GAME REPORT - NA3HL GREAT FALLS VS MISSOULA
11.20.20 - NA3HL Great Falls Americans (4) vs Missoula Junior Bruins (2)
11.20.20 - NA3HL Great Falls Americans (4) vs Missoula Junior Bruins (2)
Two of the NA3HL’s top 10 teams began a 2 game series Friday night at Helena Ice Arena. The unbeaten Americans have been one of the leagues hottest teams, however fell into penalty trouble in the first resulting in 2 powerplay goals by Missoula. Forwards Pablo Frank and Liam Bland both scored similar goals, finding soft areas in the mid slot and beating goaltender Trever Mellon with quick wrist shots. The Junior Bruins goaltender made some big saves in the first, including multiple athletic, desperation saves late.
The teams battle to produce any offense in the second, with few chances in the first half of the period for both teams. With just under ten minutes left, a harmless dump in looked to be under control by Missoula, however the hardworking Braedon Monroe won the puck battle, and threw a puck on net, hoping to find Garret Weisenburger in front. After being robbed on the initial shot, Weisenburger was able to put the rebound past a sprawling Mellon, cutting the American’s deficit to just 1.
The third would begin 2-1 Missoula, but not for long. 3 minutes into the period, Micah Serino stole a puck at the offensive blue line, and attacked the net quickly, letting a high short side shot go. After batting at the rebound, Serino would find his own rebound, and find the back of the net before the Junior Bruins defenders could even find the puck. Minutes later, the Americans would take the lead, this time on a breakaway, shorthanded goal by Alex Jackson. Jackson showcased smart defensive positioning and great jump to get tons of time on the breakaway. A quick low glove shot would give the Americans their first lead of the night.
The Junior Bruins would push back for the remainder of the period, but were unable to get a puck through the Americans defense. Alex Jackson would add an empty netter, and the game would end with a 4-2 win for the Americans
Scouting Notes
Alex Jackson - ‘00 Forward - Great Falls Americans
Downhill skater who plays with an aggressive edge. Loves to take pucks to the net and dominate with a mix of skill and physicality. Jackson is extremely hard to defend, and is not afraid of a battle. Is ready to shoot at all times and has a great release and accuracy.
Patrick Crooks - ‘03 Forward - Great Falls Americans
6’3” hardworking forward who loves to get into battles and win pucks. Showed smart hockey IQ and awareness by finding teammates after board battles or races to puck. Average north south speed, but will need to improve on balance and lateral movement, common weak areas for taller forwards.
Maxim Currie - ‘01 Goaltender - Missoula Junior Bruins
Extremely athletic goaltender who makes up for his size with quickness and strong reading abilities. Currie uses a compact stance and loves to move laterally by sliding. The 5’10” goaltender is never out of a play, and makes great desperation saves with quick reading of the play, along with aggressive slides and hand placement.
Sam Skillestad - ‘03 Defenseman - Missoula Junior Bruins
Smart defenseman who is calm with the puck, constantly scanning the play to move pucks. Skillestad showed great support during rushes, and ended multiple rushes with strong body checks and quick stick defending. At times, Skillestad hangs on to the puck a second too late, and will look to be a more efficient player with the puck on his stick.
Pablo Frank - ‘02 Forward - Missoula Junior Bruins
Athletic winger with offensive instincts and a great feel for the game, especially on the rush. Frank utilizes a wide base and strong edge work to create separation in the offensive zone, and makes quick decisions with the puck. You will find Frank setting up shop in the slot on both power play and 5 on 5 situations, where he loves to find the soft areas, and get pucks to the net quickly.