Montana Tech Hockey Club Plans Outdoor Showdown on Leonard Field
Montana Technological University’s Hockey Club is aiming to bring the game back to its roots with an outdoor “Digger Hockey Outdoor Showdown” on Leonard Field as part of Montana Tech’s 125th anniversary celebration.
The Orediggers are scheduled to face the University of Providence Argos on Saturday, January 31, 2026, playing outdoors beneath the original School of Mines Building, Main Hall, and against the iconic backdrop of Butte, Montana. Puck drop time will be 4 p.m.
“Hockey was meant to be played outdoors,” said Dave Rathgeber, Montana Tech hockey club team manager and sponsor. “This is a chance to honor the storied history of Montana Tech and the hockey programs of the past while giving our players and fans a truly unique experience.”
While hockey has been played on Leonard Field historically, hosting a modern outdoor game requires significant preparation. Organizers plan to install an NHL-regulation-sized rink, complete with boards, liner, and support facilities, before naturally flooding the surface to create ice. The project is being coordinated with Montana Tech Facilities, Butte-Silver Bow, and community partners, including assistance with water delivery for flooding the rink.
Creating the temporary outdoor venue is expected to cost approximately $35,000. Organizers are seeking sponsors and donors to help make the event possible.
“Pulling off a fantastic outdoor event like this takes countless hours of volunteer work and fundraising,” Rathgeber said. “We can’t do it without the support of our donors.”
Several sponsorship levels are available, ranging from $500 to $25,000, with benefits that may include logo placement on the ice surface, recognition during game breaks, and visibility across event marketing materials. Larger sponsorships may include prominent on-ice logos and uniform branding, depending on the timing of the commitment.
Admission to the game will be free, and the team plans to lean heavily into the heritage theme. The Diggers will wear throwback jerseys inspired by an early School of Mines hockey sweater, paying tribute to the program’s deep roots.
The game weekend will coincide with Butte’s Snoflinga activities, allowing fans and visitors to enjoy multiple community events alongside the outdoor showdown.
If weather conditions prevent safe outdoor play, the game will move indoors to the Butte Community Ice Center as a contingency plan.
Donations and sponsorship commitments Montana Tech’s Hockey club can be made through their GiveSmart page https://DiggerHockey25.givesmart.com.
Those interested in supporting the club and events like this or learning more are encouraged to contact:
Dave Rathgeber, Team Manager
Phone: 406-560-6860
Email: diggerhockey@mtech.edu
Shannon Panisko, Vice President of Development and Philanthropic Engagement
Phone: 406-496-4271
Email: spanisko@mtech.edu
Additional details will be shared as planning continues for what organizers hope will become a Montana Tech tradition.