Hockey team granted Capitol and Support Fund request for $5,000
The Utah State University Club Hockey team requested $5,000 from the Capitol and Support fund to help pay for the team’s trip to the national championship. The hockey team will compete March 18-22 at West Chester, PA in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) Division 2.
The Utah State University Student Association (USUSA) discussed the request in Tuesday’s executive council meeting and approved the request. Coach Jon Eccles as well as members from the team attended the meeting to answer questions and lobby support.
Total cost for the nationals’ trip was estimated to be around $28,000 to $30,000 for airfare, lodging, meals, transportation and practice ice, according to the request, for 25 players, one trainer and one coach.
“This is the third time the USU Club Hockey Team has qualified to attend a national tournament,” the Capitol and Support request read. The Capitol and Support funds would assist with airfare, hotels and rental cars.
Each year, members of the hockey team pay dues and tryout fees for the season, which runs from September through mid-March. When the team travels to away games, the players are often paying for at least two of their meals, as stated in the request.
These costly conditions are among other reasons listed in the formal request for the funding money. Team members are also required to pay for their own gear, including an average of five to eight hockey sticks each player goes through in a season.
Eccles praised the team for their hard work and effort to make this season a success. Additional senators echoed the praise after the second reading of the request.
“I am beyond thrilled that we could support the USU Hockey team. I am excited for the team to represent USU at nationals. Each individual player pays over $1,200 to play on the team. It was nice to know we helped these students cut the cost for them to go to nationals,” said Athletics and Campus Rec VP Thomas Rogers.
Money is granted from the Capitol and Support fund only when all other options to raise money through fundraising or other means have been exhausted. Eccles explained that the team had already raised $5,800 for the trip through various means, including asking businesses around the county for donations.
Co-sponsors included Organization and Campus Diversity VP Luis Armenta, USU Club Hockey team Co-president Alex Herman, USU Club Hockey team President Christian Vivian and USU Club Hockey team member Jake Laub.
Since the team was leaving in the morning, the executive council approved the first and second reading and the request.
— a.r.stilson@gmail.com