Tamer Billman: From the Butte Cobras to the Bozeman Stingers-Butte Jr Hockey Alumni Report
Tamer Billman was a well-known player for the Butte Cobras (now Butte Irish) in the North-American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL). The forward from Helena, Montana, played three years with Butte from 2020 to 2023, amassing 69 total points, including 19 goals, during his junior hockey career in Butte.
Tamer [Billman] was one of my hardest workers and a player I could count on. If I would have asked him to run through a brick wall for me, he would have and a real joy to coach” said Marc Broduer, Billman’s Head Coach from the Cobras.
After his junior career, Billman continued playing the game across several levels and countries, with his most recent stint being close to Butte in another Montana city.
Tamer Billman with the Butte Cobras in the NA3HL
Submitted Photo
A Tryout in the Minor-Pro, Federal Prospects Hockey League
Following his time in the NA3HL, Billman tried out for the Baton Rouge Zydeco of the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL), a minor professional hockey league. After his tryout, the coach recommended that he play in the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League with the Northumberland Stars in Durham, Ontario.
"I didn't end up making the team. Their coach told me to go play in the GMHL in Canada for the Northumberland Stars. They might have called me up in late February or early March," Billman explained.
Tamer Billman with the Butte Cobras in the NA3HL
Submitted Photo
Billman with the Bozeman Stingers in the Black Diamond Hockey League
Billman garnered 11 points in 14 games with the Stars but elected to return to Helena to start his post-hockey career. However, he wouldn't stay out of competitive hockey for long, as he got a shot to play Senior A Hockey with the Bozeman Stingers in the Black Diamond Hockey League (BDHL).
"Theo Campe, a player on the Stingers, asked me if I'd like to play for the Stingers over the summer, and I said I was interested. Theo gave my number to General Manager and player Luke Bing, and we started chatting from there," Billman recounted.
In late February, Billman made his debut with the Bozeman Stingers in their series against the Fond Du Lac Bears from Wisconsin. (You can read that story here).
Tamer Billman with the Bozeman Stingers in the BDHL
Photo: Bozeman Stingers
“He had a great debut for us. It’s always an adjustment getting back into playing,” said Bozeman teammate Ryan Padden. “We are excited for younger guys that are showing interest in the team. We hope he sticks around and becomes a critical part of our team.”
Another of Billman’s teammates on the Stingers, Cody Blom was impressed with Billman’s play and willingness to work hard on the ice.
“Tamer brings an element of creativity to the game. He isn’t afraid to grind in the corners.” Blom said.
Billman’s First Game Senior A Game with the Bozeman Stingers
In his first appearance with the Stingers, Billman netted an assist in an extensive series split against the Bears. "It was a blast to get back into competitive hockey again. All of the guys were great," said Billman.
Billman hopes to continue with the Stingers and make his mark in Senior A Hockey. To learn more about the Bozeman Stingers, visit their website at bozeman-stingers.com. Senior A Hockey has a chance to become prominent in Montana, and you can read that story from columnist Robby Arver Robby Arver on our site.
Related Stories
