Honest question

[gobison]

NDSU vs. UND aside, not important right now. Who here watches Hockey, particular DI Hockey? Just seeing some comments that UND has DI Hockey and how that should get them into the Big Sky. Any thoughts on this?

 

[mtgrizrule]

College hockey is AWESOME, I have been to a U of Denver game. Unbelievable atmosphere. I wish we could do hockey and not effect basketball attendance.

 

[Grizzoola]

UM hockey would be BIG in Missoula. Christ, parents have their toddlers in hockey gear out on the ice. Kids with jerseys down to their ankles are playing in leagues. Missoula is a hockey town. Hell, MT is a hockey STATE. With just private funding, hockey leagues are all over the state.

 

[Willie]

I saw about 10 UND games when I was living in Fargo. Engelstad Arena is unbelievable.

 

[grizpack]

2 problems with Hockey at Montana (which I think would be really cool).

1. Who would we play in the Big Sky? While there may be some other options, I think that would be the first hurdle.

2. A hockey arena would be absolutely prohibitive to build.

It would be great though.

 

[Grizzoola]

2 problems with Hockey at Montana (which I think would be really cool).

1. Who would we play in the Big Sky? While there may be some other options, I think that would be the first hurdle.

Some football teams compete in conferences without including all sports of those schools. If it's true of football, etc., why not hockey? Why couldn't UM compete with say, UND & Denver U, etc., in hockey only?

2. A hockey arena would be absolutely prohibitive to build. It would be great though.

I don't think a hockey arena needs to be built. We already have a regulation hockey rink at the Glacier Ice Center at the Missoula Co. Fairgrounds. UM could partner w/ Glacier Ice & work out schedules, etc. The big problem might be expansion for fan attendance. Maybe UM officials could approach the Missoula Co. commissioners to update current plans to reorganize the fairgrounds. I think an events center is part of the current plan, say on the order of Billings' Metra Park. That events center could be built to accommodate ice for UM games. Shouldn't be a problem.

Griz hockey would be HUGE!

 

[grizavsfan]

Griz hockey already exists for men and women! This is their 3rd season. They are also partnered with GIR already and are playing Missoula League and in regional tourneys. The women's hockey team's first tourney of the season is this weekend, and games start in November.

I could not find a link for the mens team, but if you want to follow the Lady Griz on ice, check out their schedule at: http://www.umt.edu/womenshockey/

Frankly the facilities at Glacier Rink will need to be expanded or even moved to meet the growing interest and need in winter sports. Schools are adding more junior hockey teams, and Missoula Curling Club just added brand new lanes to the outside rink bringing in yet another regional sport using the same packed facilities. Just more people wanting time on limited ice.

 

[Grizzoola]

Just wondering what the expense would be to make the Adams Center Arena capable of having ice. Yes, UM has hockey CLUBS. As I understand it, clubs are not part of the UM athletic program (scholarships, etc.) I think a lot of Canadian players would come to UM, as UM already attracts many Canadian students. How about if UM gets into the hockey playoffs with teams like Boston College coming here?

 

[grizpack]

Entire interior would have to be re-done at Adams Center. It is not big enough in its current configuration to have an ice sheet. New basketball floor is a permanent wood floor, not a portable one.