Montana Tech Faces Off Against Idaho State in Intense Hockey Showdown
Montana Tech University Hockey is back on the ice for a two-game home series against Idaho State University this weekend.
Montana Tech (Tech) will host the Idaho State University (ISU) Bengals on March 1st and 2nd at the Butte Community Ice Center. Friday’s game will start at 7PM, with Saturday’s beginning at 1 PM.
The game against ISU marks the first time Tech will play a team in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) since their re-establishment this year, providing a preview of Tech's future when they re-enter ACHA competition.
Collings in a game with Montana Tech
Photo: BNO
"The team is really excited to go up against an established ACHA Division II team this weekend, the Idaho State Bengals," said Head Coach Dave Rathgeber. "They're a step ahead of us as an official first-year team wrapping up their inaugural season, but they've faced some top contenders already, including teams traveling to the National Tournament in March. I think this will be a great litmus test for the guys who aren't graduating as to what level of competition they will be up against night in and night out next year, and we plan on bringing our A-game both Friday and Saturday."
Idaho State University is coming off a 2-12 regular season record in ACHA Division II play as a member of the Mountain West Collegiate Hockey League (MWCHL).
“Despite their record, ISU is coming in with what we expect it to be a battle for at least 60 minutes - they play with a lot of heart, and we don't expect them to be a pushover by any means,” said Rathgeber. “They're coming in with a full season of experience against established college teams like Montana State University and Weber State in the MWCHL ( MSU and Weber State were ranked 1st and 2nd in the MWCHL and earned byes to nationals).”
Chris Collings is one of the Tech players looking forward to the test against ISU. "I'm looking forward to being able to show all the work that we've put in as a team and see how it compares to a team that has played ACHA all year," said Collings. "In order to prepare [for the game,] it's working on the basics. Nothing needs to be fancy; hard work and teamwork will allow us to show our best."
Team President and Defenseman Riley Graves is also excited to play this weekend. "We hope to give the fans a great showing of our skill and grit in a fast-paced game," he said.
Tech enters play this weekend after earning a 6-4 win against the Moose Knuckles in their very first game since the return of Tech hockey this year. You can read about that game here.
"Ever since the first game, there has been a ton of buzz around campus about our next games, as fans loved watching us play. With students constantly asking about our next games, we hope to get a similar crowd to watch, especially since this game will have checking and contact allowed," Graves exclaimed.
Tech vs ISU Schedule
March 1st, 7 PM Faceoff
March 2nd, 1 PM Faceoff
Both games will be played at the Butte Community Ice Center
Montana Tech Hockey's New Website
Montana Tech Hockey recently launched its new website, which can be found at montanatechhockey.com. You can also follow the team on Instagram at @mthockey or on Facebook on the Montana Tech Orediggers Facebook page.
