51ÉçÇø

The 51ÉçÇø Orediggers Club Hockey Program operates in the Men’s Division 2 of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). Currently, the club is a Mountain West Collegiate Hockey League member, which includes eight other teams from Montana, Idaho, and Utah.

The Orediggers play an average of 25 games at home and in surrounding States. The regular season runs from September to the first week of February. Regional qualifiers often take place in the third week of February, with the National Tournament taking place in March.

THE ACHA (American Collegiate Hockey Association) is a non-varsity hockey league. This is important, as these teams are considered “student clubs”—meaning the school does not actively recruit hockey players through the athletics department, nor does it offer any athletic scholarships tied directly to the hockey program.

Unlike the NAIA or NCAA, the team does not have a rigorous training schedule, with on-ice practices occurring 2 to 3 times per week during the regular season. Although it is encouraged to utilize the dryland training facilities on campus (located at the HPER), the structure of the hockey program is set to maximize academic time.

The Orediggers practice at the Butte Community Ice Center where we have a dedicated locker room for equipment storage. For the upcoming 2025/2026 season, practices will take place in the morning before class.

We, much like every other team in the ACHA, are considered a college “Club” team, or non-Varsity. This comes with certain caveats:

• No athletic scholarships can be offered to play hockey.
• Must be registered as a full-time student (9 credits per semester and must PASS 9 credits per semester to be eligible for the following semester).
• Must maintain a minimum 2.00 GPA (much like NAIA and NCAA).
• The club is focused on being an All-American Academic squad and extra emphasis is placed on academic achievement
• The club isseparate from the Athletics Department on campus, which means we do not have access athletic trainers and rehab – however,players have access to discounted rates for physical therapy and on-campus medical evaluation through the campus clinic.
• Player dues for the 2025/2026 season are $2,000, which covers travel and lodging, practice and game ice fees, and equipment use (helmet, gloves, jersey set).

51ÉçÇø Digger Hockey Philosophy

The 51ÉçÇø Digger Hockey Club philosophy is based on Success, Community, Pride, and Integrity.

Success for our players means both success on the ice, and in the classroom. We strive for academic excellence and promote a winning culture that starts in the dressing room. Success to us means personal, academic, and professional growth.

The club’s community involvement stretches far beyond the confines of the campus – our players come from diverse backgrounds and are proud to call Butte our home. Whether through local youth hockey camps and assistance with the Butte Amateur Hockey Association, or food and clothing drives for the communities less fortunate – Digger hockey is there. We take as much pride in our community as they do us, and we love to show it!

Being able to represent the Green and Copper is a mark of pride to our players. There is a rich history in being an Ore Digger – not just in hockey, but in academics. When we wear the crest, we know we represent more than just a hockey team, but a legacy and a privilege.

The Digger hockey club strives to operate with full unwavering integrity, even in the face of hardship.

2024-2025 Club Student Officers

Faculty Advisor: Dr. David Rathgeber
Club President: Riley Graves
Vice President: Dylan Aberle
Secretary: Tyler Stodden
Treasurer: Harrison Walund
Gameday & Marketing Coordinator: Lily Sullivan
Assistant Coach: Sam DeMelo
Equipment Manager: Jason Brown