By Kevin Scott
GILLETTE, Wyo., October 18, 2014 — The Great Falls Americans have played eight games so far this season including a 3-0 record against Gillette. The Americans have outscored the Gillette Wild 10-4 in those three NA3HL contests going into Saturday’s game with the Wyoming franchise.
Great Falls scored two of their three goals on successful power plays and went on to defeat the Gillette Wild 3-1 in front of 825 fans at the Spirit Hall Ice Arena on Saturday night during North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) action. The visitors from Montana scored a goal in each of the three periods to run their record to 9-0.
California native Cody Page took advantage of a power play opportunity by the Americans five minutes into the first twenty minutes of action and tallied his second goal this year. Erik Gatson and Michael Kliment provided the assists. Despite trailing 20-11 in shot attempts, the Americans maintained the opening period lead.
Lucas Lomax put the puck between the pipes to give Great Falls a 2-0 lead but Gillette cut their deficit to 2-1 on a goal from Mike Magera minutes later. Lance Pennington and Taylor Garner registered the assists for the Wild. Lomax’s score at the 13:08 mark of the second period was set up by Dylan Garton and Wade Wylie.
The third and final period was scoreless for the first 18:58 until Devin Panzeca made sure that the Americans would get their fourth road win of the season off of a power play. Great Falls native Connor Barta assisted along with Michael Kliment, who chipped in his second of the evening.
The Americans finished with two power plays goals by adding one each in the first and third periods. Gillette failed to convert any of their four chances at home.
Cody Page, Lucas Lomax and Devin Panzeca each scored once in each period. Michael Kliment led the way with two assists. Meanwhile, Mike Magera scored the only goal for the Wild in the second period.
Goaltender Evan Hauser received his sixth win for the Americans by stopping 41 of Gillette’s 42 shot attempts. Alex Feese allowed three shots to get by him and ended his night with 25 saves for the Wild, who are now 5-4. All four of Gillette’s losses have come from Great Falls.
NOTE: The Great Falls Americans will celebrate “Kid’s Night” on Saturday, October 25th with the host team taking on the Helena Bighorns at 7:30 p.m. at the Great Falls Ice Plex. The first 150 kids who dress up in their Halloween costume will receive Free Goody Bags. The night will also feature a costume contest along with a variety of prizes. Kid’s Night with the Great Falls Americans is proudly sponsored by The Mobile Educator.
NEXT CONTEST: Great Falls will take on the Bozeman Ice Dogs on Friday, October 24th at 7:30PM from Haynes Pavilion in Bozeman, MT.
| Period 1 | Period 2 | Period 3 | Final | |
| Great Falls | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Gillette | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
First Period – 1, Great Falls, Cody Page (power play) (Erik Gatson, Michael Kliment), 5:04.
Second Period – 2, Great Falls, Lucas Lomax (Dylan Garton, Wade Wylie), 6:52. 3, Gillette, Mike Magera (Lance Pennington, Taylor Garner), 8:19.
Third Period – 4, Great Falls, Devin Panzeca (Connor Barta, Michael Kliment), 18:58.
Shots on Goal – Great Falls 28, Gillette 42.
Power-play Opportunities – Great Falls 2-for-6, Gillette 0-for-4.
Attendance – 825
Box Score: Great Falls @ Gillette
Additional Media Coverage: October 19, 2014: Great Falls Tribune: Junior A Hockey: Great Falls Americans now 9-0