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Dog Pound Weekly

October 20, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The preparations have been made, the game plans have been tweaked, and this week a pack of hungry, well-conditioned ICEDOGS will pull into Blaine, Minnesota for the NAHL showcase. "The players are definitely excited," said ICEDOGS head coach John LaFontaine. "There are going to be about ten of our guys that are going to be looked at closely by some of the scouts." The showcase runs from October 20th through the 23rd, and features 30 NAHL and EJHL teams playing in 60 total games. The ICEDOGS will play four games, one for each day of the showcase.

Last year the ICEDOGS attended two NAHL showcases, one in Chicago and the other in Blaine. The ICEDOGS went 3-1 in Blaine and 2-2 in Chicago. This year the ICEDOGS will face the New York Apple Core, the Santa Fe Roadrunners, the New Jersey Hitmen, and the Texas Tornado in showcase play. "We don't know too much about the teams we'll be playing yet, but we'll get a good look at them during the tournament," LaFontaine said. At the showcase, the ICEDOGS will hope to make a name for themselves after what has been an up-and-down start to their season. After six games, the team is in fourth place in the Western Conference with a 3-2-1 record. "There's a lot of parity in our conference," LaFontaine said earlier this season, "Every game is going to be close this year."

The ICEDOGS are coming into the showcase after splitting two exhibition games with Shattuck St. Mary's prep school of Minnesota. On Friday, the ICEDOGS came back from an early one goal deficit to win the first game 4-3. The ICEDOGS' Anton Kharin scored the game winning goal with 39 seconds left in the second period when he intercepted a pass in the neutral zone during a penalty kill and danced around a Shattuck defender before burying the puck past goaltender Stephen Caple. "The defenseman was forced to go wide and I just kind of waited for the puck to come to me," Kharin said, "Fortunately I caught him a little flat-footed and was able to make a good move."

Newly acquired Tyler Greybill put away the tying goal for the ICEDOGS early on in the first period with a tip shot that snuck past Caple. Two minutes later, Mike McMillan put the ICEDOGS up 2-1 on a 3 on 2 rush. McMillan took a pass from Brett Beckfeld and slid it through the pads of Caple for the go-ahead goal. Shattuck would add two more goals later on in the game but was never able to take the lead as the ICEDOGS responded to each of their efforts. ICEDOG goalie Josh Kassel was solid in net stopping 17 shots, including several good Shattuck chances in the second and third periods. The second game of the series was not as kind to the ICEDOGS, as Shattuck scored four third period goals in a 4-0 loss. Matt Cleveland started in goal for the game and looked unbeatable for most of the contest until the ICEDOGS began making a series of mistakes and turnovers that generated several odd-man rushes and scoring opportunities for Shattuck. Cleveland stopped 27 shots in the game. "Matt played really well that game," LaFontaine said. "It was really encouraging to se that kind of performance out of him." LaFontaine hopes to use the two games as a measuring stick for how well his team plays against a trap system like the one St. Mary's employs. "When we play against teams like that we need to get the puck behind them and take advantage of playing in the other end." LaFontaine said.

Spotlight on Chris McKelvie #25

Chris is one of the veteran leaders this season, although a pre-season leg injury has kept him sidelined for the past several weeks. It won't be long, however, before Chris is back in the lineup adding scoring punch to the ICEDOGS' front line.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? I have been working on my speed and continuing a strong work ethic. What skills do you want to improve? Just like anything else in life, there is always need for improvement. What sports do you play other than hockey? I like to play soccer. What are your favorite teams? Minnesota teams are the best, the Wild, Timberwolves, Twins, and Vikings. My favorite professional athletes are Sergei Federov, Allen Iverson, Pedro Martinez, and Michael Vick. Why Did You Start Playing Hockey? Hockey is in my family, so it was just something I picked up when I was four years old. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? The most important things fans remember my work ethic, positive attitude, and being a good person. What is your pregame routine? The biggest thing is eating a big meal four hours before the game. I also take a 45 minute nap and drink a lot of water.

If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? Spend it. If you were granted any three wishes, what would you request? The only thing I really want out of life is to play in the World Cup.

What are five words people would use to describe you? People would describe me as being fun, happy, nice, easy going, and caring. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? Unfortunately no...our teams were never very good. What do like most about Bozeman? This year's team is really strong and starting to come together. I love Bozeman and can't wait to bring another championship to the 'DOGS.

A Little Hockey Humor

A Blackhawks fan was driving home from work and he passed by the local priest. He stops and offers him a lift. The priest thanks him kindly and together they proceed to the church to drop the priest off. On the way they pass a man walking his dog on the other side of the road. On closer inspection the man was seen to be wearing a replica Red Wings sweater. Now, the Hawks fan that was driving just hated the Wings, and he suddenly felt an uncontrollable urge to run his car into him. He put his foot down on the accelerator and tried to hit him. At the last minute the Red Wings fan jumped out of the way. The driver of the car heard a bang, but he was sure he'd missed him. The two men proceeded to the church in silence. The Hawks fan pulled up and said, "Look Father, I'm really sorry about that incident back there. I don't know what came over me. Can you forgive me, Father??" The Priest replied, "Of course I can forgive you, my son. Don't worry - I GOT HIM WITH THE CAR DOOR."

St. Peter and Satan were having an argument one day about hockey. Satan proposed a game to be played on neutral grounds between a select team from the heavenly host and his own hand-picked boys. "Very well," said the gatekeeper of Heaven. "But you realize, I hope, that we've got all the good players and the best coaches." "I know, and that's all right," Satan answered. "We've got all the Referees!!!"

Team News

The ICEDOGS play today at 6:15 pm against the New York Apple Core. Tomorrow, the 'DOGS take on the new Santa Fe Roadrunner team at 12:00 pm. Friday, they play the New Jersey Hitmen at 9:00 am, while Saturday they play the Texas Tornado at 5:00 pm. You can catch all games live on 95.1-FM The Moose!

The ICEDOGS have released Bobby Kalush and added two new forwards. #18 Filip Macejka comes to Bozeman after playing two seasons for the Bismarck Bobcats. #23 Tyler Graybill joins the ICEDOGS from the Kootenai Colts. Check out both players' bio at bozemanicedogs.com!

Talk about a way to travel! The ICEDOGS left on Monday night at 7:00 pm for their long drive to Blaine, Minnesota, a suburb of Minneapolis. The team watched movies on a 55-seat coach until everyone had sprawled out on the bus to sleep only to wake up at their destination. The return trip should be just as easy, leaving after their game on Saturday night.

ICEDOGS' Assistant Coach Tom Winkler is pondering the possibility of shaving his head for the entertainment of fans following a fan vote on the ICEDOGS' website last week. Coach Winkler received nearly 90 votes, stomping coaches LaFontaine and Stone on who looks the best bald.

This week, vote on which ICEDOG player looks best with an afro. Contestents are Josh Heidinger, Josh Kassel, and Josh Myers.

Get FREE ICEDOGS Tickets With Sponsors!

The ICEDOGS have teamed up with Murdoch's to offer FREE game tickets with select promotions for the next several weeks. Here is what they are offering: Nov 9-12th--Buy any Lined Carhartt Jeans/Bib, get 1 ICEDOG Ticket. Nov 23-27th-- Buy any first Quality Carhartt Sweatshirt, get one ICEDOG Ticket. Nov 30-Dec 4th--Buy any Carhartt Jacket/Coat, get one ICEDOG Ticket. Dec 14-17th-- Spend $100 on Carhartt, receive 2 ICEDOG tickets.

Later this month, Carpet Mill Outlet is having a huge sale! Keep reading the Dog Pound Weekly for information on getting tickets from Carpet Mill Outlet!

The Bozeman Daily Chronicle is also running a special for ICEDOGS tickets when you pay for a subscription. Call 587-4491 for more information.

Does your business or place of work want to offer ICEDOGS tickets or ticket coupons to your customers? If so, call the Valley Ice Garden at 585- 1415.

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North American Hockey League Stories from October 20, 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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