Hockey: A look at the Vandals’ lesser known athletic club

The Vandal hockey team’s season is well underway after a dominating victory against Gonazaga at home Saturday night at Palouse Ice Rink.

Idaho’s men’s hockey club is an official member of the American College Hockey Association and has been up and running for a number of years at the University of Idaho.

The team plays games on weekends, but due to a lack of players, have only two scheduled games this year. The roster consists of only 10 players this season, so traveling to games to play five-on-five has been a struggle.

Since the Palouse Ice Rink is not regulation size, home games are four-on-four — perfect for the current team due to their lack of players.

Just because the rink is small does not mean there aren’t Idaho students who support the team. The first collegiate home game on Saturday brought in 550 attendees. Fans interact with the game in all aspects, from friendly chants to aggressive banter.

During Zamboni intermissions between periods, fans are lively and excited, screaming “ZAMBONI” and slapping hands with the driver as they pass by.

Coach Kyle Watne, who played on the team for five years, said the lack of players and rink situation really limits the amounts of games they can have here in Moscow.

Senior Forward Dustin Pierce attempts to take the puck during a face off with Gonzaga Saturday at the Palouse Ice Rink

“We don’t have a ton of games down here in Moscow, getting the games down here and having the crowd turn out the way they do is a huge influence for everyone involved, the community, the rink, the team, it’s just huge and awesome to see that kind of turnout for a club sport,” Watne said. 

It isn’t just the fans who are passionate about the club — the players are very happy to be on the team in an environment where they can go out and skate and have fun while doing it.

“I have played hockey for 17 years, and I love being around every single one of these guys, they are always helping you out in any way that they can so it just a perfect environment to play some hockey,” said Xavier Murdoch, a junior defender.

The club is always open to new players joining. The single rookie freshman Austin Smith sits in goal and had an incredible display of goal tending on Saturday’s game.

“It’s a real good environment, they have taken me in and embraced me, it is really good knowing guys that I have played with going into this,” Smith said.

Senior Dustin Pierce, president of the club, said the time commitment is not heavy, just two practices a week and games on the weekends. 

The Vandal club hockey team is one of the most spectated clubs on all of campus. 

Watching a game is a great way to spend a Saturday night, Watne said.

“Give it a chance, a lot of these people come once, and they are hooked. If you can make it down and check it out once it’s a really cool thing to do,” Watne said. 

The next scheduled home game is a rematch against Gonzaga University on Jan. 19 at the Palouse Ice Rink.

Conner Swersey can be reached at [email protected]