Dog Pound Weekly

Published on September 29, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The ICEDOGS have some momentum going into this weekend's games against the Billings Bulls & MSU Hellcats after an enormous win against Helena at the Helena Ice Arena on Saturday. The ICEDOGS beat the Bulls in their season opener, and the fans can expect another edge of your seat game this Friday.

The Bozeman ICEDOGS are lucky that the Helena Ice Arena is one of the chilliest facilities in the NAHL Western Conference. After all, revenge is a dish best served cold. The ICEDOGS squandered a two goal lead in Friday's 4-3 loss to the Bighorns at the Valley Ice Garden, then marched into Helena on Saturday with the taste of defeat lingering in their mouths.

With the Helena faithful living it up outside the rink at the team barbecue in anticipation of another big win against the ICEDOGS, Bozeman's opportunity for payback became all the more enticing. "We came into (Saturday's) game with a sense of desperation," said ICEDOGS assistant coach Tom Winkler. "After Friday's loss, we needed to pull something positive out of the weekend."

Positive may be an understatement. After surrendering an early first period goal on Saturday that put the ICEDOGS down, Bozeman came charging out of the gates in the second, scoring three goals and never looking back. The ICEDOGS righted all the wrongs that were made the night before, committing to solid defense and a more confident attack in a 6-3 win. "We got a big win on the road against a team that usually has a lot of success against us," said Winkler. "On Friday we kept going into panic mode whenever (Helena) went on the attack, and on Saturday we had success because we played with a lot of confidence."

Bozeman's Ross Johnson got the ball rolling early in the second period on Saturday by scoring a goal at 6:12 of the period to even up the game. Then the ICEDOGS powerplay (one of the Bozeman's only bright spots on Friday) got into the act, with Josh Heidenger and Jack Day each tallying a man- advantage goal. Bozeman finished the night 3-for-5 with the man advantage. Anton Kharin, Mike McMillan and Day each added a goal in the third, securing the 6-3 victory.

"It was a huge win for us," said Winkler. "It sent a message about where we stand against this team." Helena has the most returning players of any of the ICEDOGS conference opponents this season, and is a favorite to claim first place in the conference. Next up for the ICEDOGS are the Billings Bulls, who just finished a bye week. The Bulls last game was a 3- 2 loss to the ICEDOGS at the Valley Ice Garden.

Spotlight on Bobby Kalush #7

Bobby Kalush is a newcomer to the ICEDOGS team, and is expected to develop this year under the leadership of veteran forwards. He has a unique approach to the game, and is really excited about playing here in Montana.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? The main focus of my game is on offense. What skills do you want to improve? If I had to pick one thing to improve, it would be my finishing ability at the net. What sports do you play other than hockey? I love to be involved with Baseball, Track, Soccer, and Basketball. What are your favorite teams? I like Detroit Teams--The Redwings, Pistons, Tigers, and Lions. Why Did You Start Playing Hockey?I liked watching hockey on Television with my father, and decided to start playing. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I want to be remembered for being a great person and hockey player. What is your pregame routine? I just sleep a lot.

If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? I would take the prettiest girl out on a date. If you were granted any 3 wishes, what would you request? To have as many wishes as I want...come on, three is only a tease. What was the best advice you ever received? The best advice I have received and try to live by is working hard.

What are five words people would use to describe you? I am hard working, tall, dark, and handsome. I cannot think of a fifth word. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? While a junior in high school, our baseball team wona championship. What do like most about Bozeman? Playing in front of large crowds!

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! During the first intermission, the Bozeman Figure Skating Club will be skating to a Who Let The Dogs Out medley. Mikaela Boston will be performing a figure skating routine at the end of the second intermission. Join the 'DOGS afterward at Old Chicago Restaurant for their post-game party where you can get appetizer specials for as low as $2.50!

Doors open at 6:00pm on Saturday with Happy Hour from 6-7pm. Get 21 ounce Molson Canadian Draughts for $2! The first intermission will include a dessert eating contest with dessert from Bennigan's Restaurant. Jacey Delaney & Tia Crago will be performing figure skating routines at the end of the second intermission. Join the 'DOGS afterward at Old Chicago Restaurant for their post-game party where you can get appetizer specials for as low as $2.50!

Next weekend, the 'DOGS have back-to-back games against the Bighorns. Friday's game will be in Bozeman, then traveling to Helena on Saturday. Mark your calanders early for Coaches' Corner at Bennigan's Restaurant on October 12th. The 'DOGS will team up with Bennigan's and Sigma Chi to raise money for Shodair Children's Hospital.

News From The Dog Pound

ICEDOGS Organization Wins Major Award

Who says hockey players are all a bunch of ruffians? Last week the Montana State Special Olympics committee awarded the Bozeman ICEDOGS with the 2004 Outstanding Support by an Organization award for volunteering to spend time with a number of Special Olympics athletes.

"We really appreciate all that the ICEDOGS have done to help the Special Olympics" said Penni Kolpin, area co-director for the Special Olympics. "It is quite an honor to receive this award, and we feel it's a privilege to be able to help out this strong organization. These types of activities instill in our players a sense of community, teaches them to be well rounded, and helps them realize how blessed they are to have the privileges they do." ICEDOGS Head Coach John LaFontaine

Twice last season the ICEDOGS took time out of their schedule to spend time with Special Olympic Athletes - Once for a photo session and later to take part in an activity called "The Plunge" - an event where players took turns jumping into a frozen lake. "The players were all truly enthusiastic about working with our athletes," said Kolpin. "I think the ICEDOGS enjoyed it just as much as our athletes did." The ICEDOGS appearance with the Special Olympics athletes represents the first major team turnout in support of a Special Olympics event. The ICEDOGS plan on taking time out to help the Special Olympics again this season. "The support of the ICEDOGS has been very important in that it has set a precedent here in the Big Sky area," Kolpin said. "Not only for the plunge, but also for scheduling activities with other area teams."

Ryan Ward Leaves ICEDOGS Several days ago, ICEDOGS Forward Ryan Ward met with Head Coach John LaFontaine and requested a trade. "Ryan felt like he was not going to be a first or second line center for this year's team, and wanted to play where he felt he could be. So, we granted his wish today" said Coach LaFontaine. The 'DOGS have traded with the Soo Indians for Nick Biondo, a Forward, who is expected to report to Bozeman within the next few days. Josh Sorenson has also been released.

Former NHL Star Bryan Trottier To Visit ICEDOGS Hall of Fame member and former NHL star Bryan Trottier will be making an appearance at the Bozeman ICEDOGS game on October 8th against the Helena Bighorns. Bryan played for the New York Islanders from 1975-1990 and then for the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1990-1994. He has numerous trophies and was part of 6 Stanley Cup Championship teams.

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North American Hockey League Stories from September 29, 2004


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