WVU hockey spurs growth of sport in Mountain State

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — On most Friday night’s at around 10 p.m., the West Virginia University hockey club’s day isn’t wrapping up. It’s just getting started.

“There’s not a there’s not a better atmosphere on game day here in Morgantown, West Virginia,” said WVU men’s Division I hockey head coach Tyler Kutek. “It’s the competitiveness on game day between the two teams. It’s like nothing else.”

There’s been a college hockey presence at WVU for over 50 years, but many in Morgantown would agree that these Mountaineers have never had this much momentum on or off the ice.

Between a viral set of alternate uniforms and a staff of interns that keep the club’s social media engagement and merchandise sales up, the WVU hockey club has grown significantly. In the process, it has been able to lower its dues so much that the program now fields four teams (three men’s and one women’s).

“I think that hockey, in general, is just one of the best sports you could play and ask to play, and it’s a blessing to be able to hop on the ice consistently,” said senior left wing Isaac Jones. “I think we got a good group guys here and it’s a good brotherhood. We like to call it a family around here.”

That family is set to have a new home next season, with a new ice rink scheduled to open in the fall of 2025 at Mylan Park.

A bigger space for a program on the rise.

“You know, now it’s kind of like playing for a really big program,” said senior left wing Dawson Taylor. “It’s awesome now. You know it’s taking a turn in the right direction.”

WVU hockey club general manager Todd Gookin feels helps players even after they hang up the skates.

“Part of what we’re preaching here is, yeah, you’re coming here to play hockey” said Gookin. “But the big picture is you get to walk out of here with a degree. If we’re not accomplishing that, then we’re obviously missing. Why are we even here in the first place?”

Click here for more information about the WVU hockey club and when it teams will play.

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