Montana Tech University Hockey Returns to ACHA for Upcoming Season
Montana Tech University (Tech) announced this week that they have been officially accepted as an approved American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) program.
The move comes after the Tech hockey program re-emerged last season after several years dormant. This season, Tech will compete in the ACHA's Mountain West Collegiate Hockey League (MWCHL) and will battle nine other teams: Providence, University of Montana, Montana State University, Idaho State University, Boise State, Weber State, Utah State University, Utah Valley University, and University of Utah (new member, coming over from the PAC this season). Tech will also play three non-league games against Williston State, Eastern Washington University and UC Berkley.
Tech hopes to re-establish rivalries between Montana State University and Weber State while creating new rivalries.
"During my time with Tech, I've watched the ACHA develop into such an amazing league - highly competitive, with so many strong programs that have grown - especially here in Montana, with MSU, U of M, Providence, and now us once again," said Head Coach and General Manager, Dave Rathgeber…" I, however, cannot take the credit for the drive to get back to the league. That goes to a handful of students [ Riley Graves and Chris Collings among them] who approached me over the past few years in hopes of trying to start the team again," continued Rathgeber.
As standard in the ACHA, Tech will spend their first year in a probationary program, which means that Tech is not eligible for regional or national qualification.
"It [the prohibition] gives us a good chance to get our feet under us with no pressure of potentially needing to raise additional funds for travel to the tournaments – important, as we are currently actively raising funds to support our travel budget and equipment purchases," Rathgeber explained.
Tech Hockey drew large crowds in their exhibition games last season. (BNO Photo)
Tech had to undergo an application process to join the ACHA, which involved submitting a comprehensive set of documents, including program philosophy, organizational chart, coaching criteria, and a detailed budget. Supplemental questions must also be answered. Then, the league commissioner reviews these submissions to determine eligibility.
"For us, the process was fascinating. We contacted John Eccles, the ACHA Division II commissioner, who was enthusiastic about our return. He supported us throughout the application and helped secure our place in the MWCHL for the 2024/2025 season, ensuring we wouldn't remain an independent team. We began the application in January, and official acceptance happened after the National Tournament in March," Rathgeber said.
Rathgeber is confident that college hockey returning to Butte will be significant for the university, city, and hockey community.
"Our recruitment and marketing of the team and the school are being noticed—we're attracting more prospective students from all over the US and Canada to both the Highlands and Main Campus!" said Rathgaber.
Additionally, bringing Tech hockey will positively impact both the youth hockey program and the Irish Junior A program. Prospects growing up in Butte now get to look up to two amazing programs, offering multiple opportunities to continue a hockey career after high school - either through junior or college hockey.
"We have been developing a strong relationship with the Irish to act as both a portal for their players as they age out and a dual-recruitment opportunity. We have encountered many players who aren't ready to give up on their Junior hockey careers, and we offer them the opportunity to come to Butte and gain exposure to the community, campus, and team through the Irish program," Rathgeber said.
Tech will start their season on the road, playing six games [excluding their Alumni game on September 20] before our home opener. They open the 2024/2025 season on the road in Provo, Utah, against Utah Valley University on September 13 and 14. Their home opener takes place Thursday, October 10, against Williston State.
"I feel like we're going to be a competitive team and want to prove it; it'll be super exciting to bring a full season of hockey to our fans and Butte as a whole," said Tech player Chris Collings… "The fans can expect tough and gritty, which will put everything into getting the win. We want to bring the Butte culture to the ice and play a loud and tough style," Collings added.
