Dog Pound Weekly

Published on January 5, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The ICEDOGS hit the ice again this weekend, after a holiday break that lasted a little longer than normal. Some teams hit the ice right after Christmas, but the 'DOGS were the recipient of some friendly scheduling by the NAHL office.

This Friday, the 'DOGS visit the Billings Bulls on and then return for their first home game of 2005 against the Fargo-Moorhead Jets on Saturday night. Don't forget about the post-game party at Old Chicago following Saturday's game!

This Tuesday is Coaches' Corner at Bennigan's Restaurant from 5:30-7:30. Meet and mingle with ICEDOGS' players and coaches and support Special Olympics Montana.

The ICEDOGS are always looking for good player housing families. If you might be interested in having an ICEDOGS player live in your home, please contact ICEDOGS' Assistant Coach Tom Winkler at 585-1415.

Behind the boards....

Earlier this season, ICEDOGS' Head Coach John LaFontaine explained that if his team is going to move up in the standings, they have to win the majority of their conference games. As LaFontaine rolls his calendar over to 2005, he is welcomed by nothing but conference games for the rest of the season. A majority of those games are against the ICEDOGS' biggest rivals, Billings and Helena. Those games, LaFontaine says, are vital to preparing the ICEDOGS for the playoffs.

"We have to consistently win against Helena and Billings if we're going to be successful this year," LaFontaine said in December. "We play them more than any other teams, and if we're able to get a winning record against them, we'll have a successful season."

The team will start chipping away at the Bulls' ten point lead in the standings this Friday in Billings as they kick off the second half of the season. The ICEDOGS have not played since December 18th, when they lost 3-1 to the Helena Bighorns.

The Bulls, who are not as rested, beat the Bismarck Bobcats 3-1 on New Year's Day. So far this season, the Bulls have a 5-2 record against the ICEDOGS.

The ICEOGS return home on Saturday to play the Fargo-Moorhead Jets for the first time this season. The Jets sit in first place in the Western Conference with 45 points, 16 ahead of the ICEDOGS.

Spotlight on Mike McMillan #20

Mike joined the ICEDOGS this year after playing for the Soo Thunderbirds. He has made an immediate impact, currently tied for third place in the team point standings with 9 goals and 14 assists for 23 points.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? My main focus is on offense--passing, shooting, and skating. What skills do you want to improve? I want to improve everything. What sports do you play other than hockey? I like to play golf. What are your favorite teams? My favorite teams are the Colorado Avalanche, Chicago Bulls, and Toronto Blue Jays. Why Did You Start Playing Hockey? My dad got me started on the sport--we lived in Canada after all. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I know it is a lofty goal, but I want to be remembered for being the best player they have ever seen. What is your pre-game routine? I sleep.

What is your funniest childhood memory? I don't really have one. If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? I'd buy $100 worth of candy. If you were granted any three wishes, what would you request? I would love the world to be free of mosquitos, have a money tree, and a long hockey career.

What are five words people would use to describe you? Funny, Quiet, Hard Worker, Dedicated, and Relaxed. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? My golf team won the 2003 Summer Pepsi Tour Championship. (We have heard Mike has a single digit handicap...competing with and even beating Josh Kassel and Josh Heidinger, the other low handicappers on the team) What do like most about Bozeman? I look forward to good times with the team.

A Little Hockey Humor

Howie Young played in the NHL from 1960 to 1971. Known as "Wild Thing," Young was known to have a taste for alcohol and a reputation for doing outrageous things. One morning, after a night out on the town, Young met a milkman making his morning rounds. Somehow he convinced the man to let him deliver the milk. Unfortunately, Young lost the delivery list. His solution was to leave a quart of milk on the doorstep of every house.

ICEDOGS Announce New Tender

The Bozeman ICEDOGS are pleased to announce that Ryan Block of the San Jose Jr. Sharks (Midget AAA) has signed a tender to play for the ICEDOGS in the 2005-06 season.

Ryan is a 6'2", 180 pound defeseman from Pleasanton, California. In 27 games this season, he has three goals and thirty assists.

ICEDOGS' Assistant Coach Tom Winkler is excited about having Ryan commit: "Ryan is a very smart hockey player who makes good decisions with the puck. He has the potential to be a quarterback on the power play. He has been very well coached at the AAA level, and we are excited to have him join the 'DOGS next season," he said.

Congratulations John Murdoch!

ICEDOGS' sponsor and fan John Murdoch recently won the Citizen's Award. The 'DOGS are grateful for the support of Mr. Murdoch and his company. Read about this award by following the link below. Congratulations on receiving this distinguished honor.

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North American Hockey League Stories from January 5, 2005


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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