Dog Pound Weekly

Published on February 9, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


Last weekend, the Bozeman ICEDOGS were looking to gain some ground on the fifth place Bismarck Bobcats, who were in town for two games at the Valley Ice Garden.

Unfortunately, instead of picking up a couple of wins, the ICEDOGS split the weekend series with a win on Friday and a loss on Saturday and ended up in the same spot they were at the end of January---in last place. "It's frustrating because we are four lines deep and sometimes it can't all click," said ICEDOGS forward Steve Cunningham. "Wins don't come easy for us. We are all trying hard, and there are no egos on this team. It is a good group, but we've just had problems winning."

The weekend looked promising on Friday as the 'DOGS jumped out to a 3-1 lead after one period, thanks to a resurgent power play that went one for three on the night. After giving up a fluke goal to Bismarck in the first minute, the ICEDOGS scored three straight goals. Captain Bill Leahy started things off with a power-play goal at 16:28, followed by a Ryan Bunger goal on a two on one pass that deflected off the Bismarck defenseman and into the goal. Then with less than five minutes left in the first period, Ross Johnson tallied his first of two goals for Bozeman during a scramble in front of the net, putting the ICEDOGS up 3-1. Forty minutes, two Anton Kharin goals and an empty-net tally later, and the ICEDOGS were skating off the ice with a 7-4 win.

"It seemed like we moved the puck really well, nobody shied away, and we were more physical on Friday," Cunningham said. But even after Friday's success, the ICEDOGS retreated back to their old ways on Saturday, going 0-for-4 on the power-play in a 1-0 loss. Bismarck's Scott Paul scored the only goal and goalie Matt Koenig stopped 40 shots in the win. "It was one of those situations where things could go either way," Cunningham said. "We had chances but couldn't do it. There were enough opportunities; just certain pucks didn't go in that needed to."

Playoff hopes are getting dimmer and dimmer for the ICEDOGS, but with two months of inter-conference games ahead of them, there is still a chance of making the last spot before the end of March. Next weekend's games against the Helena Bighorns will be pivotal. Helena is 19 points ahead of Bozeman in the standings, and is all but guaranteed a playoff spot. The ICEDOGS are 3-6 against the Bighorns this season and anything could happen. "We've learned to hate Helena," said Cunningham. "It's a good rivalry."

This weekend, the ICEDOGS play one of their biggest rivals, the Helena Bighorns. Last weekend, the Bighorns toppled the Blizzard 5-2 and 5-4. The 'DOGS, who have played two fewer games, sit nineteen points behind the third place behind the Bighorns.

Starting tonight, the ICEDOGS will be on Television! Click on the link below the "Behind the Boards" section for our schedule.

Friday's game is sponsored by PC Development. Join the team afterwards for their post-game party at Old Chicago Restaurant.

Spotlight on Brett Beckfeld #33

Brett is in his first year of ICEDOGS Hockey, after joining the team this fall from the Cedar Rapids Rough Riders of the USHL.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? I try and bring skill, creativity, and being a team player. What skills do you want to improve? I want to work on developing quicker feet. What sports do you play other than hockey? I like to play golf and baseball. What are your favorite teams? I don't really have favorite teams, but like to follow players. Hockey: Igor Larinov because I have a similar playing style. Basketball: LeBron James because he is young and talented. Baseball: Roger Clemens because he dominates. Football: Randy Moss because he plays for the Vikings. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I would like to be remembered for being modest, a good guy, and team player. What is your pre- game routine? I eat waffles or eggs in the morning, go to the team skate, take a nap, and head to the rink. My superstitions are chewing a new piece of gum for each period and tapping every board on my side of the ice during warm ups.

What is your funniest childhood memory? I rember falling down the stairs at the National Hockey Center in St. Cloud, MN during a Huskies game. I also remember falling off a 10 foot high deck and landing on my feet. If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? Probably spend it on movies and music. If you were granted any three wishes, what would you request? I would like unlimited money, good health, and three more wishes.

What are five words people would use to describe you? Modest, curteous, crazy, intense, and passionate. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? No. What do like most about Bozeman? I think the scenery is amazing. I also like the coaches, housing family, and my teammates.

A Little Hockey Humor

The Bus Leagues---Life in the Minors

The old Eastern Amateur Hockey League was a rough and tumble loop that operated up and down the Eastern seaboard of the United States. In order to survive in those days, the league operators needed to provide the fans with something a little more unique that just the game of hockey. So, in the 1930's, the league arranged for Norweigian sweetheart Sonja Henie to become part of the entertainment package. The reigning Olympic figure skater was inked to a professional skating contract, and in between periods she would perform some of her classic moves for the assembled throngs.

While rehearsing during the week Henie often refused to leave the ice, even though the hockey team was scheduled to practice. Well, it took only a couple of well-placed slap shots that zinged off the glass near her head to convince her to share her ice time more prudently.

Learning the Rules-Rule 608

Rule 608. Cross-Checking or Butt-Ending

The Official's signal for Cross-Checking is made with a forward motion with both fists clenched extending from the chest.

(a) A minor or a major penalty shall be imposed on a player who "cross-checks" an opponent. (Note) "Cross-check" shall mean a check delivered with both hands on the stick and no part of the stick on the ice.

(b) A major plus game ejection penalty or a major plus game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who injures an opponent by "cross- checking".

(c) A minor plus misconduct penalty or a double minor plus game ejection penalty or major plus game misconduct penalty shall be imposed on any player who "butt-ends" or attempts to "butt-end" an opponent. The minor plus misconduct penalty option may only be assessed for an attempted butt-end where no contact with the opponent is made.

(Note 1) Attempt to "butt-end" shall include all cases where a "butt-end" gesture is made regardless of whether body contact is made or not. (Note 2) "Butt-ending" may also be treated as an Attempt to Injure or Deliberate Injury of an Opponent under Rule 603.

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North American Hockey League Stories from February 9, 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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