You’re walking through downtown Springfield on a Friday night. It’s freezing, maybe even spitting a little sleet, and you see a crowd of students and locals huddling toward a nondescript building near Jordan Valley Park. They aren't going to a bar or a concert. They’re going to watch Missouri State University hockey. Honestly, if you haven't been to an Ice Bears game yet, you're missing out on the most electric atmosphere in Southwest Missouri sports that doesn't involve a Division I football helmet.
The Myth of the Club Sport
Let’s get one thing straight right away because people get this wrong all the time. Yes, the Missouri State Ice Bears are technically a "club" team. But don't let that label fool you into thinking this is some intramural group of guys playing pond hockey for fun.
The Ice Bears compete in the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA), specifically in Men's Division 1 and Division 3. D1 ACHA hockey is basically the equivalent of high-level NCAA Division III. These guys are recruited. They have grueling practice schedules. They travel across the country to play powerhouses like Maryville University and Minot State. In fact, it's often cited as the third-largest spectator sport at Missouri State, right behind football and basketball.
Where the Magic Happens: Brightspeed Ice Park
The team calls Brightspeed Ice Park (which many of us still instinctively call Jordan Valley Ice Park) home. It’s a multi-million dollar facility that opened back in 2001, and it's basically the heart of the Springfield hockey scene.
The arena seats about 1,100 people, which sounds small until you’re inside. When those seats are full and the "Bleacher Creatures" start chanting, the acoustics of the place turn it into a total pressure cooker. It’s loud. It’s cold. It’s exactly what hockey is supposed to be.
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The 2025-2026 Campaign
We’re currently deep into the 2025-2026 season, and things have been… interesting. Coming off a 2024-25 season where the team saw some heavy-hitting matchups against Maryville—who, let’s be real, have become a bit of a thorn in our side—the Ice Bears are looking to re-establish dominance in the Western Collegiate Hockey League (WCHL).
Under the leadership of Head Coach Tom Winkler, the D1 squad has been focusing on a more aggressive, physical style of play. Winkler came in with serious pedigree, including a stint as an assistant at Lindenwood (NCAA D1), and you can see that structural discipline on the ice. He’s the sixth head coach since the modern era of the program began in 2001, and he's been pushing a "player development" first culture.
Current Staff Breakdown:
- D1 Head Coach: Tom Winkler
- Assistant Coach/GM: Ryan Armstrong
- D3 Head Coach: Cody Blevins
The Roster: Local Talent Meets International Flair
If you look at the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 rosters, you'll notice a cool trend. There’s a massive St. Louis-to-Springfield pipeline. Guys like Will Baginski from Wildwood and Coby Weber from O'Fallon represent that gritty Missouri talent. But then you’ve got guys like Ross Jones from London, Ontario, or Sam Frederick from North Vancouver.
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It’s a weird, beautiful mix of Midwest grit and Canadian finesse.
The program actually runs two teams:
- The Varsity (D1): The heavy hitters. They play 32 to 36 games a year.
- The Junior Varsity (D3): This is where the depth comes from. It gives younger players or those still adjusting to the speed of college play a chance to develop. It’s not rare to see a guy start at D3 and work his way up to a starring role on the D1 roster by his junior year.
The Rivalry You Need to Know About
If you only go to one series a year, make it the one against Maryville University.
Honestly, the games against the Saints have become legendary for all the wrong (and right) reasons. As of early 2026, Maryville has had a bit of an edge, but the games are almost always decided by a single goal or a desperate empty-netter in the final seconds. There's real heat there. It's not just "school spirit"; these players often grew up playing with or against each other in the St. Louis AAA circuits.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Recruiting
A lot of people think you just show up to Missouri State and "join" the hockey team. Nope. Tryouts are intense, and because they are part of the ACHA, these athletes have to maintain a solid GPA—at least a 2.0, but most of the guys are well above that—to remain eligible. They’re balancing 12-15 credit hours with 6 a.m. skates and weekend bus rides to Colorado or Michigan.
They also pay to play. Unlike NCAA D1 programs where everything is a full ride, ACHA players often pay dues to cover travel, ice time, and gear. It's a "for the love of the game" situation that makes the intensity on the ice feel a bit more authentic.
How to Catch a Game
If you’re planning to head out, here’s the lowdown:
- Tickets: You can usually grab them at the door starting at 5:30 p.m. on game days.
- Timing: Friday and Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. are the bread and butter of the schedule.
- Gear: Wear maroon. If you don't have Missouri State gear, just wear something warm. It’s an ice rink, after all.
The "Ice Bear" Legacy
While MSU produces a ton of pro athletes in baseball and football—shoutout to Ryan Howard and John Goodman (who wasn't an athlete but is the ultimate Bear)—the hockey program is building its own history. Since joining D1 in 2015, they've made several National Tournament appearances (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022).
They aren't just "some club." They are a legitimate contender in the national ACHA landscape.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you're looking to dive into the world of Missouri State University hockey, don't just read about it. Here is how you actually get involved:
- Check the Official Schedule: Head over to
missouristatehockey.comto see the remaining home stands for the 2026 season. The home games are clustered, so if you miss one weekend, you might have to wait a month for the next one. - Follow the Socials: The team is surprisingly active on X (Twitter) and Instagram. They post live score updates, which is helpful because ACHA games aren't always on mainstream TV.
- Support the Booster Club: Since the team relies heavily on player fees and local support, joining the Ice Bears Booster Club or attending their events (like the "Baggin' For Bears" cornhole tournament) directly keeps the program alive.
- Show Up Early: For big games—especially the WCHL conference matchups—the stands fill up fast. If you want a seat near center ice, get to Brightspeed Ice Park at least 30 minutes before puck drop.