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Published on January 12, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


Behind the Boards....

Coming out of the first weekend of the year with a win and a loss, the Bozeman ICEDOGS look like a team ready to contend for a title, seriously. Although they dropped the first game of 2005 to the Billings Bulls 4-3 in a road loss that can be chalked up to rink rust (the ICEDOGS hadn't played a game since mid - December), the team put an exclamation mark on the weekend by beating the conference - leading Fargo-Moorhead Jets 5-3 at the Valley Ice Garden.

"After ending last month strong with a win against Helena, we started out playing well on Friday, but weren't able to come away with a win," ICEDOGS Head Coach John LaFontaine said. Things started out well in Billings as the ICEDOGS got on the board first with a Josh Heidinger power play goal in the first five minutes. Brett Gorman of the Bulls then took matters into his own hands by scoring twice to put the Bulls up 2-1. Unfazed, the ICEDOGS managed to tie the game up 2-2 after two periods when Jack Day scored a goal for Bozeman.

However, an ICEDOGS win was not meant to be as Billings scored in the last five minutes to notch the win. The Bulls' Anders Olsen took a pass from Sean Bertsch and slid the puck past Matt Cleveland for the game winner. "It was disappointing not to win that game," LaFontaine said. Fortunately for their fans, the ICEDOGS saved their best game of the weekend (and maybe their best game of the year) for the Fargo-Moorhead Jets in the Valley Ice Garden on Saturday. In that game, the Dogs' scored early and often in a barn-burner that reflected the type of team that LaFontaine has been trying to build all season. Thanks largely to an improved defense led by Jason Woll and Brian Moore, the ICEDOGS' power play came to life and helped ground the Jets.

"Moore and Wool took their games up a notch," LaFontaine said. "Moore scored a power play goal and was on the ice for the power play goal in Billings. He's really working on D, making huge strides and quarterbacking the power play. Woll, too, was physical and playing smart with the puck, moving it well."

With this huge moral victory under their belt, the ICEDOGS now look to next weekend when they face their two biggest rivals, Billings and Helena. The ICEDOGS face the Bulls and the Bighorns eleven times in the next three months, and if the 'DOGS are to move up in the standings, they'll need a winning record against those two teams.

"We need to make a commitment to being the aggressor for the rest of the season, especially against the Bulls and Bighorns," said LaFontaine. The Billings game is this Friday, January 14th at the Valley Ice Garden and the Helena game is on Saturday in Helena.

Greetings!

The ICEDOGS will be a lot more confident this weekend after a successful return to the ice last weekend by nearly beating the Bulls in Billings and downing the Jets here at home. They look to return to winning form this Friday, January 14th, as they welcome the Billings Bulls. They travel to Helena Saturday to take on the Bighorns.

Friday's game will be one of our very popular Family Nights where $25 will buy 4 tickets, 4 Pepsis, and a bucket of popcorn. There will also be a FREE post- game skate with the ICEDOGS.

Friday's game is sponsored by Taco Time. The first 500 fans to walk through the gate will get a coupon for one FREE taco from either the Belgrade or Bozeman Taco Time Restaurants.

Spotlight on Nick Jelitto #6

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? My main focus is on offense from the blue line and great passes. What skills do you want to improve? I want to improve my mental toughness. What sports do you play other than hockey? I like to play soccer, football, and golf. What are your favorite teams? My favorite teams are the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Pistons, Montreal Expos, and Tampa Bay Bucs. My favorite professional athletes are Brian Russel, Ken Griffey Jr., and Ray Lewis because they all play their game, and never change their style. Why Did You Start Playing Hockey? My dad got me started on the sport.What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I want fans to remember my hard slapshot and good looks. What is your pre-game routine? Eating something sweet and listening to music. I also have a teammate draw a figure on my stomach, but can't tell what it is.

What is your funniest childhood memory? Flipping off my 300 pound neighbor and then hiding behind my dad at age five. If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? I'd keep it for a short time, then spend it. If you were granted any three wishes, what would you request? I would like to be the world's most famous chef, owner of the Detroit Red Wings, and have a 1,000 mph slapshot.

What are five words people would use to describe you? Outgoing, Funny, Daring, and Hot (you decide on that one) Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? I was on a championship baseball team at the ages of seven and eight. What do like most about Bozeman? I look forward to having my own room because I have always had to share with my brother.

A Little Hockey Humor

Before the 1949 season, Toronto Maple Leafs owner Conn Smythe expressed concern with the bulging waistlines of some of his players. Star goalie Turk Broda was singled out for the most criticism. Smythe gave him an ultimatum: either lose seven pounds in a week or face serious consequences. The crash diet was referred to in the press as "The Battle of the Bulge." Fans sent him suggestions on how he could lose the weight. Broda went on a diet of grapefruit and soft boiled eggs. He managed to lose the weight just in time and celebrated by eating a steak.

ICEDOGS Add Butte Native To Roster

The Bozeman ICEDOGS have added Butte native Nick Siddoway to their roster. To this point in the season, Nick has played Forward for the Junior B Butte Roughriders and has tallied 14 goals and 26 assists for 40 points in 27 games.

Nick was born on June 28, 1985. He is 5'10 and weighs 170 pounds. Prior to joining the Rough Riders, Nick played one season with the Colorado Outlaws AAA and the Notre Dame Hounds Canadian Prep School.

"Nick has payed his dues by leaving Montana to play competitive hockey, and is now ready to challenge himself at the Junior A level. He is a Matt Frank type of player, who has great vision, speed & quickness, as well as an aggressive side. This season, he is going to learn the system and hopefully work himself into the lineup. We are really looking for Nick to be an impact player next season," said ICEDOGS Head Coach John LaFontaine.

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North American Hockey League Stories from January 12, 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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