Bozeman Icedogs Host Youth Hockey Practice in Big Sky: A Cool Opportunity for Young Players

The Bozeman Icedogs, a Junior A Hockey club in the North American 3 League (NA3HL), had the opportunity to experience the joy of playing hockey outdoors in the stunning mountain beauty of Big Sky, Montana.

This opportunity to skate outdoors at the Marty Pavelich rink resulted from a collaborative effort between the Icedogs and the Montana 64s, Big Sky's hockey program. Hockey has been growing in Big Sky as of late, and the community has been able to host events like a Bozeman Stingers and Sun Valley Suns Senior A outdoor game, among others. 

Joseph McFadden, with the Montana 64s program, first met the Head Coach and General Manager of the Icedogs, Mike Perkins, at the Montana Youth Hockey Development Camp and thought it would be great to incorporate the Bozeman Junior Hockey team with Big Sky Hockey.

The Bozeman Icedogs with the youth players in Big Sky, Montana

"I think anytime you can get back to the roots of the game of hockey and play outdoors, it creates a sense of nostalgia," said Bozeman Coach Perkins. "I know the players would love to do it, and the festivities surrounding it would be fun for everyone involved!"

The idea of involving the Icedogs in Big Sky had been in the works since this past summer, but in February, the Icedogs made their trip up to the Marty Pavelich Rink.

"On Valentine's Day, with the love of hockey on their minds, the Icedogs took the hour or so drive down to practice with the six and under (6U), eight and under (8U), ten and under (10U), and twelve and under (12U) age groups of the Montana 64s," said McFadden.

"The younger 64s didn't get many opportunities for games this year, and the season was getting a little dull with just practicing, so we just pulled the trigger and invited the Icedogs down to run practice," McFadden continued.

A few of the Icedogs' players have roots in playing the game outdoors, so the event allowed them to experience the game again at that level. In contrast, the youth players of the Montana 64s got an opportunity to see where hockey can take them and the relationships they can form while playing.

"I thought it was a super cool event. I went to skate at the rink in Big Sky last year but was unable to do so due to warm weather. I've always wanted another opportunity to go back there and skate, so being able to go back to skate and see the amazing scenery that rink has to offer was one of a kind," said Bryce Sturm, a player with the Icedogs. 

"Also, I loved that the Big Sky community gave our organization and myself a chance to give back to the young hockey community of Big Sky. Seeing all the passion of the young players out there who love the game of hockey inspired me and showed me again why I fell in love with this game."

The Bozeman Icedogs with the youth players in Big Sky, Montana

McFadden said that the event blew away parents and the community, as well as the kindness and professionalism shown by the junior players to the young players in the 64s organization at the event. The program has joined the Montana Amateur Hockey Association to help support the game's growth in a ski town. To compete with the skiing culture, Montana 64 tries to hold events like this during the week when the ski hill is closed.

"It was a great night for 64s hockey! The Ice Dogs brought great energy. I've never seen my players hustle that hard, and I'm not sure who had bigger smiles, the players or the spectators. They are some special young men taking the time to give back to the next generation," said 10U Coach Catherine Holtz.

According to the organization, the two-hour event between the Icedogs and the Montana 64s was a huge success.

"Not sure who was enjoying being on the ice more, the Icedogs or the 64s; everyone had smiles on their faces! Laughter could be heard most of the evening! Lots of memories were made during this event," McFadden fondly recollected.

This past weekend, the families and players of the Montana 64s program were invited to an Icedogs game in Bozeman for a chance for the young players to watch live competitive hockey.

Montana 64s at the Bozeman Icedogs game

With the success of the Bozeman Stingers playing games in Big Sky, there is potential for the Icedogs to play a junior outdoor hockey game at the Marty Pavelich Rink. Bozeman's High School Hockey team came up for a scrimmage this past weekend, and the rink hopes to host more games across youth, junior, and college levels.