Dog Pound Weekly

Published on January 26, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


After dropping two games to Billings last weekend and falling into the bottom of the standings, the ICEDOGS' hope of making the playoffs this season may have been reduced to a glimmer, but it hasn't stopped the team from keeping hope alive. The ICEDOGS sit in last place, more than 20 points behind the first place Fargo-Moorhead Jets and twelve points out of a playoff spot. Twenty games remain in the regular season, all of which are against conference opponents, and as of now, practically all of them are must-wins.

Nonetheless, like any other team that sets their expectations high, both the coaching staff and the players are confident that they can still manage to make something good out of a difficult situation. "We're starting to learn what it means to make an effort on defense," Coach LaFontaine said on Monday. "Effort, hard work and sacrifice on defense is what it takes to win games, and in order to be successful, that has to be one of our main objectives. We're a good team talent wise, and when we put together the right kind of effort, we can make things happen."

Last weekend was an especially tough outing for the ICEDOGS, who went into Billings in desperate need of two wins. Instead they were dealt a loss on Friday and a shootout loss on Saturday, coming out of the weekend with only one point. Meanwhile, all the other teams in the conference (with the exception of the Minnesota Blizzard) were able to gain ground on the 'DOGS. Helena split two games against the Bismarck Bobcats, giving each team two points, and the Fargo -Moorhead Jets beat the Blizzard three times for six points.

On the bus ride home from Saturday's loss, assistant coach Tom Winkler described the game as a "starting point" for resurrecting the season. "Overall, our effort was much better tonight, and our commitment to defense was better," Winkler told the Billings Gazette. Although the current situation may look bad to the average fan, anyone who has watched the team develop throughout the season can tell you that there's every reason to believe that there is hope for the playoffs. The team features two of the best goaltenders in the league in Josh Kassel and Matt Cleveland. There is a solid veteran blue line led by Josh Meyers, Jason Woll, Brian Moore and Zach McKelvie. The offense is powered by high scoring forwards Josh Heidinger, Jack Day, Ross Johnson, and Filip Macejka. These players are supported by a more than able cast of players capable of stepping into roles that suit the best interests of the team. Any player on the team can be a hero on any given night, and it shows on the team statistics. No other team in the league spreads scoring out like the ICEDOGS.

The team continues on the road this weekend with a game Thursday in Bismarck, followed by two games in Fargo on Friday and Saturday before returning to the Ice Garden the first weekend of February to face Bismarck for a two game set.

This past week has brought a fair share of ups and downs both on and off the ice...and the 'DOGS look to continue their solid play from last Saturday as they travel to take on the surging Bobcats and first place Jets this weekend.

On Monday morning, Brett Nylander committed to play hockey at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO. Fortunately, the 'DOGS will get one more year of service from Brett, as he plans to join the Falcons squad in the fall of 2006.

Chris McKelvie will be unable to play for the remainder of the season due to injury. At this time, he is planning on returning to the 'DOGS next season. AJ Balaze is expected to return to practice next month, and could see action shortly thereafter.

Are major changes in the works for the Billings Bulls organization? Click on the link below the "Behind the Boards" section to find out.

Spotlight on Zach McKelvie #27

Last week, Zach made a lifelong dream come true when he committed to play college hockey for Army. This second year ICEDOG has a work ethic second to none and has had a big impact on the ICEDOGS program.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? Speed, skating ability, and hard work. What skills do you want to improve?All skills need to be worked on, but I want to get quicker and develop a better shot. What sports do you play other than hockey? I like to play soccer and LaCrosse. What are your favorite teams? My favorite teams are the Minnesota Twins, Wild, Timberwolves, and Vikings. My favorite professional athletes are Jarome Iginla, Kevin Garnett, Tori Hunter, and Tom Brady. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I want fans to remember me for being a good player. What is your pre-game routine? I get up early and eat eggs and oatmeal for breakfast (if at home). I also rub my good luck charm.

What is your funniest childhood memory? Chris and I decided to lock me in the locker at school when we were five. I got scared and started screaming and pounding on the door. Another time, we started a field on fire while shooting bottle rockets. If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? I would spend it. If you were granted any three wishes, what would you request? I would like free gas for life, win the Stanley Cup, and a vacation for a couple of months to travel the world.

What are five words people would use to describe you? Loyal, motivated, friendly, serious, and respectful. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? No, we won some tournaments, but never a state title. What do like most about Bozeman? I look forward to playing hockey in front of the big crowds and winning the Bourne Cup.

A Little Hockey Humor

Here are some quotes about Pat LaFontaine, brother of ICEDOGS' Head Coach John LaFontaine.

"When he's really skating, all you can see is the vapor trail. Once he gets by you, the only way to get him is with a whaling gun." Al Arbour

"Every time he touches the puck, we all sit up a little straighter and hold our breath." Don Maloney

"Sometimes he looks like he is playing against 50 octopuses." Gary Nylund, on how the opposition tries to contain LaFontaine

Learning the Rules-Rule 606 Charging

The charging signal is made by rotating clenched fists around one another in front of their chest.

(a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who runs or jumps into or charges an opponent. (Note) If more than two steps or strides are taken, it shall be considered "charging". When a player injures an opponent as the result of "Charging" the Referee shall have no alternative but to impose a major plus game ejection penalty or a major plus game misconduct penalty on the offending player.

(b) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who body checks or charges a goalkeeper while the goalkeeper is within his goal crease or privileged area. A goalkeeper is NOT "fair game" just because he is outside his privileged area. A penalty for interference or charging should be called in every case where an opposing player makes unnecessary contact with a goalkeeper. Likewise, Referees should be alert to penalize goalkeepers for tripping, slashing, or spearing in the vicinity of the goal.

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North American Hockey League Stories from January 26, 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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