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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 4: September 28, 2023
PDF Printable Download: Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf
Dear Great Falls Americans Enthusiast:
Last weekend proved to be a welcome to Junior Hockey moment for our young Americans squad. With only four returning players, our younger kids got a chance to compete against one of the top teams in the division and experience the pace and intensity that will be needed for them to be successful. Whereas the effort simply was not there Friday night, the team bounced back strong and had a chance to win the game Saturday night before coming up just short. Since development is such a huge part of our mission, the overall learning experience this past weekend is avaluable piece of what this team may be able to accomplish as the season progresses. And, it is much better to have that experience early in the season for this young team then to really face their first adversity in February. Despite the less than successful weekend, congratulations to both Defenseman Phil Harrell and Goalkeeper Adler Hoagland for earning Honorable Mention “Player of the Week” recognition for the Frontier Division of the NA3HL.
Four American players (Phil Harrell, Ryan Stowe, Spencer Schipferling and Ty Brander) plus Coach Sears got out into the community this week when the visited the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind. The Americans spent time with the students’ answering questions about hockey and provided them with tickets to this Sunday’s game. Roughly 25 students and staff will attend Sunday’s game and are also looking forward to “Skating with the Americans” after the game as we also provided coupons for free skate rental along with some pins, banners and pennants. The Americans would like to thank the school for welcoming them into their environment and hope to put on a great show for them on Sunday.
The three-game weekend versus the Badlands Sabres (from Rapid City, SD) will provide a good test for the test the Americans. On Friday night, our presenting sponsor is BlueCross BlueShield of Montana and we look forward to them providing some great information and some promotional items for our fans. As part of their participation, any fan who presents their BCBS membership card will be able to purchase a $5 ticket for the game on Friday night.
Saturday night gives us a chance to recognize a local partner with the Historic Arvon Hotel and the ever-popular Celtic Cowboy serving as our presenting sponsors. A Special thanks goes out to Peter Jennings for his continued support of the Americans. Look for chances to win special coupons for the Celtic Cowboy and be sure to visit their patio for some great food and drink prior to the weather is still relatively nice. Their special brunch menu starting at 10:0 AM on weekends would also be a great way to prepare for our noon start on Sunday.
Sunday’s game will be special for several reasons (we already mentioned our guests from the Montana School for the Deaf and Blind and the opportunity to “Skate with the Americans” after the game), including a salute to the local Galloping Guns 4-H Club. When Booster Club member, Laura Steichen, approached me about having the 4-H kids (the H’s stand for Head, Heart, Hands and Health) attend a game, I am pretty sure she was quite taken aback when I, without hesitation, recited the 4-H pledge. Growing up as a farm kid in the heart of dairy country in Wisconsin, my springs/summers were primarily spent playing 4-H softball plus preparing and then showing/judging dairy cattle at the county and state fairs. I can honestly say that I likely would not be where I am today without the life lessons and experiences my 4-H career provide me while growing up. I won’t bore with you with the details here, but if truly interested I would be happy to share my thoughts over a beer or two at one of our post-game gatherings at P. Gibson’s. For now, let’s be sure to give the kids from the Galloping Guns a warm Great Falls Americans welcome on Sunday!
Player Profile – #41 Ryan Stowe (Calgary, Alberta) 5’10” 148 lbs. Goalkeeper – Shoots Left
Favorite Team: Ottawa Senators Favorite Player: Carter Hart Favorite Movie: Smokie and the Bandit Favorite Actor/Actress: Megan Fox
Favorite Food: Lasagna Favorite Pre-Game Meal: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Musical Group You Won’t Miss in Concert: Colter Wall Song or Artist Guaranteed to get you hyped: Nickelback
One Item you would bring with you to a deserted Island: Hacky Sack
Hobbies other than Hockey: Fly Fishing, Camping, Golf
Three People you would invite to Dinner: Zach Bryan, Carey Price, JB Mauney
College/University of Choice: Bemidji State Like Most About Great Falls: The People –everyone is very respectful and supportive.
How would you define a successful season: Division Champions and Fraser Cup
Thank you to our newest partners and please give them a warm welcome to the American’s Family
| Diamond Level | Platinum Level |
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Also, Thank you to all our existing Eagle’s Nest, Diamond and Platinum Level partners for their continued support
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Finally, I would like to highlight a few of our other partners for this season.
Annie’s Tap House Our Montana roots all started with Annie (Barnes) Busby – one
of the first woman homesteaders in North Central MT. Annie was the great grandmother to
two of our tap house owners, Dan and Steve Morano. Annie valued community and
conversation, a spirit we plan to embody at Annie’s Tap House!
Annie’s Tap House will give beer lovers in Great Falls, MT a great value for their
money. One thing that is certain is that Annie’s Tap House will operate in the purest of
environment and we will be known for outstanding customer service.
A unique tap house experience offering diverse craft beers and wine from Montana
and around the world. 24 beers on tap, brewed root beer, ciders, and seltzers. We sell cans,
bottles, and growlers. We offer charcuterie and snacks.
All are welcome to Annie’s. “We believe in providing our community with a place to enjoy and embrace individuality and shared experiences in their lives over a pint of methodically crafted brewskis!”
Annie’s Tap House is located downtown at 112 Central Avenue in Great Falls. Stop in to say hello, enjoy a
beer and mention you heard about Annie’s from the Great Falls Americans. Look for more information coming soon
about Annie’s Tap House hosting the Great Falls Americans Booster Club for a special night of good beer and better
friendship.
Teriyaki Madness is located at 1710 10th Ave S. and offers delicious rice or noodle bowls with veggies plus steak, chicken, tofu and even
salmon. They offer several different options of flavor and levels of spiciness. Most importantly, owner, Aaron Weissman, has partnered with the Americans to provide post-game meals for the visiting team. Be sure to check out their ad in our game program for discounts and take a “wok” on the wild side with their unique flavors and healthy choices made from quality ingredients.
Don’t forget to get your “RTIC” Cooler Raffle tickets, including 20 lbs. of quality Montana Meat from Central Avenue Meats, from any Booster Club member. The drawing will take place during our game on Saturday Night.
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