Dog Pound Weekly

Published on September 15, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


This Friday night, the regular season finally begins! The Bulls come to the Valley Ice Garden, and will hopefully we welcomed with a sellout crowd...and if they do fans will be rewarded with a FREE round of golf at Big Sky Resort! For golf dates, visit bozemanicedogs.com.

The ICEDOGS face off against the Billings Bulls on Friday for the first game of the regular season. After back-to-back losses to Helena last weekend, the ICEDOGS will be looking to bounce back against the rival Bulls. The last time these two teams met, The ICEDOGS pulled off a win in a 4-1 preseason contest.

The ICEDOGS will be looking to improve on last weekend's performance against Helena. After being outscored 13-5 over the course of two games, the ICEDOGS will try to tighten down on defense. "We gave up a lot of odd-man rushes," said ICEDOGS Head Coach John LaFontaine, "You have to give most of the credit to Helena, though. They've always had a great transition game and there are a number of their players who know how to finish."

The ICEDOGS limped into last weekend without the help of a number of key players. Josh Heidinger (concussion), Jason Woll (concussion), Ryan Bunger (concussion), A.J. Balaze (hip flexor) and Chris McKelvie (ankle) all sat out both Helena games.

Who To Watch ICEDOGS veteran Anton Kharin was the ICEDOGS biggest standout against Helena, generating a majority of the team's scoring opportunities on Friday and grabbing a goal and an assist on Saturday. Kharin put himself in harm's way time after time last weekend in order to get decent opportunities. Watch for Kharin and linemate Jack Day, who comes to the ICEDOGS this season from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, to put together a solid offensive effort against Billings.

Notes The ICEDOGS will have a little more veteran help on Friday as Ryan Bunger and Jason Woll return from their injuries. Heidenger, Balaze and McKelvie are still day-to-day. Despite missing the last 2 games, Heidinger finishes the preseason leading the ICEDOGS in points with no goals and five assists.

Spotlight on Mike McMillan #20

Mike McMillan joined the ICEDOGS last week, after playing last season for the Soo Thunderbirds in Canada. He played in 48 games, tallying 31 goals and 33 assists. As a veteran of Junior A hockey, Mike will add leadership and experience this season, and use his speed and puck handling skills to put the puck in the net. Below are a few questions from a Q & A session.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? I really think my strengths are on offense-scoring, passing, and shooting. What skills do you want to improve? All of them. What sports do you play other than hockey? I love to play golf, but all sports are appealing. What is your favorite teams? I like the Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Bulls, and Toronto Blue Jays. What is the highlight of your hockey career so far? I really can't pick one out, but believe the best is yet to come. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I want to be the best they have ever seen. What is your pregame routine? Sleep.

If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? I would buy $100 worth of candy. If you were granted any 3 wishes, what would you request? I would want all mosquitos to die, endless money, and a long hockey career. What has been the best advice you ever received, and who gave it to you? My dad always encourages me to play hard.

What are five words people would use to describe you? I can only thing of one...funny. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? I won the 2003 summer individual Pepsi tour championship in golf. What do you typically shoot on the course? Around the mid-70's.

This Weekend's Plans

Doors open at 6:00pm on Friday with Happy Hour from 6-7pm. Get 21 ounce Molson Canadian Draughts for $2! Sticking with the theme of the night, Intermission entertainment will be a golf challenge. T- shirts will be tossed into the crowd during the second intermission compliments of Days Inn, the game sponsor. Jacey Delaney and Tia Crago will also be performing figure skating routines at the end of the second intermission.

Remember to check out the new LaTinga Mexican food on the concourse near the Dog Pound! We are also excited about the Rocky Mountain Roasting Company beverage cart on the concourse behind section D.

The ICEDOGS have Saturday night off before returning to action next Friday for the first of two games against the Helena Bighorns.

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North American Hockey League Stories from September 15, 2004


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