The Bismarck Bobcats Balance Player Development With Supporting the Community

One of the best ways to spend a night out in Bismarck-Mandan is at a Bobcats game. The  Bismarck Bobcats are part of the North American Hockey League. They are also the reigning Robertson Cup National Champions. However, the Bobcats offer more than a fun night for North Dakota families; they also invest heavily in the development of the 16-20-year-old players they recruit and develop.

“All of our players have a dream to play college hockey and potentially go further,” says Thom Brigl, Owner of the Bismarck Bobcats. “Our level of hockey is very high, and players come from around the world to join our team.” 
Keep reading to learn about the Bobcats and why this team is worth cheering on. 

Junior Hockey Helps Players Get Recruited to College Teams

Hockey is a little different from other college sports. Teenagers can enter the junior league at 16 and play until they age out at 20. During that time, they can complete high school (many enroll in online coursework) and will try to get noticed by NCAA teams.

“We can have up to 24 players on our roster, and nine have been recruited by Division 1 schools this year,” says Brigl. “Last year, 14 players went on to play at D1 schools.”

There are 366 NCAA schools across the country, which include some of the best hockey teams at the university level. Playing for the Bobcats can create pathways to college, opening doors to scholarships and potentially leading to professional hockey careers.

The Bobcats do not get paid for their time on the ice. However, the team covers virtually all other costs. They cover the costs of equipment, gear, and various other needs. Due to league regulations, they do not pay for housing, but the billet (housing) families are paid by the players.  

The Bobcats Have Grown Into a Major Presence in Bismarck 

When Brigl first started working with the team, the Bobcats were struggling. He was initially brought in as a consultant but eventually took ownership of the team. In the decades since he stepped in, the staff has worked with local businesses to secure sponsorships and has grown the player training, practice, and development methods. 

“Once we started winning, our fanbase began to grow,” says Brigl. “Larger crowds attracted more sponsors. We used to drive around town selling the idea of sponsoring the Bobcats, but many companies approach us now.”  

Today, it’s not uncommon for Bobcats games to sell out with crowds of 1,500. Each game is more than a sporting event, it’s an evening of entertainment with music, games, props, and countless ways to engage fans. Home games kick off with players skating through a 30-foot inflatable bobcat and past 16-foot flames. With the music pounding and lights flashing, it’s impossible not to feel the excitement.  

Players Give Back Throughout the Year

Brigl says there are three key tenets of Bobcats hockey: developing young men into quality hockey players, creating an entertaining experience for families, and investing in the Bismarck community. When Bobcats players aren’t on the ice, they are found around town, visiting senior homes and volunteering in schools, as examples.  

“The Bobcats have become part of the fabric of the community in North Dakota,” says Brigl. “We want to show the players that there is more to life than hockey.”

These efforts also connect Bobcats players to the greater Bismarck-Mandan community. Players come from across the United States and abroad. In recent years, the Bobcats have had international representation from Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, Kazakhstan, and Sweden. Giving back builds a connection between the players and the Cities of Bismarck and Mandan, while also helping residents get to know these young men better. 

Bobcats Hockey Runs From September to April 

There’s still plenty of time to cheer on the Bismarck Bobcats this season. Home games run through April (and then go into the playoffs) in the VFW Sports Center at 1200 N Washington St. Residents can buy tickets on the Bismarck Bobcats app or buy online. There’s also the Bobcat Hotline at 701-390-7422 to order by phone.

The Bobcats highlight the best of Bismarck. They combine youth development with community involvement and entertainment. They continue to Make Their Mark on the Bismarck-Mandan region. Explore other family activities in Central North Dakota and see how you can Make Your Mark here.