UCO Hockey stages fundraiser for national tournament

Bradie Gray

Contributing Writer

After another amazing season from the UCO Hockey team, the Bronchos qualified for nationals. However, since they are not an official member of UCO Athletics, they have to pay their own way, and they are calling on the Central community for help.

The team finished 28-7-1 this year, good enough for a conference championship and a No. 7 finish in the final national rankings. One year removed from a national runners-up campaign, the Broncos are within striking distance of the national crown once again. However, the teams they could face in the national tournament are not the only obstacle in the team’s way this postseason. The only thing left between the Bronchos and a postseason berth is $20,000.

With the ACHA National Championships taking place in Boston, Massachusetts, this year, the cost of travel was expected to increase. Last season, accommodations were much easier since nationals were held in St. Louis, but this postseason is a much different story. Without the backing of the university, the team has to pay for the expenses completely out of pocket. The team often holds fundraisers for the program, but none this important.

Their last attempt at fundraising for the trip is currently online as the team is trying to crowdfund the money, and they have a chance to give you something in return. There are four levels of donations.

Donations of $25 or less are entered in a drawing for a UCO hockey t-shirt; donations of $50-$100 are entered in a drawing to win a UCO hockey beanie or hat; donations of $250-$500 are entered in a drawing to win a UCO hockey hoodie; and donations of $750 or more are entered to win a UCO hockey jersey and wooden sign.

The entire UCO hockey program is operated by volunteers, including head coach Michael Rivera and assistant coach Brandon Harley, who both work full-time jobs on top of coaching the perennial powerhouse that is Broncho hockey. The entire program has been self-made from the ground up, and this year’s postseason is no different.

The window to donate closes Wednesday, March 8, at midnight. You can donate via the link on their Instagram page, @ucohockey, or online at give.uco.edu on the UCO Hockey page.