GREAT FALLS -- In an effort to follow the latest Cascade County guidelines regarding the coronavirus pandemic, the Great Falls Americans hockey team will not be able to allow spectators at its home contest this Saturday, Nov. 21, against the Missoula Junior Bruins.
Earlier this week, Governor Steve Bullock tightened existing COVID-19 restrictions across Montana, requiring masks in all counties, regardless of active cases, while reducing capacity at restaurants, bars and casinos to 50 percent. Public gatherings are also limited to 25 people where social distancing is not possible. High school activities are exempt, according to the Montana High School Association.
Saturday's contest between the Americans and Jr. Bruins isn't the only weekend game altered by new directives. The two teams were scheduled to meet in Missoula on Friday, but the Missoula City-County Health Department's guidelines state the Garden City team won't be allowed to hold home games at the Glacier Ice Rink until further notice, as the club is being allowed a maximum of 25 individuals inside the arena, including team members, staff and fans.
Now, Friday night's matchup is slated to take place in Helena at 11:30 a.m., with the two clubs meeting again Saturday in Great Falls in the empty Great Falls Ice Plex. Saturday's contest will be streamed at Montana Pints in the Electric City, and NA3HL contests are also streamed through HockeyTV, though the latter requires a paid subscription.
