Snow Ghosts skate into first season with style
JULIE ENGLER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 hour, 9 minutes AGO
Whitefish High Senior Luke Healy skates the puck into the offensive zone towards the Bozeman Icedogs goal. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Whitefish High Senior Ole Ulvin keeps the puck in the offesnive zone at the blue line. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Polson High Junior Zayne Newman blocks a shot from the Bozeman Icedoge. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Glacier High Junior Bowman Carlson works to screen the Bozemam Icedogs goalie for a shooting opportunity for the Snow Ghosts. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Whitefish High Senior Cullen Wallce battles in the corner with Bozeman Icedogs for possesion of the puck. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Whitefish High Senior Ole Ulvin keeps the puck in the offesnive zone at the blue line.. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Jase Rigler scores the first goal against Kimberly on Saturday. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Weston Lindsey battles for the puck against the Kimberly Dynamite. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Gus Kasavana holds the blue line keeping the puck in the offensive zone. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Julie Engler covers Whitefish City Hall and writes community features for the Whitefish Pilot. She earned master's degrees in fine arts and education from the University of Montana. She can be reached at [email protected] or 406-882-3505. | October 28, 2026 1:00 AM
The first snow ghosts of the season were spotted at Stumptown Ice Den last weekend, as the newly formed Snow Ghosts hockey team began its inaugural season.
Glacier Avalanche Hockey Association and the Flathead Valley Hockey Association merged to form the Northwest Snow Ghosts this summer.
On Friday, the U11 team took to the ice and on Saturday, the varsity team played the Bozeman Ice Dogs.
Poised, mature and respectful aren't necessarily the first words that come to mind when thinking about a high school hockey player, but that was, indeed, the vibe of a pair of Snow Ghost varsity team leaders prior to Saturday's game.
Whitefish High School seniors Ole Ulvin and Cullen Wallace have been playing hockey since they were about 5 years old. The two have continued to hone their skills over the years. This year, the former Flathead Fusion players don new uniforms and a new name, Snow Ghosts.
Head Coach Mike Lempiainen said it made sense to merge the hockey teams. The change doesn't affect the drive of his players.
"I coached these two guys last year," Lempiainen said. "They were amazing last year and, like Colin said, it's the same goal this year. Different name but same culture, same goal — keep fighting for that goal."
Part of the team's culture includes the players dressing for success on game day, with shirts and ties.
"Look good, play good," Wallace said.
Wallace is a center and Ulvin plays defense, though when asked, Wallace said the defenseman scores more goals. They are both team leaders and have been on the team for the most seasons.
"I think we have a really good team this year, and just looking forward to having a fun year," Ulvin said. "I think we can be good and just winning. That's what I'm looking forward to, really."
Wallace's family has been involved with the hockey scene since the beginning, so he said it's in his bloodline. He's looking forward to "finally getting the first and second place game instead of being stuck in third and fourth. Hopefully, make that next step."
The Snow Ghosts were prepared to face the Bozeman Ice Dogs.
"They've had our number a couple for the last couple years, but I mean, should be pretty fun game," Wallace said.
The Snow Ghosts beat the Ice Dogs, 7-6, and Ulvin contributed a goal to the win. Teammate, senior Luke Healy added a brace.
Both captains have plans to play hockey at the next level after high school.
"I definitely want to play on, wherever that is," Ulvin said. "Just go as far as I can."
Follow the team at snowghosthockey.com or on Instagram @snowghosthockey.
Reporter Julie Engler can be reached at 406-862-3505 or [email protected]. If you value local journalism, pledge your support at whitefishpilot.com/support.
Polson High Junior Zayne Newman blocks a shot from the Bozeman Icedogs. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Glacier High Junior Bowman Carlson works to screen the Bozeman Icedogs goalie for a shooting opportunity for the Snow Ghosts. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Whitefish High Senior Cullen Wallce battles in the corner with Bozeman Icedogs for possession of the puck. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Whitefish High Senior Ole Ulvin keeps the puck in the offensive zone at the blue line. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Jase Rigler scores the first goal against Kimberly on Saturday. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Weston Lindsey battles for the puck against the Kimberly Dynamite. (Amanda Hayes photo)
Gus Kasavana holds the blue line keeping the puck in the offensive zone. (Amanda Hayes photo)ARTICLES BY JULIE ENGLER
Snow Ghosts skate into first season with style
The first snow ghosts of the season were spotted at Stumptown Ice Den last weekend, as the newly formed Snow Ghosts hockey team began its inaugural season.
Whitefish soccer teams to play for State A titles
The Whitefish girls and boys soccer teams will compete for state titles after notching wins in the Class A semifinal round on Saturday at Smith Fields.
Photo: Water tank rises in Whitefish
The tank for the Whitefish south water tower was hoisted on Thursday, Oct. 8.