Montana Tech Hockey 2024: Season Kickoff, Key Games, and Community Events
By Merrick Parnell
Montana Tech Hockey Hits the Ice Ahead of the Season
With classes starting at Montana Tech University for the fall, the hockey team has hit the ice at full speed to gear up for their return season in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA).
"It's a great feeling to be back on the ice finally. Getting back into competition shape is a lot of work but we've been working hard," said Tech Forward Mike McKay.
Gearing up for Montana Tech’s ACHA Return
In anticipation of their season-opening series on September 14th and 15th against Utah Valley University in Utah, the Diggers have been hard at work practicing twice a week.
"Turnout and commitment from players has been strong, we have a full roster of 22 skaters and three goalies," said General Manager and Head Coach Dave Rathgeber.
"We've got a ton of new faces and a good group of guys. I'm excited to compete against all these teams and show them what Montana Tech hockey is all about," said McKay, a Sophomore who came to Tech from Anchorage, Alaska.
The 2024-2024 Montana Tech Hockey Team
Big Games for Montana Tech Hockey
In their return to the ACHA, Tech anticipates every game to be a big one. The team has circled a few games against in-state rival Montana State University and their Hockey Fights Cancer promotional game against Eastern Washington on October 25th.
"For Hockey Fights Cancer Night [HFC], we're going to shoot for free admission and promotion with the Butte Chamber of Commerce and promote Breast Cancer Awareness through the Mobile Mammogram Bus during the week leading up to the game," said Rathgeber.
In addition to HFC, the Tech will have a Halloween game on the 31st with a costume contest. The club also wants to hold a Youth Hockey Night during the season. A full schedule can be found on their website: montanatechhockey.com
What Fans Can Expect from Montana Tech Hockey?
"Expect Tech hockey to firmly reestablish itself as a competitive collegiate hockey team within Montana and the West. We are returning with a chip on our shoulder," Rathgeber said.
Fans will get a chance to see Tech in action at home on September 20th for their Alumni game. This game will feature the current squad against some storied names from Tech's hockey history, Which dates back to the team, originally created in 2008. That same team went on to be a founding member of the MWCHL (Mountain West Collegiate Hockey League) division in the ACHA - A true heavyweight conference, which sent three of the four teams representing the West Region to the 2024 National Tournament.
More Information on Montana Tech Hockey
As the Montana Tech hockey team skates into their ACHA return, fans can look forward to a season packed with thrilling matchups and community-focused events. With a strong roster and a clear commitment to excellence, the Diggers are ready to make a significant impact in the league. Don't miss out on the chance to support the team, enjoy exciting games, and participate in special events like Hockey Fights Cancer Night and Youth Hockey Night. For the latest updates and full schedule, visit montanatechhockey.com
