SVEN ALSKOG
Staff Writer
Sophomore exercise science major Tyler Belnap had an idea to bring club hockey to Idaho State University during his time in college. Following efforts to make that idea a reality, the high-octane action will be coming to the new ice which is being made possible by Chubbuck-Pocatello Hockey Association.
The outdoor rink was created in 2006 on the site of Capell Park just off Yellowstone Highway by the Chubbuck City Hall. While it has been utilized in the past for numerous hockey events, the new implementation of a refrigerated ice system will extend ice time and further plans are underway to enclose that ice and make it an arena.
The prospects of having a facility like the one in Chubbuck near campus has helped to make a club hockey team an option at ISU.
“It’s not really a facility yet,” said Belnap. “It is currently being built, so it will be outdoors, but it’s a sheet of ice to go play hockey on. The Pocatello area has never had an indoor ice rink or even a cooling system to keep the ice, so it is all new. I figured what the heck, new ice, new team.”
Thanks to donations from Bill Brydon, the Disanza family and Dorsey Hill of over $5,000 each, along with a $2,500 donation from Citizens Community Bank, hockey is becoming more of an option for interested individuals all over southeast Idaho.
At ISU, the creation of an ice rink in the local area has allowed an opportunity to follow in the footsteps of rugby and baseball, among many others, as successful club sports at the university.
For students who have enjoyed competitive hockey in the past, the chance to get back on the ice is one they are eager to take advantage of.
“There should have already been a hockey team here,” said sophomore Colby Borup. “It’ll be fun to go see what the other teams are like.”
Following the approval of hockey as a club sport at ISU, the next step is to apply for entry into the American Collegiate Hockey Association. Teams that Belnap says they will play come from the states of Washington, Idaho, Montana and Utah.
As can be expected, the main concern in making an idea such as this work is to bring in enough money to fund equipment, travel and upkeep costs. The hope is that there will be strong community support for the team, which if the implementation of the rink in Chubbuck is any indication, exists in full force.
A team at ISU would help to continue a popularity rise in the sport across southeast Idaho.
“What excites me the most is that it will give people the chance to experience hockey whether as a player or a spectator,” said Belnap. “It is a very fast game that is both fun to play and watch. I am excited to see the sport continue to grow in Idaho.”
For those that are interested in participating on the team, there will be a learning process for all involved, but some experienced athletes are already in place to help with the transition. Borup played five years of high school level hockey, while Belnap advanced to the state championship with his brother Jake.
“I plan on taking my experience and teaching those that aren’t as experienced how to play,” said Borup. “Everyone can join and practice makes perfect.”
The duo has already started a recruiting effort around campus, with interest in participating on the team high.
A concern for some students is limited experience in regards to skating. For these prospects, both Belnap and Borup say the best idea is to begin skating as often as possible and then to move on to hockey skills once they have progressed enough.
“I would encourage them to get on the ice,” said Belnap. “Not necessarily to jump into hockey right away, but to just skate and see how that feels. I feel that people will find skating to be fun, and that is how it all starts.”
Anyone interested in joining the team can do so by creating an account on imleagues.com and clicking on the clubs tab of the ISU page. Hockey can be found in that tab under the spring 2014 registration period. Once the team has 12 participants, it will become an official club at ISU.
