Sam Feamster might be playing junior hockey in Montana this season, but the Pueblo native is finding himself in familiar surroundings.

A high-end forward for the NA3HL’s Helena Bighorns, Feamster was recently tabbed the league’s forward of the month for September and also picked up weekly honors last week.

Needless to say, Feamster’s confidence is booming through the early part of the 2021-22 season.

“I first heard about Helena from co-owner Mike Greene who was already putting the team together last February,” Feamster said. “He was my 16U coach in Colorado Springs and one of my favorite coaches of all time. I was considering a few options at the time, but I knew that I couldn’t go wrong with playing for him again. He also recruited about 10 players that I have played with in the past and am very close with. I knew it would be a great team. Mike Greene knows how to get better, win, and have fun all at the same time, and I am so thankful for this opportunity opening up because of him.”

“I loved the idea of playing with my former teammates who I know are all great people and hockey players. I knew from the start that we were going to have a team with a high potential this season. I made my decision mostly on that, but I was also attracted to the NA3HL because of its history of giving opportunity to play college hockey.”

Last month, Feamster racked up eight goals and four assists in four games, finding the scoresheet multiple times in each game and notching two hat tricks in that span. Feamster potted five goals and two assists, including one of his hat tricks, during opening weekend against Sheridan, then posted two helpers against Butte, and capped off the month with another hat trick, this time against Bozeman.

“To be recognized as the forward of the month in the NA3HL was a rewarding and humbling experience,” Feamster said. “I have gone through a lot of adversity over the past two seasons but have still kept my focus on being the best player I can be at all times. I know what my potential is, and it is motivating to receive recognition like that. I am thankful for the honor and more thankful that I have so many teammates, owners, family, and coaches around me to make it possible.”

During the 2020-21 season, Feamster stayed home for junior hockey and skated for his hometown Pueblo Bulls of the USPHL.

“Last season was a very difficult one for me, but I am thankful that I have that experience for this season,” Feamster said. “I know how to better approach the game from a mental side of things. I know how hard hockey can be at times and am so thankful for our team and coaches this season. I am in a position now to be a leader and be able to encourage the boys every day no matter what role they play on the team. I know what it is like to play all different roles on a team, and I try to use that experience to motivate our guys this season.”

Feamster said he started playing hockey when he was about five years old in his hometown.

“I grew up constantly holding a mini stick and playing floor hockey,” said Feamster. “I loved scoring goals and was blessed to be able to start competitive hockey at a young age. My mom and dad have always done everything they can to give me every opportunity available in the hockey world. I have always been an Avs fan, but my dad is the real reason I started to love the game. Because of him, I grew up and am still a huge Chicago Blackhawks fan. 

Playing for the Pueblo Panthers until he was 12 years old, Feamster said he “fell in love with the game more and more every year there.”

“Dave Lambert was an awesome coach and role model to me during that time,” said Feamster. “At 13, I started playing for Mike Greene and the Colorado Springs Tigers Bantam AA program. I started to see, grow, and learn what it was like to play against and with top-notch players. I then played 15U and 16U for the Tigers for Mike Greene again. Over the course of those four seasons, I grew so much and started to understand what it means to be a hockey player, not just to play hockey. During that time and the past few summers, Kevin Holmstrom and Joey Carroll have had a big impact on me as well, helping me take my game to another level.

“I have been blessed to be able to work with and learn from Mike Greene, Kevin Holmstrom, and Joey Carroll.”

Going forward, Feamster knows he’ll have more options for the future.

“My No. 1 goal in hockey is to reach my full potential in the ability God has given me to play this game and glorify Him through doing so,” said Feamster. “I want to earn an opportunity to play at a high level of college hockey next season and am considering business or physical therapy as my major.”

— Matt Mackinder

(October 14, 2021)