MSU men's hockey team fundraises for national championship trip

BOZEMAN, Mont. – After a successful season and week at the regional championship, the MSU men's hockey team is gearing up for the national championship in St. Louis next month.

Forward left-wing Vinnie Farina shared his excitement about the team's journey. 

"It's been great. We definitely have had some rollercoaster of emotions throughout the season, as every team should. It definitely builds character and builds a team stronger over the years," he said. "But looking at it now, we've never been stronger in the Association, and we're super excited to keep pushing through into nationals," said Farina. 

Sophomore defenseman Wes Innes reflected on the team's growth following strong victories at regionals. 

"We played Denver and Utah, which we both played at the beginning of the year. And I think those games really showed us how much we've grown throughout the season," he said. 

Back in Bozeman, the team is focused on fundraising for the trip to nationals. The MSU hockey programs operate as clubs through the American Collegiate Hockey Association and do not receive the same funding as sports in the athletic department. Therefore, the men's hockey team is turning to the community for support. 

The team has set up a GoFundMe and is collaborating with local bars and restaurants to host events like raffles over the coming weeks. They are also organizing a Blue vs. White scrimmage and a "Skate with the Cats" event, allowing fans to interact with players on the ice. 

"We'll have a bunch coming up in the next two weeks just to bring the team and community together and maybe just get to know one of us and just talk face to face instead of just watch us through a glass," Farina said. 

Funds raised will cover flights, extra baggage fees, lodging, team meals and ground transit in St. Louis. 

Farina noted the community support that has grown for the team in recent years. Often, home games will see up to a thousand fans in attendance at the ice barn and younger players for local teams look up to the MSU men, he said. 

"Seeing the fan base just grow that way, with younger kids wanting to play hockey more and more, and even saying they want to be one of us when they're older is — It's an amazing feeling and the parents supporting us right behind them, too, has been great," he said. 

This trip represents the culmination of years of hard work for the team, and they are eager to showcase their skills. 

"We made it to the national championship last year and lost. So, going back there and, you know, proving everyone wrong and showing everyone we can do it," Innes said. "We deserve to be there and we're able and have enough skill and talent to play against those teams." 

You can learn more about the team and nationals on the GoFundMe page. 

You can keep an eye on social media for upcoming fundraising events, as well.