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BALDY’S PUCK DROP Weekly E-Newsletter (September – March) |
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Baldy’s Puck Drop” Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf
Volume 13: November 30, 2023
PDF Printable Download: Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf
Dear Great Falls Americans Enthusiast:
The Americans capped off a very successful homestand with their 5th straight win on Sunday versus Bozeman after taking two from Butte Friday and Saturday. Morale is pretty good at the moment, but there is still plenty of work to do. The next few weeks provides them with an opportunity to distancethemselves from the pack a bit and to close the gap some with Helena and Gillette.
A few highlights from the weekend include; the Frontier Division’s 2nd Star of the Week recognition for Goalkeeper Kaden Rhyder (see this
week’s player profile) while Defenseman Phil Harrell garnered an Honorable Mention. Recent additions to the team Sebe Perez and Zach Orwig each played in their 100th Junior Game over the weekend. We collected a little over 100 lbs. of non-perishable food items for the Great Falls Community Food Bank.
Finally, we successfully hosted a “Wine, Women and Hockey” seminar priorto Sunday’s game where those in attendance learned more about the game and the opportunities and resources that are available to female participants. They also learned that many others have faced the same challenges they are facing and there is a light at the end of the tunnel with the right can-do attitude. A special thanks to Life in Bloom (Karen and Greg Beeler) and She Bare Wax & Sugar Boutique (Sanna and Ryan Meyer) for their partnership with the seminar and for providing some amazing raffle prizes for those in attendance. I would also be remiss for not acknowledging our volunteer panelists who participated. They are: Jenna Janshen (Miles City, MT seen here on Zoom), Kendall Hanley (Minneapolis, MN), Jessica Jones (San Diego, CA), Erika Greenen (Chicago, IL), and Aimee Konet (Missoula, MT).
The Americans hit the road on Friday for one game in Bozeman with puck drop at 7:15 PM. Please join other passionate fans at our official
watch party taking place at the Stadium Sports Bar and Casino (1121 5th St. S). The players are also excited for their Annual Christmas Party on Saturday evening as the Booster Club is hosting the team at the Elk’s Club for some Christmas cheer and bowling. Based on all other team-based activities, I would suggest that attendees will want to “strap on their head gear” as I am sure the alleys will include some competitive banter amongst the friendly competition. Thank you to all of the Booster Club members and all of our partners who have supported their raffle fundraisers that allows them to host these types of events.
As we head into the Holiday Season, I will end this edition with a couple of small asks. First and foremost, please continue to support all our community partners listed at the end of this Newsletter. They all play a critical role in providing these young men the opportunity to pursue their hockey goals and their commitment to our efforts cannot be taken for granted. My 2nd ask is for those who may be looking for opportunities to give back to the community as they approach the end of the fiscal year, please consider the Great Falls Community Ice Foundation Capital Campaign as a viable option for your charitable giving. The Great Falls Community Ice Foundation has launched a transformative capital campaign aimed at expanding its facilities, enhancing programs, and furthering its mission to serve our community. To learn more about the campaign, please visit www.greatfallsiceplex.com.
Player Profile – #1 Kaden Ryhder (Elizabethtown, PA) 6’4” 185 lbs. GK – Shoots Right
Favorite Team: Washington Capitals Favorite Player: CarterHart
Favorite Movie: The Sandlot Favorite Actor/Actress: Ryan Reynolds
Favorite Food: Pizza Favorite Pre-Game Meal: Noodles and Chicken
Musical Group You Won’t Miss in Concert: Zac Brown Band
Song or Artist Guaranteed to get you hyped: “Family Ties” by Baby Keem
One Item you would bring with you to a deserted Island: Boat
Hobbies other than Hockey: Lacrosse, hunting, fishing, baseball, all sports
Three People you would invite to Dinner: Sugar Sean O’Malley, Steve Will Do It, Donald Trump
College/University of Choice: Penn State Like Most About Great Falls: The People.
How would you define a successful season: Winning the Fraser Cup!
Also, 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
| Century Gaming | Great Falls Hospital & Clinic | Anderson Glass-Door | Point S Tire & Auto Service |
| 2 J’s Complex | Borrie’s Italian Supper Club | Murphy Law Office | Stadium Sports Bar & Casino |
| Heidelberg Lounge | Treasure State Eyecare | Craftmaster Cabinets | Floors and More Abbey Carpets |
| Tuttle Tile | Teriyaki Madness | Central MT Lock & Safe | 3D International Restaurant |
| Jersey Mike’s | Noble’s West Side Liquor | Annie’s Taphouse | Hotel Avron-Celtic Cowboy |
| Scheel’s | Croxford Funeral Home | Big Sky Laboratory | Allstate- Tammy Quintrell-Stubbs |
| All State Signs | Highwood Creek Outfitters | Automotive Machine | She Bare Wax & Sugar Boutique |
| Wheat Montana | Stifel Investment Services | Bigelow Endodontics | Best Western Plus Riverfront Hotel |
| Culligan Water | Best Med Urgent Care | Buffalo Wild Wings | Tilleraas Landscape & Nursery |
| Stockman Bank | SpringHill Suites by Marriott | Central Avenue Meats | Todd Neighbor at Comparion Insurance |
| Fuddrucker’s | Play It Again Sports | The Beacon IceHouse | Nate & Renae Weisenburger |
| Life In Bloom | Camparion Insurance | United Materials | Fox Sports Radio, Q106, 109.9 The Wolf |
| Hampton Inn | Traynor Capital | Bravera Bank | Discount Meats |
| KFBB (SWX) | Cascade Electric |
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