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Dog Pound Weekly

February 24, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The ICEDOGS get some extra rest this week, with only one game at home on Saturday against the Fernie Ghostriders! If you want a FREE ticket to this game, go to the MSU Men's Basketball game on Wednesday night against NAU and redeem that ticket stub for one FREE ticket to the ICEDOGS game on Saturday!

The game is sponsored by Yellowstone Harley-Davidson and will feature the very popular Galloping Dog Agility Group, FREE Harley-Davidson merchandise, and more! We strongly encourage you to buy tickets early so you don't have to wait in line on game night. Our Will Call window is open 9am-5pm on weekdays and at 9am on game days. You can also charge tickets by phone at 585-1415. If your e-mail begins with "peeler" or "topdo" you won two FREE tickets to Saturday's game. Reply to this e-mail for information on getting those tickets.

Team Update

Last Thursday night, the 'DOGS started out on fire, then struggled to maintain the momentum throughout the second and third periods. Ross Johnson, Ryan Ward and Bill Leahy all put the puck in the net first period before Helena buckled down on defense.

Friday, Helena jumped on the ICEDOGS the first two periods, leading 3-0 going into the third. In the third period, the 'DOGS were able to rally for scores by Kharin and Flikeid but Helena added another three for a 6-2 win over Bozeman.

Saturday was one of the biggest wins of the season for the ICEDOGS. They played hard for the entire game, and kept Billings away from the net when it mattered most. At the end of the first period, the 'DOGS were up 2-1 and were able to hold on for a 3-2 victory-- their first against Billings this season. Bill Leahy and Josh Heidinger both picked up one goal and one assist, while Ross Johnson had one goal and Michael Parks had two assists. The sellout crowd of 3,308 was also one of the largest of the year, and helped fuel the 'DOGS in this big game.

Have you reserved your seat yet?

There are a host of current ICEDOGS eligible to return to Bozeman next year, and they don't want you to miss out on any of the action. Some of the likely returners include Bill Leahy, Josh Heidinger, Josh Kassel, and Tom Flikeid.

We have put together some incredible ticket packages, including a new 18 game flex pack that is our most economical way to enjoy ICEDOGS Hockey. Also available is the chance for a $50 credit/refund on your season tickets for every new season ticket holder you are able to recruit...so you can save even more!

In addition to FREE playoff tickets, FREE kids tickets, and all of the other perks the ICEDOGS provide, our sponsors have pitched in exclusive discounts at their businesses just for season ticket holders!

$20 will reserve your favorite seat for every game next season! You can make payments toward the cost of those tickets whenever you want in amounts of your choice--with the balance due August 1, 2004. This is the ICEDOGS Power Pay plan and only available to our valued season ticket holders!

The Next Few Weeks VITAL For Many NAHL West Teams

This Saturday's game against Fernie is going to be a tough one. Fernie beat Billings last weekend, and is playing aggressive even though they are out of the playoff hunt.

Next Friday, the 'DOGS welcome back the Minnesota Blizzard. The game is again sponsored by Yellowstone Harley-Davidson and will feature RC Car races, FREE Harley-Davidson merchandise and playoff-level hockey. Minnesota is another team fighting for the 4th playoff spot with the ICEDOGS.

Next Saturday, the 'DOGS take on the Bismarck Bobcats. Bismarck is also fighting for a playoff spot, and will be seeking revenge for having their 13 game win streak ended here a couple of weeks ago. This game is brought to you by Auto Body Experience and Big Sky Golf Course. If the ICEDOGS win this game in front of a sellout crowd, all fans will get one FREE round of golf at Big Sky Golf Course from opening day through June 17th. Also come for your chance to win a FREE golf car!

Our game against Helena previously scheduled for 3/11 has been changed to Monday 3/8.

Spotlight on Josh Kassel

Josh started playing hockey at age five. It wasn't until age seven that he played goalie because the team he played on rotated players through all of the positions.

At age 9, he was recruited to play for the Pittsburgh Amateur Pens, a team made up of mostly 10 and 11 year-olds. The Pens played all over the north east in places like Buffalo, NY and Philadelphia, PA. The best part of being on this team was the traveling while all of his buddies stayed in Pittsburgh for their games as Squirts.

Josh's game day routine starts out with the team stretch at 10:30. After the team stretch, he and Cunningham go downtown for lunch. Josh then heads home to take a nap, watch television, and play video games. At 4:00 he makes a large bowl of spaghetti and a salad with Italian dressing and croutons. An hour later, he arrives at the rink and hangs out in the locker room until the second team stretch at 5:30.

As a goalie, Josh has certain superstitions. Everything starts on the right, whether it is stretching, skating, or putting on pads. At the age of 13, he developed the habit of putting his pads on while sitting in his stall. Prior to that, he knelt on his pads to put them on...but noticed someone else putting them on in their stall and decided to follow suit. That night, he got a shutout and a new routine was born. Josh believes the toughest player to face in the NAHL north division is #22 KC Stallberg from Helena, but admits there are a number of tough forwards in the league.



North American Hockey League Stories from February 24, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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