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Weekly E-Newsletter (September – March) |
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BALDY’S PUCK DROPBaldy’s Puck Drop” Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf
Volume 5: October 5, 2023
PDF Printable Download: Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf
Dear Great Falls Americans Enthusiast:
The Americans squad is coming off a strong weekend winning two out of three in a tight series versus the Badlands Sabres. The weekend provided this young team with additional learning experiences as to what it will take to be successful at this level and they faced adversity along the way with some key injuries. Congratulations are in order for Dmitri Kuleshov earning 2nd Star of the Week for the Frontier Division while Joseph Buschmann made his Junior Hockey debut and received Honorable Mention recognition. Dmitri’s backhand goal on Sunday was also recognized as the 4th best play of the week by the NA3HL.
A special thanks goes out to BlueCross BlueShield of Montana for being the presenting sponsor for Friday night’s game and providing fans with a miniature cowbell that certainly added to the atmosphere. Peter Jennings and his wife Melissa, owners of the Historic Hotel Arvon and Celtic Cowboy then stepped up as presenting sponsors for Saturday night’s game with two lucky fans earning gift cards from the Celtic Cowboy. Saturday night also produced our RTIC Cooler Raffle winner as Karen Leeper’s name was drawn during the 2nd intermission. A huge thank you goes out to Adam Stanczak and the entire Booster Club for spearheading this raffle which raised just over $4000 to help support the Great Falls Americans Booster Club activities. Look for another raffle to be announced soon for a drawing to take place
Thanksgiving weekend.
Although Sunday’s crowd was light, the two special groups that joined us were entertained with a shootout win for the Americans followed by
a chance to skate with our players. The Galloping Guns 4-H Club, seen here with Baldy, took center stage for the ceremonial puck drop and the intermission activities. It was great to see the kids have fun and for many of them be exposed to their first hockey game.
We also had the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind join us and in the words of their Director, Cheri Luongo; “that was a great exciting game to attend and everyone was so accommodating and welcoming to us. I think the kids would attend every home game if we could. Your boys have created some serious hockey fanatics!” Here you can see Alec Browning and Ty O’Bey helping one of their students get around the ice during the first time he has ever skated. Not going to lie, I am extremely proud of our players for how they handled themselves during our “Skate with the Americans” after a long and difficult three-game series and it is this type of culture we are trying to create with community involvement. Our players have been amazing in buying into our expectations. Look for some photos and information from our participation at Oktoberfest at Malmstrom Air Force Base in next week’s newsletter.
We hit the road this Sunday for our first away game at Bozeman. Puck drop is 4:30 PM. That makes this the perfect time to mention our official “Watch Party” location – the Stadium Sports Bar and Casino for all away games this season. Check out more information at the end of this Newsletter as we highlight our partner who is graciously hosting these events. Next home game is Thursday, October 12th at 7:00 PM versus Badlands, again, and we will use next week’s Newsletter to provide some info on the scheduling process.
Player Profile – #16 Masen Kerr (Kenosha, Wisconsin) 5’11” 175 lbs. Forward – Shoots Left
Favorite Team: Chicago Blackhawks Favorite Player: Patrick Kane
Favorite Movie: Happy Gilmore Favorite Actor/Actress: Adam Sandler
Favorite Food: Culver’s Double ButterBurger Favorite Pre-Game Meal: Ramen Noodles
Musical Group You Won’t Miss in Concert: Florida Georgia Line
Song or Artist Guaranteed to get you hyped: Curveball
One Item you would bring with you to a deserted Island: Machete
Hobbies other than Hockey: Golf, Fishing, Video Games
Three People you would invite to Dinner: Elon Musk, Warren Buffet, Steve Will Do It
College/University of Choice: UW-LaCrosse Like Most About Great Falls: Great environment and the teammates are awesome.
How would you define a successful season: Winning more games than losing and making a legit playoff run
Also, Thank you to all our existing Eagle’s Nest, Diamond and Platinum Level partners for their continued support.
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Since we hit the road for the first time this season, it is time to highlight the host of our official Great Falls Americans Watch Party for all Away Games. The Stadium Sports Bar and Casino is located at 1121 5th St S in Great Falls and offers a wide range of menu items and beers. Owners Todd and Lara Clark have been gracious enough to broadcast all Americans’ Away games and will provide a safe and fun environment for our fans to be able to watch their favorite team play while enjoying good food, drink and company. Be sure to stop by this Sunday to watch the Americans take on the Bozeman IceDogs at 4:30 PM. Who knows, you may be able to also follow a few NFL games and some MLB playoff games on some of the other TV’s at the same time.
Thank you for being a part of our family and we look forward to seeing you at the rink.
Matt Leaf
Great Falls Americans HC Inc
MattL.GFAmericans@gmail.com