MSU hockey takes center ice

After a full season lost to COVID-19, Bobcat hockey is back. The pandemic forced MSU’s hockey team to withdraw from competition for the 2020-21 season, but the Cats are back on the ice with an expanded program. In previous years, MSU hockey has fielded a single team competing in the American Collegiate Hockey Conference (ACHA) at the Division II level. This season, the club added a team to compete in ACHA DIII as well.

To learn more about the program, I spoke with sophomore forward Ryan Larese, who plays on the Division II team at MSU. Larese played at the AAA level in high school, which is the highest tier of youth hockey in the US. When asked about the differences between high-level youth hockey and college club hockey, Larese noted that playing against older, stronger opponents has forced him to change his style of play. “I would call it maturity strength,” Larese said. “I’ve gone against players who are my size who are five years older than me and significantly stronger.” Since many players in the ACHA competed in junior hockey leagues before attending college, the age gap between players is much larger than in youth hockey, where age groups are usually limited to two birth years. Larese also explained that college hockey culture differs greatly from youth hockey since the entire team shares a school and town. “It’s a lot more fun,” he said. “It’s such a cool experience to be able to go to school with all the guys you play with.”

The Bobcats’ season started in late September, and both teams play nearly every weekend during the season. Earlier this month, the DII Bobcats took on their Missoula counterparts, first on the road and then at home. A nail biter in Missoula ended in a loss for the Cats and got them fired up for their shot at payback the following night. The Cats were welcomed home with a rink packed to the rafters with fans. “My favorite part about playing MSU has got to be the fans,” Lareses said, “We put as many students as we could possibly pack in that rink. It was an experience I’ll never forget, being my first home game as an MSU hockey player.” The Cats, fueled by their passionate fanbase, stomped the Griz 7-2.

The season has just begun, but the Cats have their sights set on success at the national level. During the 2018-19 season, the Bobcats made the ACHA DII National Championship tournament, and they hope to return this season. Until then, they’ll keep packing the home barn and crushing their opponents. For new fans, Larese said that live hockey is a must-see experience. “The excitement and action is just feet from your face. I don’t think there’s a whole lot of other sports that are as exciting as the game of hockey.”

MSU’s DII team plays at home Friday night this week against Williston State. The DIII team is on the road to face Wyoming but returns next weekend to face the Griz. Puck drop for the DII team on Friday, Oct. 29, is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Cats’ home rink, Haynes Pavilion at the door.