Supporters of the Flathead Fusion boys high school hockey team packed the Stumptown Ice Den in Whitefish on Friday as the team honored seniors and played a tough game against Helena, losing 3-4.  

“That was a great hockey game if I ever saw one,” said Brandon Cottrell, varsity head coach of the hockey team. “Both teams played all out and either team could have won. I’m proud of my boys after that game.”  

The Fusion includes players from across the valley, combining the Flathead Valley and the Glacier Hockey associations.  

“We do our best to work together and get on the same program by high school so that they’re on the same level and style of play,” Cottrell said.  

The Fusion started the season strong with a 5-0 record. After Friday’s game against Helena followed by another 1-3 loss to Helena on Sunday, the team sits at 7-6.  

Season play begins in November and runs through March, with five games remaining. 

“We’re very young, but in my four years of coaching, this is the most skilled and talented we’ve been,” Cottrell said, citing team bonding and having skilled players work together more as a reason for success.  

The league, with four teams, has been elevated this year as well.  

“Any of the four teams could take state this year,” Cottrell said.  

“You get more kids involved, and then more kids are going to find ways to get creative,” Cottrell said. “There’s also a lot of good new coaches in the league this year.”  

The five seniors that were honored prior to Friday’s game were Ty Crofts, Jack Muhlfeld, Luke Sharpe, Luke Nelson and JJ Person.  

Sharpe grew up playing for the Flathead Valley Hockey Association out of Kalispell and is the team’s captain this year. 

“He’s a phenomenal leader by example,” Cottrell said. “He always works hard, doesn’t get in trouble and has top grades/ You always know the performance you’re going to get from him on the ice, which is everything he’s got.” 

Muhlfeld from Whitefish, played for Glacier Hockey Association in his younger years before playing for AAA teams, the highest level of hockey before playing junior hockey. Muhlfeld has been a standout senior, Cottrell said.  

“This season is the first time he’s played in his hometown in a few years,” Cottrell said. “Right before he came back [to play at home,] he was playing for a Junior A team. He’s been a huge help this year.”  

Muhlfeld is working up plans to play hockey at MSU next year, Cottrell said.

    Ty Crofts, senior #8, plays for the Flathead Fusion v. Helena on Jan. 18. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

Jack Muhlfeld of Whitefish plays for the Flathead Fusion hockey team on Jan. 18. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)

    Nolan Middleton and Harrison Trufant, both from Whitefish,play for the Flathead Fusion v. Helena at the Ice Den on Jan. 18 (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)