OGDEN, Utah \u2014 The Weber State club hockey team has a 38-2 record and a shot at a national championship. Now, they are rallying community support to help fund their trip to compete in St. Louis.<\/p>\n
Unlike NCAA Division I programs, club teams do not receive much institutional funding or attention.<\/p>\n
“We are a self-funded team, so everyone has to pay dues and that’s how we travel throughout the year,” senior Kevin Norwood said.<\/p>\n
Despite the financial challenges, the players say they compete for something bigger than themselves.<\/p>\n
“It’s not yourself. You’re not playing for yourself. You’re playing for the guy that’s sitting to your right and left on the bench,” freshman Cooper James said.<\/p>\n
The team has built a loyal fan base in northern Utah. Misty Huffaker and her husband have followed the team for years.<\/p>\n
“I love watching these guys just go at it and be the best that they can be out there. It’s amazing to watch,” Huffaker said.<\/p>\n
It was Huffaker who reached out to let FOX 13 News know about the team’s fundraising effort.<\/p>\n
“I feel just pride, and I’m just like, ‘Let’s go, let’s go get ’em, guys,'” Huffaker said.<\/p>\n
Her husband, Troy Huffaker, has no doubts about the team’s potential.<\/p>\n
“They’re unstoppable this year,” Troy Huffaker said.<\/p>\n
The players say the fan support pushes them to perform.<\/p>\n
“It makes you want to play harder for the logo on your chest,” James said.<\/p>\n
Norwood said the backing from the community means everything to the team.<\/p>\n
“It makes it so much more fun to go play in front of fans instead of just an empty rink. Just you feel the support helps you through everything,” Norwood said.<\/p>\n
The team departs for the national club tournament in St. Louis on Tuesday.<\/p>\n