The Great Falls Americans hockey team was on hand to spotlight the program in Havre on Saturday morning into the afternoon. The team went through an almost-two hour morning skate followed by three hours of youth hockey clinics with kids from under-eight to high schoolers. New Media Broadcasters spoke with team owner Matt Leaf, who shared why this community is a special one to visit and be associated with.
“In the case of Havre here, I thought that this was a great opportunity for us to come up, check out the rink, and also give back and be part of the community as it relates to youth hockey and being involved with those kids as well,” Leaf said. “I think the big part of it is (Havre Youth Hockey’s) interest and their commitment to do the right thing for youth hockey here in Havre.”
“If we can play a part in that and help expose the game and help promote the game, we’re all in on that,” Leaf continued.
The Americans are part of minor league hockey and the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) and will be headlining a game against the Bozeman Ice Dogs at the Havre Ice Dome next month. Leaf said jumping ahead on promotion will be key in filling the place up so that fans from the Hi-Line can again experience minor league hockey.
“I opened up the lines of communication early last fall,” Leaf said. “(The Havre Youth Hockey Association) asked if we would be interested in playing a game up here in Havre.”
“So we have scheduled a game on January 29th, which is a Wednesday night with a 6:05(pm) puck drop versus the Bozeman Ice Dogs from our division,” Leaf continued. “A real competitive team with us.”
“(We) have our players get a chance to skate here and get that exposure before that game,” Leaf said.
Wed., Jan. 29, 2025 will be the Americans versus the Bozeman Ice Dogs with a 6:05pm puck drop at the Ice Dome in Havre. This will be considered a home game for Great Falls during the 2024-25 season. Tickets will be sold both at the door before the game as well as a pre-sale.
