What Makes Montclair Hockey Special? Meet the MSU Players Giving Back On and Off the Ice
What makes a hockey rink special?
People might point to the ice, the competition, or the facilities. But when we asked several members of the MSU Men’s Hockey team who also work and coach at Montclair State University Arena, their answers had very little to do with hockey itself.
Instead, they talked about friendships. Community. Kids.
And a rink that started to feel like home.
For these student-athletes, Montclair State University Arena isn’t simply where they play. It’s become part of their daily lives — a place where they work, coach, build relationships, and help shape the experience for the next generation of players.
A Rink That Feels Like Home
When players talked about what makes Montclair special, one theme came up again and again: the people.
For Braden Ryan, that feeling developed over years spent in the building. After balancing life as an MSU Men’s Hockey player while also being involved at the arena, he reflected on how much the rink has become part of his experience.
“MSU Ice Arena is really special and it’s like a second home… I’m in here every single day every single week for the last four years at this point so it just means a lot to be part of my experience and it’s a great place to be.”
That feeling wasn’t unique. Jason Angotti described the atmosphere at the arena as something that feels bigger than just work or hockey.
“Everyone around here… it’s kind of a family. It just makes me feel like I’ve been working here my whole life.”
Other players reflected on that same sense of connection in different ways.
Aidan Cox talked about how welcoming the environment feels and how easy it is to connect with people throughout the building.
Antonio Crispino spoke about how much the people around the arena shape the experience and make it enjoyable to be part of.
Lucas Longo reflected on the variety of opportunities and roles within the arena and how every person contributes to creating the experience families and players see when they walk through the doors.
Together, their reflections painted a similar picture: Montclair State University Arena isn’t simply where they spend time. It’s a place where relationships are built and people genuinely enjoy being part of the community.
The Moments That Matter Most
When players reflected on their favorite memories at Montclair State University Arena, most didn’t talk about goals or championships.
They talked about people. Friendships. And watching younger players grow.
For Braden Ryan, one of his favorite memories didn’t come as a player on the MSU Men’s Hockey team — it came while coaching a Jr Redhawks House League team.
He reflected on a season where the team made the playoffs. Even though they didn’t win their first playoff game, that wasn’t what stood out most. What he remembered was watching players commit to the season, show up for each other, and build friendships along the way.
“They had fun the entire season. Every practice, everyone showed up to every single game and at the end of the year they had a team party and just seeing the smiles on their face… they made a whole new group of friends.”
That moment stuck with him because it captured something bigger than hockey. The season wasn’t defined by the final result.
It was defined by confidence built over time, friendships formed in the locker room, and players finding a place where they wanted to come back each week.
That’s part of what makes House League such an important part of the Montclair hockey experience.
It creates opportunities for players to develop skills, build confidence, and become part of a community that extends well beyond the ice.
And according to the players helping coach and support those experiences, those are often the moments people remember most.
Giving Back Beyond the Game
What stood out most throughout these conversations was how many of these student-athletes continue giving back to the hockey community outside of their own team experience.
Several members of the MSU Men’s Hockey team also coach and work throughout Montclair State University Arena, helping support youth programs and create positive experiences for younger players.
That visibility matters.
Younger players see college athletes coaching practices, working events, and spending time around the rink. And for many of the players, it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of being involved.
The culture isn’t built by one team or one program.
It’s built by players, coaches, staff, and families who continue showing up for one another.
More Than Hockey
The conversations with these MSU student-athletes revealed something simple.
Montclair hockey isn’t just about what happens during the game. It’s about the friendships built over time.
The relationships between older and younger players. The coaches who invest in kids. The staff who make families feel welcome. And the feeling that the rink becomes a place people want to come back to.
That’s what makes Montclair special. And that’s what makes it more than hockey.
Interested in becoming part of the Montclair hockey community?
Explore youth hockey league and development opportunities at Montclair State University Arena and discover where confidence, friendships, and hockey memories are built.
