Skip to content

Montana Youth Hockey Team Advances to Nationals

The team is made up of 20 players from across Montana, including five from the Flathead Valley

By Beacon Staff

A youth hockey team of players from across Montana is traveling to North Carolina to compete in the national championship tournament.

The Montana Thunderblades qualified for the 14U Tier-II USA Hockey National Championships in Charlotte, North Carolina, March 31-April 4. 

The team is made up of 20 players from across Montana, including five from the Flathead Valley — Max Kowalka, Luke Kowalka, George Herne, Carson White and Douglas Mercer. Butch Kowalka, the former coach and general manager of the Glacier Nationals junior hockey team in Whitefish, is a coach for the Thunderblades.

Keeping you connected to Northwest Montana.

Whether you’ve been here for decades, or you’re new to the Flathead Valley, our reporting is here to help you feel smarter and in the loop about the issues most important to Northwest Montana. With your support, we can build a more engaged, informed community.

Become a Member