Dog Pound Weekly

Published on October 27, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


If the intention at the NAHL showcase in Blaine, Minnesota last week was to show what caliber team you have, then the Bozeman ICEDOGS (along with the rest of their NAHL western conference foes) proved that they were packing some major heat. "We did well," said ICEDOGS head coach John LaFontaine. " It was good to see our scoring spread out so much."

The ICEDOGS emerged from the showcase with a 2-1- 1 record, outshooting opponents 162-159, outscoring them 14-13 and killing off 22 of 24 power plays. Most impressive LaFontaine said, was that 16 different ICEDOGS scored points over the course of the showcase. "We had some third and fourth line players putting up first and second line numbers," said LaFontaine. "As a coach, that's a very encouraging thing to see."

The ICEDOGS overall talent was enough to garner the attention of a number of scouts. LaFontaine said that there were 13 or 14 ICEDOGS that scouts would consistently ask about. One of Bozeman's major standouts was newcomer Filip Macejka, who was added to the ICEDOGS roster shortly before the showcase. "Filip had an instant impact on our team," said LaFontaine. "He's a very positive kid and a great competitor." Macejka comes to the ICEDOGS from the Bismarck Bobcats.

Bozeman's performance at the showcase was on par with the rest of the teams from the NAHL western conference, as all seven conference teams emerged from the week with winning records. "There was a consensus among most of the scouts and coaches that our conference has more top end teams then the rest of the leauge," said LaFontaine. "I've said all year that we have a tight conference, and it will be a battle throughout the whole season to try and stay above water."

Next up for the ICEDOGS is a Friday home game against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs followed by two games against the Bulls in Billings on Saturday and Sunday. Fairbanks comes into the Valley Ice Garden with a 8-5-1 record. "They're a complete team," Lafontaine said. "The've got a good mix of veterans and young talent." Friday's matchup will be the first time this season that Bozeman has played Fairbanks. As for Billings, the Bulls will be looking to establish themselves among the western conference elite with two tough games againt Bozeman. Like the ICEDOGS, Billings went 2-1-1 at last week's showcase. "Like I said before," Lafontaine reitterated, "we're playing in a very competitive conference. It's good for us though - the more competion you have, the better."

The ICEDOGS had a successful week in Blaine, Minnesota at the NAHL Showcase Tournament last Wednesday through Saturday.

This Friday, the ICEDOGS welcome the other dogs, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs as they make their first appearance of the season at the Valley Ice Garden. The ICEDOGS then have back-to-back games in Billings, playing the Bulls on Saturday and Sunday. Tune in to Voice of the ICEDOGS Mark Martello for play by play action on 95.1-FM The Moose.

Spotlight on Matt Cleveland #31

ICEDOGS' Goaltender Matt Cleveland is one of the pleasant surprises for the team and fans this season. Matt has played very well in his first season of Junior A hockey, and is working hard with fellow netminder Josh Kassel to develop the best one-two goaltending punch in the league.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? One thing I enjoy doing, is being a leader. This is a little unusual for a goalie, but I enjoy it. What skills do you want to improve? I would like to improve my speed. What sports do you play other than hockey? I like to play roller hockey and golf. What are your favorite teams? I like the Colorado Avalanche, Milwaukee Bucks & Brewers, and of course, the Green Bay Packers. My favorite players are Martin Brodeur, Ben Sheets, and Brett Favre. Why Did You Start Playing Hockey? I started playing hockey for one simple reason--I didn't want to figure skate. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I would like to be remembered for being a stand up guy. What is your pregame routine? I eat a big breakfast and stretch for about 45 minutes. Then I just hang out before the game.

If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? Buy something for my car. If you were granted any three wishes, what would you request? Good health for everyone I know, that I was the smartest man on earth, and that I can play at least one game in the NHL.

What are five words people would use to describe you? People would describe me as funny, active, outgoing, leader, and nice. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? Yes...last year our roller hockey team won a championship. What do like most about Bozeman? Meeting new people and playing good hockey.

A Little Hockey Humor

A drunk decides to go ice fishing, so he gathers his gear and goes walking around until he finds a big patch of ice. He heads into the center of the ice and begins to saw a hole. All of sudden, a loud booming voice comes out of the sky. "You will find no fish under that ice." The drunk looks around, but sees no one. He starts sawing again. Once more, the voice speaks, "As I said before, there are no fish under the ice." The drunk looks all around, high and low, but can't see a single soul. He picks up the saw and tries one more time to finish. Before he can even start cutting, the huge voice interrupts. "I have warned you three times now. There are no fish!" The drunk is now flustered and somewhat scared, so he asks the voice, "How do you know there are no fish? Are you God trying to warn me?" "No", the voice replied. "I am the manager of this hockey rink."

Update on Brandon Crawford-West

Brandon Crawford-West was a standout goalie for the Bozeman ICEDOGS in 2002-2003. He recently responded to our request for an update, and this is what he wrote:

"Well after my season with the Icedogs ended I stuck around Bozeman for the summer to train for my upcomming college career. I hung out with my housing parents Brian and Tammi a lot. I'd just like to say they were the best set of housing parents I've ever had, it's been too long since I've chatted with them. I had a great freshman year personally going 21-8-3, and as a team we ended the season 2nd in the CCHA and went to the NCAA tournament and ended up losing out to Denver (the eventual national champs) 3-2.

I've just started my second season as the starting goalie at Miami (OH). We are currently ranked 6th in the nation and I'm 4-0. I've been named CCHA goalie of the week for the first two weeks of the season. I love Miami University and have had a great experience on and off the ice.

I still get to keep in touch with coach Lafontaine from time to time. I played against Jason Blain two weeks ago (playing for Northeastern) and got to talk to him afterward. I still also keep in touch with Rick Mick who's up working for Lake Superior State now and I'm looking forward to seeing Zak Mclellan playing for Michigan State. Overall I've been great and am looking forward to the rest of the season here."

Sponsor Happenings & Ticket Opportunities!

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 ICEDOGS Ticket. Nov 23-27th-- Buy any first Quality Carhartt Sweatshirt, get one ICEDOGS Ticket. Nov 30-Dec 4th--Buy any Carhartt Jacket/Coat, get one ICEDOG Ticket. Dec 14-17th-- Spend $100 on Carhartt, receive 2 ICEDOGS tickets.

Starting Friday, Carpet Mill Outlet is having a huge sale! Pop a prize balloon with a $500 purchase for a chance to win among other things, ICEDOGS tickets!

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

Days Inn is having an Open House for their completely remodeled hotel on Thursday, November 4th from 5:00-7:00 pm. They will also be having a drawing for FREE ICEDOGS tickets and other great prizes during their Open House.

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. We are also offering area businesses the chance to have 55 ICEDOGS T-shirts thrown to our crowd with your company logo on the front for $250! Thanks to Hands On for making this great deal possible.

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North American Hockey League Stories from October 27, 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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