Montana Tech Hockey Shines at ACHA Showcase in Las Vegas
Coaches and Officials Attend ACHA Showcase in Las Vegas
Coaches and officials from the Montana Tech University (Tech) hockey program have returned from Las Vegas, Nevada, where they attended the Capper Hockey Services American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Showcase.
Montana Tech Assistant Coach Josh Coulombe, and Scholarship Specialist, Jason Brown at Tech’s recruiting table
Montana Tech’s Participation in Inaugural Western College Hockey Showcase
The event was held at the City National Arena, the practice facility of the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL).
From June 21-23, Tech participated in Capper's inaugural Western United States showcase, following several successful camps in Michigan. The event featured men's and women's prospects from their respective divisions at the City National Arena, the practice facility of the Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Head Coach and General Manager Dave Rathgeber, Assistant Coach Josh Coulombe, and Jason Brown, a former Tech student/player and current scholarship specialist and Equipment Manager, represented Tech.
Montana Tech Assistant Coach Josh Coulombe coaching during one of the showcase games
In addition to having a recruiting presence, Rathgeber, a former goalie for the Diggers (2013–2017), led the goalie evaluation session, which saw 23 goalies participate. Assistant Coach Josh Coulombe coached two games during the weekend, overseeing two showcase teams. Moving forward, Tech is intensifying its offseason preparations.
Montana Tech Head Coach, Rathgeber during the goalie session in Las Vegas
Scouting the Prospects
Several teams from the ACHA's western region attended the scouting event, including Washington State University, Eastern Washington University, the University of Montana, Williston State University, Idaho State University, Grand Canyon University, Colorado State University, and Liberty University. Coaches and team personnel from these schools scouted players from Washington, California, Oregon, Nevada, and Canada across eight prospect teams, showcasing talent from high school sophomores to graduating seniors exploring college opportunities.
Future Prospect Commitments
"Montana Tech worked diligently to establish a prominent presence from day one and compiled a significant list of prospects not only for the upcoming 2024/2025 season but also for future development in 2025/2026 and 2026/2027," said Rathgeber.
"We are excited to announce that we secured commitments from several prospects by the end of the event, with confirmation expected from several more in the coming weeks."
Benefits of Montana Tech’s Attendance
Participating in the event for the club was immensely beneficial as it allowed Montana Tech to promote its return to league play this fall and its commitment to productivity and success. The Tech Hockey organization noted positive feedback regarding its coaching staff, the anticipated high quality of hockey in the ACHA's Mountain West College Hockey League (MWCHL), and the excellent and affordable education Montana Tech offers.
"Montana Tech is a hidden gem – we garnered significant attention last weekend and will build on this momentum," Rathgeber emphasized.
Skills work during the goalie session at the camp
Looking Ahead to the Hockey Season in Butte, Montana
Looking ahead, Montana Tech continues to build its program, focusing on recruitment, sponsorships, and scheduling to ensure a successful 2024/2025 season.
"The work never stops – we are continuing to build our program in preparation for a successful return to the league's first year – along with ongoing recruitment efforts, sponsorship drives, and finalizing scheduling to promote our 30+ game schedule for the 2024/2025 season," Rathgeber explained.
Montana Tech hope to use the momentum from the ACHA Showcase and looks forward to making a solid impact in the upcoming season.
