The University of Montana men’s hockey team, affectionately known as Griz Hockey, has deep roots in the community of Missoula and within the University. Dating back to the mid 70’s the Griz hockey teams have entertained packed houses at the Glacier Ice Rink. After a 7 year hiatus the Griz are retooled and building the program to return to dominance in the ACHA D2.
The University of Montana hockey team competes in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) a national organization of non-varsity college hockey programs. The ACHA has hundreds of teams in three divisions, across multiple conferences. The Grizzlies or Griz, UM's name for their sports teams, compete in the Division 2 of the ACHA.
The Griz operate as a "virtual varsity" club, playing a competitive schedule with eyes on a conference championship every year. The men who play for the Griz are all here because they love hockey and a commitment to win as a team.
They hold 2-3 practices during the season and play 1-2 games most weekends. The Griz season usually opens in September and concludes in February after playoffs. A typical season will see 28-35 games.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes and no. We are a non NCAA program so we cannot offer athletic scholarships. However, we can offer non-athletic scholarships. Almost everyone that applies and mentions that they are playing hockey receives some sort of partial scholarship. Usually it is enough to offset dues. There are also many other scholarships available to students based on need or through applications. Talk to your admissions officer about pursuing these.
Also a full ride in hockey is a myth. Even if you are being recruited to play at an NCAA program, at the Division 1 level there are only 12.5 full scholarships available to spread across a roster of 30 players. This means that most players only receive a minimal portion, about as much as you would receive from Montana. At the Division 3 level you are not allowed to give athletic scholarships.
So even though hockey is "free" at other NCAA programs their tuition is usually much more expensive even with whatever scholarship or aid you were given.
You can pay full price out of state tuition at Montana and pay the full team dues and still be paying less than your tuition at other NCAA hockey programs.
I heard there are fees to play, why? How much are they? What does it cover?
Its true, and we are very upfront about this. Since Griz Hockey is technically a club sport, we are not fully funded by the University. This means that the bulk of our budget is made up from player "dues". This is very common among every team that plays in the ACHA and you will find that we charge significantly less than most other programs you have been associated with. This is because our leadership has been part of the ACHA and paid their own way while playing at Montana and understands the value of tight budgeting and not wasting money on frivolous things.
Dues cover everything that goes on with the program,
2 practices per week
Registration for the Glacier Hockey League (local men’s league that plays on Wednesday nights, our players also get to play in this league.)
Travel to and from games on our team coach bus
All hotels while traveling with the team
New Griz helmet and gloves
Team Bag
Game jerseys and socks
Practice gear (practice jerseys, training shorts, long and short sleeve shirts)
Team apparel (jackets, hoodies, pants, backpack, shirts, hats)
Reffing fees for home games
Coaching stipend
Various expenses like goals, pucks, cones, etc.
Dues are $3,500 per player. We often work with families on paying in installments. If you have any questions please call 406-546-6171 or email Director of Hockey Tucker Sargent
What else do the Griz hockey players do?
While the Griz are committed to winning and playing a challenging schedule, the program is all about having fun. Remember THIS IS MONTANA arguably the best state in the nation, we have countless miles of blue ribbon trout streams, unrelenting whitewater, thousands of miles of hiking and biking trails, big game hunting and millions of acres to ski and explore fresh untouched powder.
So yes, Griz Hockey encourages all of its players to get outside and find what makes you happy off the field and out of the classroom. The coaches are the biggest proponents of living life to its fullest in Montana. There is no specific off season work-out. Life in Montana if lived properly is good enough. Not sure what to do or want to try something new? Just ask one of the coaches and they will be happy to share a new favorite pastime.
Hockey, School and Life can all coexist with Griz Hockey.
