Bozeman To Play Sun Valley In An Outdoor Hockey Game
The Bozeman Stingers Prepare for Their Outdoor Hockey Game in Big Sky
By Merrick Parnell
Big Sky, Montana – The Bozeman Stingers will take their show into the elements this weekend as they play the Sun Valley Suns in an outdoor hockey game in Big Sky.
The Stingers Senior A Hockey Club will battle the Suns at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink in the heart of Big Sky on Saturday, January 27th, at 5 PM. The Stingers, members of the Black Diamond Hockey League (BDHL), are looking to build on the momentum gained from a home series sweep against the McCall (Idaho) Mountaineers. back on January 12th and 13th. Sun Valley is always a tough test and usually contends for a BDHL championship each season. Sun Valley beat the Suns twice in Idaho early this season.
Bozeman Stinger Goalie makes a save outdoors (Photo: D Lakatos)
"We have won three in a row. Sun Valley is one of the best teams in the league coming, and hopefully, we can keep the streak alive," said Ryan Padden of the Stingers. He added that both clubs will hard fight the games.
Bozeman and Sun Valley at a previous outdoor game in Big Sky (Photo: Lakatos)
The game between Bozeman and Sun Valley marks the latest chapter in the league's top rivalry. The tradition of the Stingers playing outdoors in Big Sky dates back to January 2020 when they hosted the Suns at the rink.
"The Stingers are excited yet again to host the Sun Valley Suns at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink in the Big Sky Town Center," Said Kyle Toliver, a player and spokesperson with the Stingers. "It's a game we look forward to every year, getting to experience the natural beauty of outdoor hockey in one of the most stunning settings Montana has to offer. It's a tradition we look to continue as Stingers Hockey grows and evolves."
For Bozeman’s Capitan, Luke Bing, the game is a special homecoming for him. “I grew up there and there was no rink, always had to drive to Bozeman. It will be great to play in my home town in front of line mountain, there’s no rink like it in the world,” said Bing.
Admission to the outdoor game in Big Sky is free to attend. The game in Big Sky will be the second of the weekend for the Stingers and Suns, as the two clubs will play on Friday Night in Bozeman. The Stingers are currently 3-3 and will finish the regular season at home.
