"Boys from Bozeman" Find New Ways to Win

Published on November 24, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The Bozeman ICEDOGS have had one-goal games this season, or games taken down to the wire. They have even had a few overtimes and shootouts, but none have been more exciting than this past weekend when the "Boys from Bozeman" pulled out victories in the last two minutes, three games in a row. The weekend of exciting finishes propelled the ICEDOGS into first place in the North American Hockey League, ahead of the US National Development Program.

Bozeman faced one of their toughest road trips of the season, with three games against the Central Division's top two teams. Friday night, the ‘DOGS traveled to Fargo for the first of two games against the Jets. The ‘DOGS jumped out to a two goal lead thanks to Quinn Ellingson's first period goal and Zach Josepher's second period tally. For both Ellingson and Josepher, it was their first NAHL goal.

Fargo fought back in the second and pulled with-in one with just 45 seconds to play in the period and in the third, they tied it up at two. Then the ICEDOGS went to work, determined to keep their 15 game winning streak alive, and found a way to get it done. With 2:14 left to play, Chris McKelvie intercepted a Fargo clearing attempt and drove behind the net on a wrap around attempt. Jet's goalie BJ O'Brien made the initial save, but failed to cover the puck. After second and third attempts to hammer home the loose puck, Jason Krispel found a hole between O'Brien's pads and the post for the game-winning goal. Pete Fylling added the insurance goal with just over a minute to play, giving the ‘DOGS the 4-2 victory.

Saturday night was even more exciting, as the ‘DOGS and the Jets exchanged the lead in the third period. Bozeman took the lead when Cody Omilusik scored the ICEDOGS tenth shorthanded goal of the season. On the same Jets power play, Fargo tied it up at one, 15 seconds after the Omilusik goal. In the second, again the ICEDOGS jumped out to the lead, this time on the power play, as Omilusik tallied his second goal of the game. Quinn Ellingson added his second assist of the game. This Bozeman lead lasted a little longer, but the Jets again tied the game to end the period, and in the third, took the lead when they scored the first shorthanded goal against the ICEDOGS this season. Trailing in the third period for only the fifth time this season, the ICEDOGS showed their determination, tying the game with 8:55 to play, setting the stage for the most exciting finish of the season.

With 6.1 seconds to play and a face-off in the Fargo zone, Coach John LaFontaine gave Josh Heidinger the face-off play, but Heids had something different in mind. "I gave him the play that I thought would give us a good scoring chance," Coach LaFontaine said after the game. "He skated away from the bench, then turned and yelled back ‘Sorry coach, I got this one.'" Heidinger called an audible and it worked. Off the draw, Heids pushed the puck forward and Cody Omilusik beat his man down the goal line and threw the puck towards the net. The puck bounced around in front and the ICEDOGS Quinn Ellingson batted it into the back of the net with 1.1 seconds left to play as the celebration began.

Sunday saw the ‘DOGS down the Blizzard in another last minute finish. The ICEDOGS took the early lead, only to see the Blizzard tie it up and eventually take the lead to end the first period. In the second, the ICEDOGS again put up a strong showing in the middle frame as they have done so many times this season. Three unanswered goals gave the ‘DOGS the lead, 4-2. However, in the third, it seemed as if the ICEDOGS were playing not to lose, rather than playing to win.

Minnesota came out charging and pinned the ICEDOGS deep in their defensive zone. Bozeman's goaltender Mike Jarboe held tough for the first 15 minutes of the period but at the 15:54 mark, the Blizzard finally got one past Jarboe to pull within one. Minutes later, they tied the game and set the stage for another thriller. With just over a minute to play, after icing the puck, the Blizzard used their timeout with the face-off in their defensive zone. Out of the timeout, the ICEDOGS had the play and the unit they wanted on the ice, and they got the job done. Pete Fylling controlled the draw and got the puck down low to Heidinger. Heids made a wrap around attempt that Blizzard goaltender Dustin Carlson stopped, but didn't control the rebound. Fylling grabbed the loose puck and wrapped around the other way. The initial shot hit the post but the rebound went right back on his stick for the tap in goal as Carlson was caught down on the far side, giving the ‘DOGS the 5-4 win.

"We find a way to win," Coach Kevin Stone said after the game. "They just never give up and battle to the end and every night it is someone different stepping up and making the big plays." The ICEDOGS improved their streak to 18 games with two tough contests next weekend. On Friday they welcome the Billing Bulls to The Valley Ice Garden on "Moonlight Basin" night. If the ICEDOGS are victorious in front of a sellout crowd (3,200), every fan will receive a FREE lift ticket to Moonlight Basin Ski Resort. Saturday's game is against the Bismarck Bobcats, also at The Valley Ice Garden. The puck drops for both games at 7:05 pm.

Eighteen wins in a row...and the games keep getting bigger and bigger as teams try to be "the one" to end the streak. This weekend looms large, and we would like to welcome the Bulls and 'Cats this weekend with huge crowds cheering on their hometown huskies.

If you have friends and family in town for Thanksgiving or are just looking for something to do, come on out and enjoy the best entertainment in Gallatin Valley.

Friday night the ICEDOGS (18-3) take on the Billings Bulls (7-12-2) and for the third annual Moonlight Basin Sellout promotion, sponsored by Stockman Bank. If the game is sold out and the home team wins, all fans will get a FREE lift ticket to Moonlight Basin! Join the team after tonight's game for their post-game party at Old Chicago restaurant. Get your tickets early to avoid long lines by calling 585-1415 now!

Saturday night the ICEDOGS take on the Bismarck Bobcats (9-8-2), who are in fifth place in the new NAHL Central division. The 'Cats are led by # 21 Jacques Lamoureux who has tallied 33 points in 19 games.

The Blackhawks (15-6) are on the road for games in Coeur d'Alene on Saturday and Sunday. The Blackhawks lost to the Colts on Friday and followed up with a thrilling shootout win on Saturday.

Spotlight on Mark Howe #12

Q: Tell us a little about your playing background. A: I played roller hockey while growing up but did not step on the ice until I was 11. A coach called me to replace one of his injured players. Figuring it was similar to roller hockey, I stepped on the ice and became hooked. I played travel for a few years and then went to Prep School. For two years I was at Avon Old Farms in Connecticut and finished at Cantebury.

Q: What is your favorite playing career memory so far? A: When I played for Cantebury we made the Prep School Finals and played against Avon, my old school. This was a cool experience even though we lost the game.

Q: How do you prepare for a game? A: I get up and eat a big breakfast before leaving for the pre-game skate. After the skate I go home and eat again and then play ESPN 2K5 Hockey. Around 3:30pm, I eat a pre-game meal consisting of four chicken fillets and a gallon of water. When I get there I tape my stick, stretch and get dressed. Right before warm-ups I say a quick prayer before taking the ice.

Q: What are your plans after you are done playing Juniors? A: I would like to play in college hockey in the east. Division I would be nice but any school would be fine. I want to major in Sports Medicine or Nutrition.

Q: What do you like best about Bozeman? A: The fans here are awesome and the small town atmosphere is nice. The mountains and scenery are enjoyable and help me remain relaxed. The Booster club and management also treat us like professionals which make it easy to focus on winning.

Hockey Trivia, Sponsored By Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply

Who is the all time leader in penalty minutes?

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Filip Macejka Checks In With Coach LaFontaine

Dear Coach, How are you? I am pretty good. I enjoy my life. I have a great time with hockey, with my family, and my girlfriend. It is an awesome to see you are at first place! Congratulation to you and to your team. It is an awesome and I wish I could be part of your team this year.

My pro team Banska Bystrica is doing very good too. We are at first place and I play well too. I am one of the youngest guys on team, but I earn a lot of ice time and it is good. I play every power play and penalty kill. I already had some calls from agents from Czech Republic to come there and play for theirs teams, but I decide to finish this season in Slovakia and after season I will see what's going on.

I started to work out with one profesional trainer. He is trainer for NHL stars from Slovakia like Michal Handzus, Richard Zednik, Vladimir Orszagh, Peter Budaj. He is helping me to get stronger and bigger. His practices are tough, but I feel better on ice.

Coach, please say hi to my teammattes. I wish you guys all the best! Let's go to win Championship! Take care and have fun. Filip

In fourteen games, Filip has 14 goals and eight assists for 22 points.

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North American Hockey League Stories from November 24, 2005


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