Clayton Rohner: Idaho State University's Hockey Maverick on the Rise!

Clayton Rohner is wrapping up his first college hockey season with the Idaho State University Bengals in the American Collegiate Hockey Association.

The Idaho Falls native has played the game for around 12 years, first starting as a player in the Idaho Falls Youth Hockey Association (IFYHA).

After aging out of youth hockey, Rohner had two stints in the North American Three Hockey League (NA3HL) with the Butte Cobras (now Irish) and played locally with the Idaho Spud Kings in the United States Premier Hockey League-Premier Division (USPHL).

Rohenr with the Butte Cobras in the NA3HL

(Submitted Photo)

After his Junior Hockey career, Dusty Gardner, a player with Idaho State who knew Rohner from his time playing for Idaho Falls, contacted him and let him know they were starting a team.

Reflecting on his first season with the Bengals, Rohner said, "It was a fantastic experience, and the team we managed to pull together has been amazing; they truly love the game of hockey, and it's been great to share the opportunity of starting a team with them."

Rohenr with the Idaho State Bengals

Rohner has earned the respect of the coaching staff of the Idaho State Club.

Coach Mitch Craven said, "Rohner is among the toughest young men in our locker room. He is a brilliant and physical player and can use his skill set to be a true two-way player. He is also one of the wittiest players I have ever coached who can keep the locker room light and buoy his teammates when the situation arises. We have used him in that aspect a lot this season."

In addition, Coach Eric Neddo echoed Craven's thoughts: "Mr. Rohner is one of the toughest on the team. He can take one heck of a beating and still get back up and continue to move the puck forward. In the locker room, he is one of the best at keeping the mood light and always has that one-in-a-million smile. Clayton is definitely a very strong link in our program."

Also, Coach Shawn Gardner appreciates his work ethic and attitude. "Clayton is hard-working, tough, and when things need comic relief, he's the man."

Rohenr (seccond to left) after a game in Idaho Falls with Idaho State University

(Submitted Photo)

Idaho State University wrapped up a two-game series in Butte, where they took on Montana Tech University. You can read about the game here.

More Info on Idaho State University Hockey

For more on Idaho State University Hockey, check out their Instagram, isu_bengals_hockey, and their Facebook page: Idaho State Bengals Ice Hockey. See the graphic with QR codes.

(Submitted Photo)

Upcoming Idaho State Games and Events:

ISU has their last games of our inaugural season on March 22-23 in Moscow against the University of Idaho.

The prospect camp will be held in Logan, Utah, at the Eccles Ice Arena on March 29-30. Anyone interested in playing with the Bengals next season is encouraged to attend. More details on the camp can be found on our social media pages. If you have any questions, email isubengalshockey@gmail.com