Montana State Hellcats Hockey

Tryouts

2009-10-11T19:49:00.003-06:00

Tryouts are on October 14th and 15th from 8:00-9:30PM at the Haynes Pavilion Arena. There is a $30 costs which will cover both nights and if everyone could please be at the rink for 8:15PM. Hope to see everyone there. If you have any questions feel free to call. (406) 600-0952

Nick

Games Prior to Tryouts

2009-09-15T19:07:00.001-06:00

On October 2nd and 3rd we will be taking a team of Hellcat veterans and alumni players to play the University of Wyoming Cowboys. The Cowboys are a D3 team and therefore the games are non-sanctioned and thus not included in our 09-10 season or budget.

This is something we have done in the past and will hopefully continue to do in the future. It is also something to look forward to as a committed Hellcat player.

Nick

2009-2010 Hockey Season

2009-09-01T12:55:00.002-06:00

It was a great summer, but it's time to get back to the rink. The team has been very busy getting our schedule set for the year, arranging ice time, recruiting, and of course getting back into the feel of school.

Ice at the Haynes Pavilion will be ready the week of Oct 12, 2009. Tryout times are yet to be announced, but should occur for two evenings that week. I will post the times on the blog as well as on our schedule page as soon as I know them.

An informational meeting regarding the team will be held in room 233 in the SUB at 7:00PM on October 7, 2009. Attendance in mandatory if you wish to try out for the team. I look forward to meeting everyone and if you have any questions please call.

Nick Thompson
Team President
MSU Hellcats
406-600-0952

First Road Trip

2008-10-28T10:18:00.001-06:00

The Hellcats have just returned from their first road trip of the year to Casper, WY. There they played a two game set against the University of Wyoming Cowboys. The Hellcats had the first game jitters on Friday and dropped the game 5-3. They were able to collect themselves the second night and come back from being down 4-2 in the third to win 5-4. Next up is the first home games of the year against the Grizzlies from Missoula. Games are at 7:30pm on Friday and 10:30pm on Saturday.

Oct. 29th Practice

2008-10-27T20:57:00.000-06:00

Practice on Wednesday is at 11pm. Everyone needs to be at the rink by 10:15pm as we are voting for captains and having team pictures. Coaches if you want to coordinate what you are wearing, I will leave that up to you. I will also be handing out flyer's to everyone regarding our home games this weekend. Our crowd size is determined on how well we advertise are games. I will see everyone Wednesday night.

Nick

First Practice

2008-10-13T14:05:00.003-06:00

First Practice:
This Wednesday the 15th @ 10:30 PM

(Be ready to be on the ice at 10:30 PM or earn conditioning.)

Info Meeting & Tryouts

2008-09-29T21:35:00.003-06:00

Come meet the guys and learn about the team.

Informational Meeting:
· Sub Room 235, Formerly Room 275
· Tuesday, October 7, 2008
· 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Tryouts:
· Gallatin County Fairgrounds – Haynes Pavilion
· Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 8:30-9:00 PM
· Thursday, October 9, 2008, 8:30-9:00 PM

If you can't make it, contact Coach Nyquist at 406-579-3565.

You can find info on pick up times before tryouts at: http://www.bozemanhockey.org/

Hellcats are back! 2008-2009

2008-09-08T12:26:00.005-06:00

It was a great summer, but it's time to get back to the rink. The team has been busy getting our schedule set for the year, arranging ice time, recruiting, and getting back into the school groove.

The ice will be ready the week of Oct. 6th. Tryout times are yet to be announced, but should occur for two evenings that week. I'll post the times here, and on our schedule page as soon as I know them.

An informational meeting in the SUB is in the works. Date and time to be announced.

Can't wait to meet all the new prospective players.

-Coach

Scrimmage next Monday at 8:00 PM

2008-02-20T11:37:00.002-07:00

We will be scrimmaging the HS team Monday, Feb. 25th at 8:00 PM.
*Schedule below has been updated

Late Season Schedule

2008-02-15T12:27:00.004-07:00

Feb 13th: Practice - Second Sememster 2 Ball (My team won! haha)

Feb 20th: Practice - Scrimmage with Crush (11PM)

Feb 22nd: Game - Univ. of WY in Douglas (7PM)
Feb 23rd: Game - Univ. of WY in Casper (7PM)

Feb 25th: Practice - Scrimmage HS (8PM)

Feb 27th: Practice - Last practice (11PM)

Feb 29th: Game - Univ. of MT in Missoula (10:45PM)
Mar. 1st: Game - Univ. of MT in Missoula (9:15PM)

Eastern Tip, Van's leave at 11:00 AM

2008-02-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

Game times are early at 7:00 PM this year, so we will be leaving at 11:00 AM on Friday from the fairgrounds.

Second half so far

2008-02-07T12:26:00.000-07:00

We started out our second sememster with a trip to the tri-cities, WA. We went 2-1 for the weekend with wins against Walla Walla and Columbian Basin. The team made this trip without the coaching staff, and it did wonders for their confidence. Good work fellas.

That was followed by a trip down to Utah, with a hard fought game against Utah State friday night, and UVSC Saturday night. We all enjoyed checking out the "talent" in Provo.

Last weekend we rattled off a coulple of wins against the Rexburg Bulldogs. We wish them luck with their program and hope it continues to grow, being that this is their inaugural season.

Practice Resumes

2008-01-15T10:55:00.000-07:00

Practice Resumes this Wednesday, January 16th at 11:00. See ya there, can't wait to get back on the ice.

No Practice Over Break

2007-12-05T16:00:00.001-07:00

No practice tonight. Practice time will resume the Wednesday when Spring Semester Classes Start.

Happy Holidays.

No Practice 11/21/07

2007-11-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

There will be no practice this week due to Thanksgiving. Go home and enjoy your families, and be thankful you have people who care enough about you to drive you crazy at times. Remember they only want the best for you.

Practice will resume next week at the normal time.

Helmets Required

2007-11-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

Just a note that all players, injured or not, are required to wear helmets during practice. That also goes for any alumni helping out. As well as being USA hockey registered, they need to wear a helmet unless they have a valid Coaching Card. I spaced this the other night, that was my fault, but for the future, now you all know.

Spokane Trip

2007-11-01T09:02:00.000-06:00

Be at the rink at 10:45 AM, Friday Morning for depature. Game times are at 7:00 PM. We will be staying at the Comfort Inn in Liberty Lake.

Halloween Practice at 6:30 PM

2007-10-30T09:29:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Coach Brett Patrick, we are moving this Wednesday's practice on Halloween to 6:30PM. This is effective for this weeks practice only, next week will be at the normal time.

Home Opener Saturday

2007-10-22T17:35:00.000-06:00

Hellcats Home Opener this Saturday, Oct 27th at 9:00 PM against Walla Walla College. Followed by a second game Sunday morning at 10:00 AM.

Team Dinner and Departure Time

2007-10-16T13:54:00.001-06:00

Team dinner will be this Wednesday at 6:00-6:30 PM Robby's house. We'll be picking numbers, bring $5 for food. Practice as always will follow at 11:00 PM. We will take pictures at practice, we have socks for you. Roster for the weekend will be announced after practice.

Departure time for Denver is 6:00 AM Thursday Morning. We leave from the Haynes Pavilion. Park out of the way, and don't be late.

It's a Boy!

2007-10-12T10:32:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to Levi Shugart, Hellcat alumni, Coach, Captain, and friend, on the birth of his third child, and first son, Noah.

Coming soon to a rink near you.

Denver Trip

2007-10-11T10:47:00.000-06:00

We will be leaving for Denver early on thursday morning. Sometime around 6ish. I will announce the exact time at next wensday's practice. Fees are due at practice, unless you have made other arangements with me.

Make sure you notify your professors of your absense, if you haven't already. You'll want to give them additional schedule dates as well so they can work with you. If they require verification from me, let me know and I'll type up an absense form for you.

We're off and running

2007-10-11T10:42:00.000-06:00

Tryouts are completed, and our first practice is in the books. We've got (4) forward lines, (6) defense, (3) goalies and few extra skaters to work into the lineup. Fees will be the same ($700) for everyone. In the comming weeks I want to get the goalies down to (2) starters and a practice goalie. Practices will continue to be at 11pm on Wednesday nights.

TRYOUT TIMES CONFIRMED!

2007-10-03T14:12:00.000-06:00

Tryout times will be this Thursday and Sunday

Thursday, October 4th, 10:30 PM

Sunday, October 7th, 3:00 PM

Tryout times pending

2007-10-02T08:14:00.001-06:00

I've been told that ice won't be ready to skate on till thursday. I'm trying to get the times scheduled today. I will post them as soon as I know, sorry for the delay. It's out of my hands right now. Keep checking back here.

Article in the Paper

2007-09-26T10:49:00.000-06:00

Special thanks to Ryan Amys for writing a great article on us.

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2007/09/26/sports/20hellcats.txt

Are you considering a private student loan?

2007-09-17T16:28:00.000-06:00

I realise this is off topic, but since were a college team I'm going to post it anyway. If you have taken out a private student loan for school, or are considering doing so. I highly recommend you read the article from the Chronicle below, it makes credit card dept seem almost minuscule.

http://bozemandailychronicle.com/articles/2007/09/17/news/000easy.txt

New Practice Time

2007-09-11T14:33:00.001-06:00

Practices are now scheduled for Wednesdays at 11:00 PM.

Informational Meeting Sept. 12th

2007-08-29T17:01:00.000-06:00

There will be an informational meeting Thursday, Sept. 13th in one of the SUB, Room #276, at 7:00 PM.

Should you be unable to find it, the Ask Us desk will be able to direct you.

Upcoming 2007-2008 Season Info

2007-08-27T13:20:00.000-06:00

· The rink will have ice by Oct. 1st. There is a possibility it might be a week earlier. It depends on a lot of things and we won’t know till the time comes.

· Tryouts will be held as soon as the ice is down, for two evenings. Cost will be $30 (total).

· Practices this year are Monday’s at 11pm. The entire schedule has been pushed back a half hour from last years 10:30 practice time, everyone has been impacted. Life goes on.

· Fee’s will increase slightly due to increase ice time costs. We will still be working off part of the ice time. As always, we keep them as low as we can.

· Dryland will start in early September, details to come.

· A new website will be up shortly with a link to my blog, I’ll be posting further updates there as we go.

· Adult league signups begin Aug. 27th and forms can be picked up at Play it Again Sports or can be printed out from the other email I sent. Cost is $340 for the Power league season. My team is called The Green Machine and spots are filling very fast. So if you’re interested and want to make sure you get on the team, please register on the 27th. First come, first served. Note: If you are a returning Hellcat player, you do not need to register for USA hockey and provide your bar code sheet. USA hockey is part of our ACHA registration. To get around this you must fill out the attached “ACHA USA Hockey Registration” form and include it with your rec league registration.

Colorado Trip

2006-11-15T11:51:00.000-07:00

Thur. Nov 9
Vs. University of Colorado: L7-4

We came out flying, and dominated them for the first 10 min, our best hockey yet. A couple goals and the momentum started to shift in their favor. By the time the second period was over we were down 5-1. We rallied back to make it 5-3, but penalties took away our momentum and we finished the game 7-4. I'll say this for our guys, they never take a shift off and work the full 60 min regardless of the score. That's been why we've been able to come back in so many games, but we're going to need stop digging holes for ourselves if we are going to start putting some marks in the win column.

In addition, several players had their valuables stolen. Both teams were hit and an investigation is pending.

Fri. Nov 10
Vs. University of Denver: L11-3

If it was going to go wrong for us this game, it did. The guys worked hard, but we couldn't get any flow going. The communication and passing was appalling and we couldn’t get going as a 5 man unit. The ref allowed everything, the only "new" rules he followed were the hooking calls with the stick parallel to the ice. Otherwise you could hold and interfere as much as you wanted. I know it's a learning process for everyone to adapt to the new standard, but if we had the Utah ref's in this game we would have been on the power play all game. We've been struggling to adjust, and to have it return to the old standard and try and play a game is extremely frustrating.

In the end, too many turnovers to a fast skating team, and too many chances given to a power play who passed well took us out of the game.

Sat. Nov 11
Vs. Colorado State University: L3-1

By far the best game of the season so far. This was an all out war. It was defensive and hard hitting and had great end to end action. There was a scheduling problem and the ref's were a no show. So we begged for two ref's from the neighboring game as soon as it was completed. They turned out to be little more than glorified linesman. Hardly a penalty was called. There was a lot of stick work, but after the DU game we had gotten used to it again. I have to thank the CSU players for keeping it pretty clean, both sides could have easily gotten away with a lot more, but both teams came to play hockey, and that's exactly what we did. I've got a lot of respect for their team it was great game start to finish. It remained scoreless through two periods, with them striking first blood in the third. We answered, but two more goals on 2 on 1 situations where the goalie didn't have a chance, finished us off. Win or lose this was just a great game to be a part of.

Special thanks to Brad Hau’s family for letting us hang out at their house on Saturday and for feeding us before and after the game. You guys went above and beyond and we really appreciated it.

Team Roster

2006-11-07T12:05:00.000-07:00

Forwards:

(17) Eric Mclain (A) – (19) Hunter Mattocks – (3) Dan Ross (C)
(2) Jon Busby – (8) Mike Cloud (A) – (9) Ben Lyman
(20) Augie Smith – (11) Nick Parsons – (6) Kellen Gerard
(5) Josh Strissel

Defenseman:

(10) Nick Thompson – (14) Matt Roberts
(16) Robbie Deming (A) – (18) Brad Hau
(15) Eric Schon – (4) Nate Conneran

Goalies:

(31) Garret Myers
(30) Mark Larson
(1) Mark Rasmussen

Vs. University of Idaho

2006-11-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Friday, Nov. 3rd: W 8-2
Saturday, Nov. 4th: L 4-5

Utah Trip

2006-11-01T17:03:00.000-07:00

vs. Weber State: W 9-2

Started the weekend off on the right foot.

vs. Utah State: L 4-6

Started flat and got down 0-3 at the end of the first. Fought back to within one and they scored an insurace goal with 1 min left.

vs. UVSC: L 4-5

No excuses, we just weren't clicking.

Next Games: Nov. 3rd and 4th vs. University of Idaho in Couer d'Alene

Vs. Eastern Washington

2006-10-23T09:22:00.000-06:00

Friday: L 4-1
Saturday: L 9-2

Vs. Gonzaga

2006-10-17T16:36:00.000-06:00

Last weekend game results:

Friday: W 5-4
Saturday : W 4-2

(I will edit with scoring info soon)

It was nice to finally start the season and be on the ice again. The guys played well for not having any practices. I'm impressed with the level of talent the rookie crop has. It usually takes a full season to acclimate to the the league and really begin to make an impact. I have quite a few who will be able to contribute right away, which is great considering the large number of new players we have.

The biggest surprise has been the level of commitment and enthusiasm of the new guys. For only having dryland together, the team has begun to gel really well. This makes my job a lot easier and should allow us to concentrate on playing better hockey right away, giving us some added jump out of the gate.

Game Notes:
After several combinations, Augie Smith has found himself a place on the Green line with Hunter and Duck. Nick is finally starting to understand he can't watch his passes all the time, and Mike Cloud has finally arrived. It took him a season of put it all together, but he's firing on all cylinders out of the gate playing with Dan and the improved play of Jon Busby. Nick Thompson and Matt Roberts have found homes on the power play look to be great anchors on the blue line.

A few updates

2006-09-28T10:03:00.000-06:00

Just an update on what’s been going on.

1.) Dryland times will be determined shortly. The paperwork has been completed and it’s a matter of scheduling times. I’m waiting to hear back from scheduler. Things could start tomorrow, but most likely next week.
2.) I tried for another scrimmage with the Junior B team, but unfortunately it’s not possible. We’ll see them again at the fairgrounds.
3.) The boards at the Ice Garden are being moved out next Monday, Oct. 2nd. We will be helping through the afternoon.
4.) I need to get the last of the money in for the RIP VIG tournament. People I’m waiting on:
Chuck PT
Josh Strissel
Eric Schon
Nick Parsons
Nick Thompson
Garrett Myers
Contact me if your names on the list to arrange a time I can pick up the money.

As soon as I know more about any of these things, I’ll let you know.

-Coach

Preseason Questions

2006-09-13T16:32:00.000-06:00

So everyone has been asking what happens with no ice to skate on? Believe it or not we have a plan. We’ll be playing at the fairgrounds this season just like everyone else. We’ll be working off our ice time helping set up the rink and other manual labor duties just like we always have. Practicing one a week around 11 pm, but we’ve improved our time slot to early in the week, no more Sunday night after traveling.

If your one of the few who’s seen our schedule, it’s almost all away games (sorry parents). Due to an unsettled rink schedule we’re playing most of our games on the road, but don’t worry, next year we’ll be back at home for half of our games just like normal.

The fairgrounds won’t be open till the 1st of October at the soonest, so what do we do for a month with no ice and our first games fast approaching? Well like I said, a plan. We’ll be doing dry land training and systems work twice a week. It’s not ideal, but it’s what we have to do be ready for the season. Justin Braun, the strength and conditioning coach for MSU athletics, has been kind enough to help me design a dry land program to help the boys, no dodge ball for the month, sorry fellas.

Tryout Schedule

2006-09-01T17:11:00.000-06:00

Tryouts to be held next week at the Valley Ice Garden. A preskate will be Monday, Sept. 4th at 8pm ($10). All are invited to come shake the rust off. Tryouts are Tuesday at 10pm and Wednesday 9pm ($15 per night). Show up at least 45 min to registar on tryout days.

Informational Meeting

2006-08-30T11:43:00.000-06:00

An informational meeting will be held in the SUB room #275 on Wednesday, Aug. 30th at 8:00 PM. Information regarding, tryouts, costs, scheduling, travel, and more will be covered.

Rink Closing

2006-06-21T11:47:00.000-06:00

Normally this time of year I’m working on my tan in an inner tube on the Madison. With the Stanley Cub Finals over, hockey takes a back seat to warmer things, but not this summer. As you may have heard, our home rink, the Valley Ice Garden has been sold and will be renovated to a beer distribution facility. This means big changes for hockey in Bozeman. Next season the Hellcats will be moving to the BAHA rink at the fairgrounds. The team is NOT folding and will be ready for it’s 9th season in September. Preliminary planning for a proposed second rink in connection with the current Fairgrounds rink has begun. However, it is my opinion that it won’t be operable for at least a year, meaning there will be only one ice sheet to share for this season. This is unfortunate for everyone, but we are all in the same boat and I think we’ll actually come out of this stronger once the two youth programs come together.

I’m planning tryouts for September 1-2 at the Ice Garden before it closes. This is Labor Day weekend, make your plans accordingly.

The R.I.P. V.I.G. Tournament will be held Sept. 8-10 at the Ice Garden. There will be an A & B division. Cost is $350 per team, and $300 in you register prior to Aug. 1st. Every penny will go towards the construction of the second rink at the Fairgrounds. Get your team together and help us say goodbye.

Last Games of the Season

2006-03-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

The 8th Hellcat season is in the books, and it ended on a good note with two wins against U of M. Both wins were very businesslike 5-1 and 5-2. The guys did an excellent of job of sticking to the game plan and staying out of the extracurricular stuff. Props to the guys for playing with class when they had every excuse not to, and picking the win/win decisions, I was proud to be standing behind them. We were short a few guys due to prior commitments (Tom, Matt, & Busby) so we only had 10 forwards and 5 D. The three lines rolled well and Coach Bart did an excellent job with the D as he has done all season. Captain Dan Ross was back for our final games. Trent did an admirable job stepping up during Dan’s injury, but there’s just no substitute for have the big DR wearing the C, it was great to have him back in the fold and playing in his home town.

Hopefully U of M will get more organized for next year and have an ACHA team. They have a good base of players to build off of if they can get focused in the right direction. Their presence would only help our program and I wish them luck.

Dan’s parents were gracious enough to have us invade their home on Saturday and serve us lunch with some of the best brats I’ve ever had. Thanks again to them for being such generous hosts. A few us went shopping at the mall. After two hours of evaluating the talent and buying only coffee, we were worn out and went back to Dan’s for a pregame nap. Shopping is hard, no wonder we don’t do it for fun, I can only imagine the stamina it would take if we actually bought something.

This was our fist weekend to tryout our new 2 way radios for the vans. It sure makes staying together and relaying directions and anything else between the vans easier. They’ll be a good addition for the next season.

Cheers,
-Coach