By Kevin Scott
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HELENA, Mont., December 5, 2020 — The Great Falls Americans (13-3-0-0), leaders in the Frontier Division standings, faced the #7 Helena Bighorns (3-9-0-0) again after Great Falls edged the Bighorns, 3-2 on Friday afternoon in Helena, Montana.
During the third game of the season on October 9th, both teams met in Great Falls where the Americans scored two goals in the second period to hold off the visiting Helena NA3HL franchise, 3-2. Since then, Great Falls had won ten of their 12 games while Helena won two of their six hockey matchups.
Dylan Ferriera’s third period goal helped the #7 Helena Bighorns pull off the 2-1 upset over the top-ranked Frontier Division leading, Great Falls Americans during Saturday evening’s NA3HL junior hockey action at the Helena Ice Arena.
Great Falls and Helena each tallied one goal during the first twenty minute of action. Harley Nyhuis and Tommy Janes got the puck to Bryson Fletcher, who gave the Americans the early lead three minutes into the stanza. This was Fletcher’s fifth goal of the season as his shot went past Helena netminder Anthony Adleman. Later in the period, Helena tied the contest at 1-1 thanks to Wyatt Hanson’s second goal of the season with helpers from Gavyn Galloway and Corbin Skinner with 14:45 remaining. The rivals put up 35 total shots with only two minor infractions whistled against Helena.
The penalty-free middle period saw 36 shots-on-goal attempts but neither team was able to find the back of the net.
The Bighorns took their first lead early in the third period when Dylan Ferriera’s shot successfully went into the net over Great Falls goaltender Vincent Marroni. Corbin Skinner and Gavyn Galloway each collected their second assists of the game for Helena. Ferriera’s shot proved to be the game-winning score as both teams skated the final 15:43 off the clock without any scoring drives.
Despite the visiting team taking 49 shots, they only lit up the lamp for one score. Helena was able to add two goals on 46 shots.
Just three minor penalties were made between both NA3HL squads on the night. The Bighorns were the only team to convert a power play opportunity. Great Falls had two failed chances.
Anthony Adleman won his second (2-5-0-0) regular season game for the host team by registering 48 saves. Vincent Marroni suffered his first defeat in his three games for the Americans. The Plymouth, Michigan standout accrued 44 saves.
NEXT CONTEST: The Great Falls Americans will return to Great Falls Ice Plex for a Friday night showdown (December 11th) with Helena with all of the action starting at 7:30PM (MST).
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Additonal Media Coverage: December 5, 2020: 406 MT Sports: Helena Bighorns earn weekend split with Great Falls Americans