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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 54: January 16, 2025
PDF Printable Download: Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf
Dear Great Falls Americans Enthusiast: Another week in the books with a special thank you going out to Dan Morano from Annie’s Taphouse 
for acting as our presenting sponsor and serving free samples of their tasty Hefeweizen. The only thing that went wrong last Friday night is not closing the deal in our 5-4 overtime loss to Helena. I would imagine the players would all concur that the loss itself is not what is upsetting, but the way we lost is tough to swallow and is something they need to learn from. We still have Helena at home two more times during the regular season with the chance to win the season series – that is the plan.
They followed the disappointment Friday with a workmanlike 4-2 win in Butte on Saturday. There were some late line-up changes due to some sickness and minor injuries – but the players stepped up and got the job done. Look for similar games this weekend with Gillette.
Another huge thank you goes out to Ajay Concrete and the Marc Troyer family for securing the necessary concrete donation from United Materials and then volunteerin their expertise and staff to finish off the concrete behind the bleachers. Former Americans Sam Duehlmeier and Aaron Leaf also stepped in to help with the result being a much cleaner and safer area behind the bleachers that will only make the Ice Plex a little more professional. Some of you may have noticed at the game last Friday, but if not check out the quality craftmanship the next time you are at the rink. They also need a great big thank you for plowing the parking lot and keeping that area usable during the snowfall and wind that was prevalent last week.
We have had a special guest around the team this week that I would like to take a moment to acknowledge. Perry Shearer is from the Elkhart, Indiana area and has adopted the Great Falls Americans as his Junior Hockey team. Perry first stopped by in September 2023 as he met his friend here in Great Falls prior to their ritual of attending the Annual Air Force Football opener in Colorado Springs. For whatever reason, they stopped by the rink to catch one of our practices and I got to know him a bit. He made the same trek in late August 2024 and we have stayed in touch and he has followed the team ever since. Perry made the special trip back to Great Falls this week to catch a week of practice and a couple of home games, so has been around the rink the last few days and will be at the games this weekend.
We used this opportunity for Perry to speak to the squad and share his story. Perry is a 42 year-old former Air Force Special Ops who was
diagnosed with Diffused Large B Cell Lymphoma after returning from Kuwait and being exposed to chemical warfare. He is now in remission, but still has some issues with his diaphragm and is scheduled for additional surgery in the coming months. Perry is also a recovering alcoholic – now being sober for 8 years – and currently specializes in addiction counseling. We are honored to have Perry as part of our Americans family and his message to our team was quite humbling and inspirational. Our guys are looking forward to playing their best hockey for him this weekend and the remainder of the season.
There are a couple of milestones coming up this weekend. On Friday night, Zac Orwig will be playing in his 150th Junior Hockey game – all in the NA3HL while Garrett Driscoll will be participating in his 100th Junior game.
Congratulations to both Zac and Garrett and thanks for entrusting the Americans with part of your life journey.
Our final two-game home stand of the season is this weekend as we take on the 7th place Gillette Wild. 7:05 PM puck drop with Gills Point S Tire and Auto presenting the ever-unpredictable Tricycle Race on Friday night and City Toyota Night taking place on Saturday. Come out and support the Americans as they close in on clinching a play-off spot and chase home ice for the playoffs.
Next issue, we will focus on our partners from Havre who are playing a critical role in hosting our game in Havre on the 29th. And a little background as to why we are playing one of our home games at the Havre Ice Dome.
Player Profile – #10 Ty O’Bey (Ashland, WI) 6’2” 175 lbs. fOR– Shoots Left DOB 01/18/2005
Favorite Team: Minnesota Wild Favorite Player: Alex Ovechkin
Favorite Movie: Step Brothers Actor/Actress: Seth Rogan
Favorite Food: Chipotle Bowl Favorite Pre-Game Meal: Chicken
If you were an animal: A Dog – I simply like dogs!
Musical Group You Won’t Miss in Concert: Cold Play
Music Guaranteed to get you hyped: Rap
Person stuck with on a deserted Island: Ty Brander
Hobbies other than Hockey: Golf
Three People you would invite to Dinner: Bryson Deschambeau, Snoop Dogg, Will Ferrell
College/University of Choice: University of Wisconsin
Like Most About Great Falls: The People.
How would you define a successful season: Win the Fraser Cup!
Here are the upcoming events for you to mark your calendars:
- January 17th – Home game versus Gillette at 7:05 Return of the Point S Tire and Auto Tricycle Race.
- January 18th – Home game versus Gillette at 7:05 City Toyota night!
- January 24th – Road game versus Butte at 7:30 Official Watch Party at Buffalo Wild Wings.
- January 29th – Home game versus Bozeman at the Havre Ice Dome. 6:05 PM Puck Drop with Official Watch Party at Buffalo Wild Wings. A special thanks to our local presenting partners Havre Youth Hockey, Havre Ford, High Plains Wealth Management, Independence Bank, Patrick Construction, Red’s Powersports, Shanty Bar, Tilleman Motor Co, and Valley Furniture.
- February 1st – Home game versus the Helena 7:05 Puck drop as part of a UP double header as Providence takes on UND-Williston at 3:35.
- February 7th and 8th – Road games versus Sheridan at 7:30 Official Watch Party at Buffalo Wild Wings.
Thank you to all our existing Eagle’s Nest, Diamond and Platinum Level partners for their continued support.
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Gold, Silver and Bronze Level Partners (* new this season)
| 3D International Restaurant and Lounge | All-State Signs | Annie’s Taphouse |
| Comparion Insurance-Todd Neighbor | Automotive Machine | Beacon Ice House |
| Eagle Mount Therapeutic Recreation | Benski Towing & Recovery | Big Sky Harley Davidson* |
| Floors & More Abbey Carpets | Big Sky Laboratory | Bravera Bank |
| Hoglund’s | Cascade Electric | Central Avenue Meats |
| Hotel Arvon-Celtic Cowboy | Central MT Lock & Safe | Century Gaming |
| Life in Bloom Floral & Gift Boutique | Coca-Cola* | Craftmaster Cabinets |
| Montana Air National Guard* | Culligan Water | Ferrin’s Furniture |
| She Bare Wax & Sugar Boutique | Great Falls Hospital | Hampton Inn & Suites |
| Stifel |Finnicum Financial Group | Highwood Creek Outfitters | Jersey Mike’s |
| Tilleraas Landscape & Nursery | Johnson Distributing | Karma Coffee* |
| Murphy Law | Open Door Wellness* | Play It Again Sports |
| Purvis Chiropractic* | Scheels | STARadio |
| Stockman Bank | TDS Fiber* | Teriyaki Madness |
| Traynor Capital | Visit Great Falls* | Westgate Repair Inc* |
| Mountain Title Company* | Croxford Funeral Home and Crematory* |
Thank you for being a part of our hockey family!
Matt Leaf
Great Falls Americans HC Inc
MattL.GFAmericans@gmail.com