Flathead Fusion boys hockey team members will have the honor of representing Montana on the national stage for the first time in the team’s history, and they’re out for redemption.

Five years ago, the team was slated to go to nationals, but they had to back out, leading to a five-year ban from nationals, dished out to the entire state of Montana by USA hockey.  

“So, this is the first year a Montana team has been allowed in five years,” said Brandon Cottrell, coach for the Fusion. “They’re letting us redeem ourselves, which we’re excited about." 

The Flathead Fusion is comprised of the valley’s best high school players, pulling from Kalispell to Bigfork, Columbia Falls and Whitefish.  

The team will be led at nationals by newly appointed captain senior Luke Nelson, who will fill in the shoes for previous caption Luke Sharpe.  

Sharpe graduated high school early last fall and has consequently been barred from playing for the high school team. Cottrell said that though they fought for play time, USA hockey strictly does not allow high school graduates to compete, regardless of age or if a player were to enroll in additional classes.  

Having Sharpe out “alters our performance a bit,” Cottrell said. “He was a great leader all season and he’s an exemplary kid.”  

The Flathead Fusion was selected by the Montana Amateur Hockey Association to represent the state at nationals.  

“In Montana, since hockey is so small, any and all teams can apply to go. Applications are reviewed by MAHA, who determine the team best fit for nationals that year,” Cottrell said.  

But before the Fusion heads to nationals in Irvine, California on March 24, they’ll be focused on a tight state tournament this weekend in Havre.  

“We’ve been in a bit of a lull the last half of the season,” Cottrell said. “State will be interesting. The league is very competitive this year. It’s been even battles all year.”  

After state, the Fusion will fly into Irvine March 24. They begin play with one game on March 26 and one on March 27. There is the potential to play two games a day on March 28-29 depending on how the team fares. The championship and third-fourth place game will both be on March 30. 

The team is relying on community fundraising to help support their trip. As of last weekend, they had raised about $5,000 and are hoping to get to around $10,000 to help cover hotel, travel and gear costs.  

The team expressed appreciation for Fatt Boys for hosting a bingo night fundraiser last week. The bar and grill donated 15% of all sales to the team.  

“The energy was awesome, and the staff was an amazing help,” Cottrell said. “The boys were running from table to table in their jerseys selling bingo cards and raffle tickets. Everyone who showed up to help had a great attitude.” 

    Flathead Fusion player Ty Crofts at the game against Bozeman at the Ice Den March 7. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    An official steps in the middle of a full team tussle as the Flathead Fusion boys hockey team plays Bozeman Friday at the Ice Den. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Captain Luke Nelson, a senior at Glacier, plays for the Fusion at the Ice Den on March 7. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)