GF AMERICANS: BALDY’S PUCK DROP WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER FROM MATT LEAF (VOLUME 30)

BALDY’S PUCK DROP Weekly E-Newsletter (September – August)

Baldy’s Puck Drop” Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf

Volume 30: May 29, 2024

PDF Printable Download: Weekly E-Newsletter with Matt Leaf

Dear Great Falls Americans Enthusiast: Summer appears to be upon us and even though there may not be any ice in the Ice Plex, it is still a busy time of the year as preparations are in place for next season. Former three-year player and recent Captain, Aaron Leaf, is working on improvements to the rink as the Ice Plex Manager over the summer and will be attending a U.S. Rinks Association Training Session in St. Cloud, MN in a few weeks. The session will include technical instruction on ice making and maintenance along with other tricks to ensure the best ice in Montana is in our very own Great Falls. Aaron will also be working on leveling the sand, straightening the boards and installing new kick plates that, along with improved dasher board advertising, will provide a great new look for our rink.

Coaches Greg and Alex – with the addition on Nathan Bring as our off-ice strength and conditioning coach – conducted a successful Prospects Camp the first weekend in May with over 20 participants. Six 2024-25 season tenders were present and our coaching staff identified an additional three players who were offered contracts and four players who have been invited back to our main camp  in August. We are excited to add these players to our list if eligible returning players that will create great depth and a very strong squad. Several of our eligible to return players are attending various NAHL camps as they continue their pursuit of a higher-level and we certainly want to wish them success. Contracts have been sent out to all returning players and tenders, we will use the June Newsletter to start announcing our commitments and provide some additional background information.

Greg attended the Northern Plains District Player Development Camp and a Showcase in Calgary while Alex attended the CCM Showcase in Denver the last few weeks. Still to come is the Air Force Academy Showcase – which is probably the highest level showcase we attend – and the Fairbanks NAHL Main Camp. We will have 6-7 of our own players skating at the Fairbanks Camp, which will also provide us with a great measuring stick of where are players are at. In both locations, we will be looking for a couple of high-end players to add to our roster and create even greater depth.

Now is the time to start renewing our partnerships for next season. Our Corporate Sponsors play such an important role in allowing us to do what we do by helping us keep player tuition down and continue to improve the atmosphere we can provide our players and fans. A special thanks goes out to Aaron Weissman from Teriyaki Madness and Tammy Quintrell-Stubbs with All State Insurance for getting the ball rolling with their commitments for next season. I have reached out to a few of our partners via email and look forward to talking with everyone in the coming weeks to see how we can best provide value back to you.

Two final notes – mark your calendar for August 17^th for our 2^nd Annual Cornhole Extravaganza taking place at the Beacon IceHouse. The event will take place all day and culminate with the Steve Keller Band performing at 7:00 PM. And we are always looking for more Billett families to host our players – feel free to reach out to me if interested.

Also, thank you to all our existing Eagle’s Nest, Diamond and Platinum Level partners for their continued support.

Gold, Silver and Bronze Level Partners

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