The NA3HL rivalry continued on Friday night as the Great Falls Americans (16-8-1-1) made the trip to Helena, Montana, for a fifth encounter with the Helena Bighorns (15-8-1-0).
Both Frontier Division foes met on the ice last Friday (November 28) in Great Falls. The Americans led 3-0 after the first period thanks to goals by Jaxen Savage, Ethan Miller, and AJ Prioli. Helena’s offense would not be denied as they scored three consecutive goals in the middle period for a 3-3 tie before the second intermission. Braden Davis, Mason Blair, and Caden Feinstein each put one in the net for Helena. Great Falls would not lead again as the Bighorns scored four of the five third-period goals to pick up a 7-4 victory. Caden Feinstein added a second goal while Clint Isakson, Cameron Kennerly, and Joe Voix each answered for the visitors. AJ Prioli tacked on a second goal for the host team six minutes into the third frame. Cole Murphy (29 saves) took his third regulation loss. Andrew Blake won for the eighth time in 12 appearances (8-3-1-0).
Ethan Miller scored all three goals to lift the Great Falls Americans to a 3-1 win over the Helena Bighorns to remain in second place in the NA3HL’s Frontier Division in front of a large crowd at Steed Arena in Helena, Montana. Cooper Clouse earned three assists, and netminder Cole Murphy stopped 27 shots for the winning side.
Ethan Miller opened the first period by scoring two goals three minutes apart, with two assists going to Cooper Clouse. Despite trailing in the opening twenty minutes, Helena made 18 saves and limited Great Falls to five with no penalties.
After the first break, Helena’s Caden Feinstein took advantage of the Americans’ penalty to net Helena’s first goal of the game with assistance coming from Austin Uecker and Kade Pareja. The Americans held a 2-1 advantage with one regulation period remaining.
Both defenses played solid hockey in the third frame. Ethan Miller ensured the Americans second win over their rivals by scoring his third goal (hat trick) of the night in an empty net with 74 seconds left in the contest. Cooper Clouse added his third assist, and AJ Prioli was also credited with an assist on the final tally.
The Americans scored three goals on 21 shots. Helena was held to one second-period goal on 38 shot attempts.
After a penalty-free opening period, both teams combined for five minor penalties, resulting in ten minutes spent off the ice.
Cole Murphy, who allowed just one goal in the second period, recorded 27 saves to improve to 8-3-1-0. Meanwhile, Branson Appelman (0-1-0-0) made his season debut with Helena, finished with 19 saves. He also saw action last season with the Bighorns.
Great Falls is 2-2-0-1 against Helena this season after Friday’s contest.
By Kevin Scott: December 5, 2025 – Helena, Mt
