Steelheads Celebrate Students at CWI Night

Published: March 3, 2026

The College of Western Idaho (CWI) community packed Idaho Central Arena once again on Wednesday, Feb. 25, for another exciting CWI Night as the Idaho Steelheads faced the Wichita Thunder.

The Steelheads opened the scoring late in the first period and carried that momentum into the second, extending their lead to take a two-goal advantage. Despite the strong start, the Thunder battled back to claim a 3-2 win in a tightly contested matchup that kept fans engaged until the final buzzer.

While the final score did not fall in the Steelheads’ favor, the impact of the night reached far beyond the ice.

Throughout the game, CWI proudly highlighted its Public Safety programs, including Fire Service Technology and Law Enforcement. Fans had the opportunity to learn more about the hands-on training and career pathways that prepare students to serve and protect communities across Idaho.

One of the biggest cheers of the evening came during the second intermission when CWI student Laura Perkins was selected as the $1,000 SCORE Big Scholarship recipient. Perkins is working towards to completing the prerequisites to apply for CWI's Occupational Therapy Assistant program.

“This scholarship means so much to me,” Perkins shared. “I am finishing up my second semester at CWI and this scholarship means that I can spend more time studying and less time working to pay for school costs. It felt amazing to win the scholarship. I was so excited that my name was picked.”

Funded in part through CWI Night group ticket sales, the scholarship helps students stay focused on their education and career goals.

The next CWI Night is set for March 25 when the Idaho Steelheads take on the South Carolina Stingrays. Join fellow students, faculty, staff, and supporters for another night of hockey and impact. As always, $5 from every CWI group ticket sold goes directly to student scholarships. Grab your tickets, wear your CWI gear, and help students score big this season.

The fun does not stop at CWI Nights. Discounted tickets are available to the CWI community for all Steelheads home games throughout the season, offering even more chances to show CWI pride while cheering on the Steelheads!

CWI Nights

More from CWI

Student holding a large check in front of crowd

CWI Night spotlights programs, students, and community as Steelheads claim a 3-2 overtime win.

Read more about Big Win and Big Impact at CWI Night
Person holding a large check stands in front of group people

CWI fans packed Idaho Central Arena for CWI Night as the Steelheads won 4–3, celebrating school spirit, scholarships, and community support for student success.

Read more about CWI Nights Celebrates Students at Idaho Steelheads
Man in cowboy hat in field with building behind him

A CWI scholarship helped Stuart Tice find his path in agriculture and return to support hands-on learning for future students.

Read more about The Lasting Impact of a Scholarship
Three students at a table, studying

Each year, the Foundation awards hundreds of scholarships to support students enrolled in both academic and career technical programs.

Read more about Scholarships Open for 2026-2027 Academic Year
Your gift can change a student's life

Invest in CWI students’ success and unlock a $100 match when you begin a new recurring gift before Dec. 31.

Read more about Your Gift Can Change a Student’s Life
Four people standing together holding a check

Pleasant Valley Solar 2 partners committed $187,500 to CWI for a new workforce scholarship supporting career-focused education and strengthening Idaho’s local talent pipeline.

Read more about Local First – Pleasant Valley Solar 2 Scholarship Powers Student Success
Audrey Eldridge standing in hallway

Small, consistent acts of generosity can add up to lasting impact. That’s the idea behind the new CWI Sustainer Giving Program, a simple, meaningful way for anyone who believes in CWI’s...

Read more about Fuel Student Success: Become a CWI Sustainer
Mackenzie Nash holds a giant check on the ice

CWI fans packed Idaho Central Arena for CWI Night as the Steelheads won 5–2, celebrating school spirit, scholarships, and community support for student success.

Read more about CWI Kicks Off Steelheads Season with School Spirit and Scholarship Win
A group of people stand on a staircase smiling and holding a large ceremonial check

Westmark Credit Union committed $35K to CWI to support the new Health and Science Building and invest in education and student success.

Read more about Partnering for Progress – Westmark and CWI Unite for Student Success
Woman holding up paddle to bid

Community spirit shined bright as supporters came together for CWI Foundation’s Opening Doors Scholarship Event, raising funds to help students achieve a brighter future.

Read more about Opening Doors Event Raises $243K for Students
Person raising a bid paddle with the number 481 during an auction event, with string lights and attendees in the background.

The College of Western Idaho Foundation is opening its annual Opening Doors online auction Sept. 15 to support student scholarships.

Read more about Opening Doors Online Auction Open Sept. 15 – 28
Table at event

Individual tickets are available to purchase to attend College of Western Idaho Foundation's annual Opening Doors Scholarship Event on Friday, Sept. 26.

Read more about Tickets Available for Opening Doors Scholarship Events

News QR Code

URL: https://cwi.edu/node/30431/?utm_source=QR<br>