Dog Pound Weekly

Published on October 13, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


After two close games with the Helena Bighorns last weekend, the ICEDOGS are excited about playing the Shattuck St. Mary's team as a final tune up before the NAHL Showcase Tournament next week in Blaine, Minneosta.

The puck drops here on both nights at 7:05. There is a special Dog Pound Weekly Coupon at the bottom of this newsletter that will allow you to see both games for $10! Also, there is a very close race on bozemanicedogs.com for our fans to vote on which coach would look best bald...check it out.

Last weekend's score sheets told a familiar story for the ICEDOGS - a split with the Helena Bighorns by way of a loss at home and a win on the road. Friday and Saturday's games marked the second time in three weeks that the ICEDOGS and the Bighorns have split a weekend series. "It was good to get out to a 3-0 lead on Saturday," said ICEDOGS' Head Coach John LaFontaine. "We've expected this team to be a big rival and that's pretty much how things have turned out."

The two games were remarkably similar in course as Friday saw the Bighorns jump out to a 3-1 lead before having to fend off the ICEDOGS, who generated several good scoring opportunities in the last period only to finish up short in the 3-2 loss. On Saturday, it was the ICEDOGS who came out strong, scoring three first period goals before Helena decided to attack. "We had a great first period (on Saturday)," said LaFontaine. "Then we made the mistake of sitting back a little and gave up a couple of breakaways to let them back into the game." The Bighorns would come within a goal of tying the game late in the second period on Saturday after goals by Brandon Marino and Cory Mozak made the score 3-2. However, the ICEDOGS were able to respond to the Helena comeback by way of a Ross Johnson goal just seconds after the second Bighorns goal, putting the ICEDOGS up 4-2 and setting the tone for the rest of the game. "Ross' goal was huge," Lafontaine said. "To stop their momentum like that was key for us." Helena's Nate Rein scored an early third period goal on Saturday to bring the score to 4-3, but the ICEDOGS were able to fend of the Bighorns for the rest of the game to record the win.

It was a successful weekend for ICEDOGS' backup goalie Matt Cleveland, who was placed between the pipes in the second period of Friday's game after starter Josh Kassel let in three goals. Cleveland was also given the nod to start in Saturday's game in Helena. He stopped all of the 23 shots he faced on Friday and stopped 18 of 21 shots in Saturday's win. "Matt played well," said LaFontaine. "He knows how to handle pressure - you could tell he was just waiting for his opportunity to show us what he could do." "I was just nervous," said Cleveland, "Fortunately the first few saves came easy and the rest of the game was just played on adrenaline." Cleveland's performance poses an interesting goaltending situation for the ICEDOGS, who face off against Shattuck-St. Mary's prep school in two exhibition games this weekend at the Valley Ice Garden. There is no word yet on who will start Friday's game. Regardless of who gets the nod in goal for this weekend's match up, Cleveland says he's glad to of had the opportunity to play and just wants to help his team out as best he can. "Whatever coach feels is necessary," said Cleveland in response to whether or not he'll get to start one of the games, "I'm just here to help out and do the best I can."

Shattuck - St. Mary's is a prep high school that's renowned for its stellar hockey program. Over the last five years, they have seen several NHL and Division I prospects pass through their system, including the University of North Dakota's Zach Parise and Rimouski Oceanic super prospect Sidney Crosby, who is being dubbed as the next great NHL scoring forward. This year Shattuck boasts seven players that are receiving recognition from national scouts. The ICEDOGS have played Shattuck three times in the last four years, and have won every single game. "It's a neat opportunity to play this team," said Lafontaine, "The games we play with them are usually pretty close - you definitely have to be at your best when playing those guys."

Spotlight on Nick Biondo #10

Nick Biondo is a recent addition to the Bozeman ICEDOGS, coming from the Kewadin Casinos Soo Indians in the NAHL. Nick is a 6'1" 190 pound forward from Marysville, MI.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? A good skating power forward. What skills do you want to improve? Everything needs improvement. What sports do you play other than hockey? I like to golf, play football, baseball, and basketball. What are your favorite teams? I like Detroit Teams--The Redwings and Pistons. My favorite NFL team is the Philadelphia Eagles, and my favorite MLB team is the Chicago Cubs. Why Did You Start Playing Hockey? I had some friends playing, and wanted to join. At 3 years old, the game was quite exciting. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? The most important thing is that fans remember my work ethic and for being a fun guy. What is your pregame routine? I am not really superstitous, so I don't have a pre-game routine every day. The main thing is getting focused on the game and thinking about what I need to work on that night.

If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? I would buy one CD and put the rest of the money in the bank. If you were granted any 3 wishes, what would you request? I would wish that all mosquitos would die, I could play in the NHL, and grow money trees for my family. What was the best advice you ever received? There is no such thing as "what might have been". Thinking about it is just a big waste of time.

What are five words people would use to describe you? People would describe me as being fun, friendly, loving my family, smart, and talkative. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? When I was 13 & 14 my baseball team won a championship. Another team achievement was being ranked in the top 25 of the nation my second year of Midgets. What do like most about Bozeman? I just got here, but so far enjoy the mountains and my teamates. This year is going to be good.

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! Jenalyn Seiger will be singing the National Anthem, and shopping cart broomball and figure skating by Kyla and Cory Jewell will be the intermission entertainment. Saturday, Sean Kelly and Sadie Ypma will be singing the National Anthem. Sarah Hannah and Victoria Hale will be figure skating during the second intermission.

Join the ICEDOGS after both games at Old Chicago Restaurant for a post-game party! Take advantage of food and beverage specials for $2.50!

Next weekend, the 'DOGS are at the NAHL Showcase Tournament in Blaine Minnesota.

A Little Hockey Humor

Top Ten Ways to Make Hockey More Exciting

10. During playoffs, players dress up as their favorite Ice Capades character. 9. Canadians must play in bare feet. 8. Defensemen must count to "five mississippi" before defending an onrushing attacker. 7. A goalie with a goals per game average of less than 2.00 will have his water bottle replaced with Nyquil. 6. If the Zamboni drops below 50mph it blows up. 5. Goals scored by goalies will count as 5 points, encouraging the goalies to leave the crease and join play. 4. Give up a goal - remove a piece of equipment. 3. Try hot griddle surface instead of ice. 2. "Bonus pucks" may be added to game play at any time. 1. One word: BLINDFOLDS.

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North American Hockey League Stories from October 13, 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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