From the pond to the rink: Women’s club hockey

The MSU Women’s Hockey Club is transitioning from a humble group of pond hockey players to a formal team, with aspirations of becoming serious threats on the ice. President Alyssa Jackman and Vice President Paige Schlegel shared their hopes for the club and their desire to become a D1 American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) team.

 Jackman started playing hockey when she was 4, and Schlegel started when she was 9 years old. Together, they played high-level hockey at Summit High School in Breckenridge, Colorado. When they arrived at MSU, they decided to bring that culture with them, “We played pretty competitive (class) AA hockey in high school when we came here, and there wasn’t a competitive option, we wanted to make it, so we kind of took the team and ran with it,” Schlegel said. The team used to be only five individuals who played pond hockey on Bogart Rink. Now the team practices in the Gallatin Ice facilities at the fairgrounds and has 22 dedicated members. The team sets up games between local Under-19 (U-19) hockey teams and travels to play against other university teams.

 This year, the club was advertised with no prerequisite experience required to attract a large group of athletes. “We have a very wide variety of skill levels and experience. It has been fun to watch the girls grow through the season and watch the girls who have played for a long time help them out,” Jackman said. The more experienced players have not only been organizing the team and helping with logistics, but also taking on a coaching role for the less experienced players.

 Schlegel and Jackman both want to give female MSU students the option of playing competitive hockey. “Hockey has so much to offer… there are so many great girls you can meet,” Schlegel said. “In high school, that was a really big part of our lives, and we just want girls to have that opportunity at Montana State and a team to be a part of.”

 The team also has a new head coach, Jeff Burton, who has experience coaching high-level women’s hockey. Having a head coach changed the dynamic of the team since practices were previously player-led. “Since the team was first organized this fall, I have seen the commitment level and excitement level increase.  The players are excited to be part of something new and excited to represent their college,” Burton said. The players want to compete at a high level, having fun is also a priority. “Our team goal this year is to have fun, build player and school interest, and to learn what is required for the years to come,” Burton said.

 The team is applying to become a D1 ACHA team, which would be a large step for the club. This would give them a full schedule of games where they would play university teams from all over the country. “This is a big step and will require school, student, and community support. This is a tremendous opportunity to grow women’s hockey in Montana!” Burton said. The team is planning on possibly going on a few road trips to Colorado or Utah. Joining the league would introduce not only much-wanted competition but also a goal of a National Championship. “We want to be a competitive team. We know there’s a lot of potential and a lot of girls at MSU who would also have the same goals as us. So going forward into next year our goal as a team is to be competitive but also have a great group dynamic and keep it fun,” Schlegel said.

 Growing the team is not without adversity. For practice, the ice rink at the fairgrounds costs the Bobcats roughly $200 per hour, so the team practices once every other week. Next season they plan on practicing twice a week. That’s not the only expense the team will encumber. Hockey gear, traveling, league fees and hosting games are also very expensive, but these players are dedicated to the sport.

 To cover the expenses, the team has hosted several fundraisers. Their favorite includes the Chuck-a-Duck, where spectators at other local hockey games buy rubber ducks and throw them at a target on the ice rink. The winner gets half the proceeds, and the other half goes to the women's hockey club. They also volunteer and fundraise at Bobcat football games.

 The team’s efforts and practice have paid off. This season the team played the University of Wyoming, a match that ended in a 3-2 shootout and a Bobcats victory. They also demolished the University of Washington, 8-0.

 The Bobcats’ next game is against the Missoula U19 AA team in two weeks.

 Connect with the hockey team @MSU_Womens_Hockey or by email @MSUWHockey@gmail.com.