Ladies Hockey Nights Revive Women's Hockey in Big Sky

MT64 Hockey Association hosts female-only hockey nights at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink to grow the sport among all ages and skill levels.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 10:07pm

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The MT64 Hockey Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making hockey more accessible, is hosting weekly Ladies Hockey Nights at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink in Big Sky, Montana. The female-only sessions, led by coaches Katherine Berasi and Logan DuComb, aim to provide a safe and welcoming environment for women and girls of all skill levels to learn and play hockey. The program offers loaner gear and works with providers in Bozeman to acquire more equipment. Participation has grown each week, with at least a dozen ladies attending the January 25th session.

Why it matters

Women's hockey has historically lacked the same level of support and opportunities as men's hockey, especially in smaller communities like Big Sky. These Ladies Hockey Nights aim to change that by creating a dedicated space for female players to develop their skills and passion for the sport without the pressure of competing against men. The program also helps feed the pipeline for women's hockey, potentially inspiring the next generation of players.

The details

The MT64 Hockey Association, a nonprofit in its second season, is spearheading the Ladies Hockey Nights at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink. The sessions are open to women and girls of all ages and skill levels, with a focus on creating a safe, supportive, and female-centric environment. The association provides loaner gear to help participants get started, and works with providers in Bozeman to acquire more equipment. Figure skating coach Abby Skane from the Montana State Figure Skating Club will also attend one of the ladies' nights on February 8th.

  • The Ladies Hockey Nights launched in January 2026.
  • The next Ladies Hockey Night is scheduled for February 8, 2026.

The players

Katherine Berasi

A coach leading the Ladies Hockey Nights at the MT64 Hockey Association.

Logan DuComb

A coach leading the Ladies Hockey Nights at the MT64 Hockey Association. She has been playing hockey in Big Sky for the past seven years.

Abby Skane

A figure skating coach with the Montana State Figure Skating Club who will attend one of the Ladies Hockey Nights.

Joseph McFadden

The hockey director for the MT64 Hockey Association, which is organizing the Ladies Hockey Nights.

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What they’re saying

“No bros, no dudes, no dads, no men, no boys (ladies only)”

— MT64 Hockey Association

“There's great growth in the game right now at the amateur level in Montana with girls or at the collegiate level throughout the United States.”

— Joseph McFadden, Hockey Director, MT64 Hockey Association

“When I came here almost two years ago… after previously coaching in Salmon [Idaho] I noticed the lack of support for girls.”

— Katherine Berasi, Coach, MT64 Hockey Association

“Since I've been here there hasn't been a whole lot of opportunities for kids, and I think over the last two to three years that has changed a lot and it's really great to be able to have a specific girls practice.”

— Logan DuComb, Coach, MT64 Hockey Association

“The coolest part is seeing the sunset over it… every time that you're there it is incredible.”

— Abby Skane, Figure Skating Coach, Montana State Figure Skating Club

What’s next

The MT64 Hockey Association plans to continue hosting the Ladies Hockey Nights every Sunday at the Marty Pavelich Ice Rink, with the goal of growing participation and inspiring more women and girls to take up the sport.

The takeaway

The Ladies Hockey Nights in Big Sky demonstrate the power of creating dedicated, supportive spaces for women to participate in traditionally male-dominated sports. By providing a welcoming environment, access to equipment, and skilled female coaches, the program aims to revive and sustain women's hockey in the community for years to come.