net the tying goal with 46 seconds remaining forcing the extra time and shootout.
Saturday saw the Americans dominate the 1st and 3rd periods while amassing another 65 shots on goal – only to give up five goals (four in a 7:00 minute span) during the 2nd period in a 5-2 loss. A few mental lapses, undisciplined play and missed opportunities to take advantage of their mistakes let this one get away. The lesson learned is that in our very competitive Frontier Division, it will take a full 60-minutes of solid play to pick up the wins. The staff is confident this group of players have the skill – now it is time to take the next step with a consistent effort while minimizing mistakes each minute of each game.
This coming weekend has become something the players very much look forward to. The players got a look at the special
edition Military Appreciation jerseys we will wear this weekend for the first time Wednesday morning and needless to say, they were excited for the look. Our Military Appreciation Weekend presented by 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union always brings in an enthusiastic crowd and with Helena here on Friday night – it should be a fun night. The jerseys will be signed and auctioned off – be sure to get activated with DASH so you can be part of the fun. The auction starts at 9:00 AM on Friday, November 6th and will run through 9:00 PM on November 11th. You will also have a chance to order special edition merchandise through DASH during the same time frame, as well. As a reminder, all active-duty military personnel will receive a discount on merchandise and beer throughout the weekend’s games.
A special note is Saturday’s game versus Badlands is a 3:35 PM start as the University of Providence is hosting Montana State later that night. It is a great day for double-header hockey in Great Falls! We will also have some special edition military themed merchandise for sale during the games. We will be accepting custom orders on special-edition t-shirts, hoodies and tumblers and will have Rowdy Mood Hats available as long as supplies last. We are happy to announce we will also be able to keep the beer garden open for the UP-game Saturday night.
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Proceeds from the jersey auction will be directed towards the Top 3- Fly Home Program. The Top 3 at Malmstrom Air Force Base is committed to helping hardworking, reliable, and dedicated Airmen “Fly Home” each quarter to visit their family and friends. Our goal is to help grow and sustain this program so we can continue supporting deserving Airmen in reconnecting with loved ones. Last year, we raised $2150 for the cause and very much look forward to topping that total this season with your support.
Finally, I am pleased to announce our two representatives for the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament in Marlborough, MA later this
month. Gordon Jennings (left) and Xander Troyer (right) have been selected to represent the Americans at this event designed to showcase 2006 and 2007 birth year players. Each NA3HL Division is represented with a team who will play two games in front of college scouts and provide a chance for additional exposure competing with the top players. The league will also do a young guns (2008-2009 birth years) showcase in February. Congrats to Xander and Gordy for the recognition and we have no doubt you will represent well.
Player Profile – #81 Cooper Palazzolo (St. Louis, MO) 5’10” 185 lbs. FOR– Shoots Right DOB 01/18/2007
Favorite Team: St. Louis Blues Favorite Player: Dylan Holloway
Favorite Movie: The Departed Actor/Actress: Brad Pitt
Favorite Food: Steak-n-Shake Favorite Pre-Game Meal: Any pasta with protein
If you were an animal: Polar Bear – they are in isolation yet still top of food chain
Musical Group You Won’t Miss in Concert: Smashing Pumpkins & The Doors
Pre-Game Hype Music: Grunge
Person stuck with on a deserted Island:
Hobbies other than Hockey: Meteorology, History and Fire Safety
Three People you would invite to Dinner: Robert Connor, Brett Hull, Tony Twist
College/University of Choice: Missouri State or Louisville
Like Most About Great Falls: The community and the support they have for the team
How would you define a successful season: Not wanting to leave at end of season
Here are the upcoming and special dates to add to your calendar:
- November 6th -10th – Military Appreciation Jersey Auction through DASH.
- November 6th – Military Appreciation Weekend-Presented by 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union. Home game versus Helena at 7:05 PM.
- November 7th – Military Appreciation Weekend-Presented by 1st Liberty Federal Credit Union. Home game versus Badlands at 3:35 PM followed by UP versus MSU at 7:30 PM.
- November 13th-14th – Away games versus Yellowstone in Sidney, MT 7:30 PM – Official Watch Party at Buffalo Wild Wings.
- November 20th – Away game at Butte 7:30 PM with Official Watch Party at Buffalo Wild Wings.
- November 22nd -23rd – Top Prospects Tournament (2006-2007 Birth Years) Marlborough, MA.
- November 28th – Home game versus Bozeman. 7:05 PM Puck Drop and $2 beer night presented by Gusto Distributing.
- December 5th – Home game versus Helena and Salute to 10U Hockey 7:05 PM.
- December 6th – Away game versus Bozeman 5:15 PM with Official Watch Party at Buffalo Wild Wings.
- December 11th– Home game versus Yellowstone and Salute to 8U Hockey 7:05 PM.
- December 12th – 2nd Annual Russell Country Federal Credit Union “Teddy Bear Toss”.
- December 20th-22nd – NA3HL Showcase, Blaine, MN.
- January 8th and 15th – Rodeo/Rancher Appreciation.
- February 12th and 13th – Local Business Appreciation presented by Comparion Insurance- Todd Neighbor and Great Falls Chamber of Commerce.
- March 12th – Home game versus Badlands Sabres – Billet Appreciation presented by Toyota.
- March 13th – Home game versus Bozeman – Fan Appreciation presented by Toyota.
Thank you to our corporate partners for their continued support.
Eagle’s Nest Level
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Diamond Level
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Platinum Level
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Gold, Silver and Bronze Level Partners (* new this season)
| 3D International Restaurant & Lounge* | AJ Concrete* | All-State Signs |
| Annie’s Taphouse | Beacon Ice House | Benski Towing & Recovery |
| Big Sky Laboratory | Bravera Bank | Cascade Electric |
| Central Avenue Meats | Central MT Lock & Safe | Century Gaming |
| Comparion Insturance- Todd Neighbor | Craftmaster Cabinets | Coca-Cola |
| Croxford Funeral Home | Eagle Mount Therapeutic Recreation | Ferrin’s Furniture |
| Fire Pizza | Floors & More Abbey Carpets | Golden Triangle Graphics* |
| Great Falls Clinics | Hampton Inn & Suites | Homestead 1909* |
| Jersey Mike’s | Kubota-Johnson Distributing | Life in Bloom Floral & Gift Boutique |
| Montana Club* | Mountain Title Company | Murphy Law |
| Open Door Wellness | Play It Again Sports | Rainbow Senior Living* |
| Scheels | She Bare Wax & Sugar Boutique | Sip-N-Dip Lounge |
| Slabtek* (Concrete Lifting) | Sletten Construction* | Stifel l Finnicum Financial Group |
| TDS Fiber | Visit Great Falls | Voices of Hope |
| Westgate Repair Inc. |
Thank you for being a part of our hockey family!
Matt Leaf
Great Falls Americans HC Inc
MattL.GFAmericans@gmail.com