Helena Hosts Week of Sports, Youth Shooters, Wildfire Preparedness Events

Helena-area organizations and venues were busy this week with events that drew college athletes, youth competitors, volunteers, and residents focused on wildfire preparedness.

The Montana Cup tournament took place at Steed Arena from Thursday, January 8 through Saturday, January 10. Four American Collegiate Hockey Association programs met in a mini-tournament designed to determine a state champion among ACHA teams. The University of Montana Griz met the Providence Argos on Thursday at 7:00 p.m., and the Montana State Bobcats faced the Montana Tech Orediggers on Friday at 7:00 p.m. Winners of those matchups played in a championship game Saturday at 7:00 p.m. The schedule concentrated regional college hockey competition in Helena over three nights, drawing attention to collegiate club sports as a contributor to local recreation and arena revenue.

Also on Saturday, January 10, the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds hosted the 4-H Shooting Sports Invitational from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Youth from across the Helena area competed in 3-D Archery, Target Archery, and Air Pistol and Air Rifle events, demonstrating skills taught through 4-H programs while emphasizing safe and responsible handling of firearms and archery equipment. Online registration had closed ahead of the event, but organizers accepted onsite registrations Saturday for $25. Event coordinators were still seeking volunteers to support competition logistics and safety oversight, underscoring the role of community volunteers in sustaining youth development programs.

Looking ahead, Tri-County Firesafe will host a community awareness event Monday, January 12, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Blackfoot River Brewing Co. Organizers frame the evening as preparation for the upcoming fire season, offering information on prevention and mitigation for residents. The event will include trivia, prizes, and activities for children. As part of local fundraising, $1 from every beer sold that night will be contributed to the Tri-County Firesafe Working Group. The timing of the event — before Montana’s fire season — reflects a broader push among local groups to build community resilience and to engage residents in mitigation measures outside of peak wildfire months.

Together these events illustrate how recreational, educational, and civic organizations intersect in Helena. Collegiate sporting events support local venues and community identity, 4-H programs provide hands-on youth education with public-safety implications, and wildfire preparedness efforts rely on outreach and volunteer capacity. Residents seeking to participate or volunteer should note onsite registration and donation details provided by event organizers.