Montana Tech Hockey Club Bolsters Roster with New Player Commitments Ahead of ACHA Return
As summer ends, the Montana Tech University Hockey Club (Tech) has announced additional player commitments. Ahead of their return season in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), Tech has bolstered its roster with three more player commitments.
"In addition to helping fill out our inaugural roster, Kelly, Kasse, and Barlow will no doubt ensure that we're a competitive force from day one," said Tech's Head Coach and General Manager, Dave Rathgeber.
Riley Kelly, Forward, Water Valley, Alberta
Hailing from Alberta, Kelly joins Tech after spending time in the Kooteney Junior Hockey League (KIJHL) with Sicamous and in the Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL) with Kooteney Hockey Academy U18.
Riley was identified by Tech scouts at the Western Canada Hockey Exposure Camp back in May.
"We immediately loved his style. It was a lucky coincidence with our scouts sitting down next to his parents in the stands and striking up a conversation," said Head Coach Dave Rathgeber.
Tech looks forward to using Kelly as a Forward. As a student, Kelly plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.
"We expect Riley to be a top-line forward putting up hard minutes all season - he's a dedicated player who will no doubt add that Canadian grit to our roster," Rathgeber said.
Brecken Kasse, Goalie, Sioux Falls, South Dakota
By signing Kasse out of the "prospect portal," Tech adds depth to its goaltending position. Kasse was drawn to Tech because of the versatility of its offerings from both the Main and Highlight Campuses. On the ice, Kasse is looking forward to battling for time in the net.
"He's excited to fight for the top spot between the pipes along with returning Goalie Trenton Harrison," Rathgeber said. "We expect Brecken to bring poise and his competitive nature to the team this year," he continued.
Alex Barlow, Forward, Missoula, Montana
Alex Barlow will join Tech Hockey as a local Montana prospect out of Missoula. Barlow has played hockey for the past 14 years, and Tech is looking Forward to using his experience and versatility and Barlow could see minutes at Defense as well.
"His versatility on the ice, with experience at both forward and defense, will be an asset - particularly on the penalty kill, and we're excited to have him on board," said Rathgeber, Tech Head Coach.
Montana Tech Hockey in the ACHA
Fans will get a chance to watch these three new prospects and the entire team this fall as they battle it out in the ACHA's Mountain West College Hockey League. For more on the team, go to their website.
