Ice hockey may be making its return to BYU-Idaho as students and local community members work together to rebuild interest in the sport.

Years ago, the university had to discontinue its hockey program due to a lack of locations for a rink. Now, with the opening of the Neutral Zone ice rink in Rexburg, new opportunities have emerged for the school. According to Erin Stoddard, a second-year automotive engineering major and employee at the Neutral Zone, the owner and managers of the rink have been in contact with BYUI about reviving a hockey league with strong student involvement.

"They really want BYUI students involved," Stoddard said. "They've been working with the campus recreation team to get things figured out."

The process began with an email survey sent to students to gauge interest in ice hockey making a comeback. After seeing promising responses, organizers held an initial interest meeting on campus. Around 25 students attended the meeting to brainstorm what a potential league may look like.

During the meeting, students discussed topics such as team structure, equipment needs, whether teams should be co-ed or separate and what level of experience participants might have. The group also formed a student leadership council to help guide the process, and Stoddard volunteered to join.

Interest in a team has continued to grow. At the second meeting held, even more students showed up to learn about the possibility of playing organized hockey in Rexburg.

"They need to get people's names; they needed to get people to show genuine interest so they can get approved for budgeting," Stoddard said.

If approved, practices and games would take place at the Neutral Zone. Organizers have yet to decide if teams would be co-ed or separated by gender, as that decision will be based on the number of students who sign up.

The proposed league would also aim to make the teams accessible to beginners. Students would only need to provide their own skates, which can be rented at the Neutral Zone if needed. All other equipment, including protective gear from helmets to shin guards and a hockey stick, would be provided.

For students who are new to skating, additional opportunities may soon be available. The Learn to Skate USA program is planning to open a chapter in Rexburg, offering multi-week classes designed to teach skating basics and build confidence for both children and adults.

Safety is also a high priority for the organizers. The league would be non-contact, meaning players would not be allowed to check (an aggressive defensive maneuver where a player uses their body to stop or separate an opponent from the puck) or engage in any kind of fighting.

Organizers hope to launch the full intramural league within the next year. However, there is a possibility that a smaller three-on-three format could begin sooner while the proposed program continues to grow.

Stoddard, who has played hockey for many years, says the return of the sport would mean a lot to her and many other students.

"I've been playing hockey for a while; it's really important to me. Especially female involvement," Stoddard said. "I really wanted to make sure I was inserting myself so that it's the best for everyone. I want it to happen in a way everyone can enjoy it."

If enough students show interest, the organizers hope to eventually create a full competitive intramural experience with tryouts, coaches, and teams.

"All we need to do is get the ball rolling, and then students will flock to it," Stoddard said. "I think there will be a lot of interest from a lot of students."

Students do not need prior experience to participate.

"You don't need to have experience to get into it," Stoddard said. "It's for everybody, guys and girls."

Students interested in supporting the effort can visit the campus recreation office in the Hyrum Manwaring Student Center, room 129, to add their names and show interest in the program.

Some students are already eager to see hockey return.

"I really hope they're able to make a hockey team work here," said Jake Merreli, a third-year recreation management student. "I miss playing, and I think it would be really fun."