Montana Tech to Host Hockey 2026 Prospect Weekend March 26-28
Prospective student-athletes looking to continue their academic and hockey careers at the college level in the ACHA will have the opportunity to showcase their skills at Montana Tech’s Hockey Prospect Weekend, scheduled for March 26-28 in Butte.
The three-day event is designed to give players an in-depth look at campus life, academic programs and the Digger hockey experience at Montana Technological University, while also allowing coaches to evaluate talent on the ice.
Head coach Dave Rathgeber hopes the camp will yield strong talent both on and off the ice and help the program continue to grow and develop into a force in the region.
“We made some big steps forward in terms of putting a competitive product on the ice in year two. However, we’re still a growing program, and this year’s prospect camp will be geared more toward addressing some gaps in our roster rather than just filling it,” Rathgeber said.
Joe Cooper, the Montana Tech Dean of students is also excited for the event and its potential.
“As Dean of Students, it's a privilege to get to welcome Oredigger hockey prospects to Montana Tech and Butte again this spring. Last year's inaugural event demonstrated just how much draw Tech and its hockey program has on students from all over the United States and Canada. We're thrilled to showcase our university to prospects and their families, and we're even more excited to welcome them as students this next fall,” said Cooper.
On-Ice Evaluations and Showcase Game
Participants will take part in two one-hour evaluation and practice sessions on Thursday and Friday at the Butte Community Ice Center.
The weekend will conclude Saturday night with a Prospect Mixer Game at 7:30 p.m., where recruits will skate alongside current Diggers in front of the local Butte fan base.
Campus Tours and Community Events
Beyond the rink, prospects will experience campus and community activities, including:
A Thursday night social at Vu Villa, with food provided.
Campus tours Friday at either the Main Campus or Highlands Campus.
A team and league information session with dinner at the Butte Depot.
Optional mine tours, trolley tours and other area attractions.
A free day Saturday to explore Butte, with chaperones available upon request.
Event Schedule
Thursday, March 26 (Optional First Day)
Hotel check-in
6:30-7:30 p.m.: Meet and greet with team and staff; locker room and facility tour (Butte Community Ice Center)
7:30-8:30 p.m.: Evaluation and practice
9 p.m.: Social event at Vu Villa
Friday, March 27
Campus tour (time varies by campus)
3:30 p.m.: Rink and facility tour (if unable to attend Thursday)
5 p.m.: Team and league information session; dinner provided (Butte Depot)
7-9 p.m.: Evaluation and practice (Butte Community Ice Center)
Saturday, March 28
Free day to explore Butte and surrounding areas
7:30 p.m.: Prospect Mixer Game
Registration and Contact Information
Players can register online at https://MTHockeycamp26.givesmart.com.
For additional information, contact Dave Rathgeber at diggerhockey@mtech.edu or call 406-560-6860.
The Prospect Weekend provides athletes with a competitive evaluation setting and a comprehensive look at what it means to become a Montana Tech Digger.
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