Dog Pound Weekly

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


This weekend, the ICEDOGS are back at home for two more games!

Friday night, the 'DOGS take on the Billings Bulls, sponsored by Carpet Mill Outlet. Wear white, bring your chant guides, bang those cheerstix, and tune up your vocal chords as we try to make it an intimidating environment for the Bulls to play in.

Saturday night, the ICEDOGS take on the Minnesota Blizzard for only the second time at home this season!

On one of the last road trips of the season, the Bozeman ICEDOGS finally surrendered their playoff hopes for the 2005 season. In need of three wins to stay alive in the playoff race, the 'DOGS traveled to Bismarck last Friday where they squeezed out a shootout win against the Bobcats. The 'DOGS were unable to use the momentum, however, as they lost the next two games (6-2, 2-1) to the Fargo- Moorhead Jets and ended any chance of making the playoffs for the 2005 season.

"Team morale is still good," said assistant coach Tom Winkler. "We're all still positive at this point that we can finish off the season with a string of wins. Most of our losses this year were by one goal, and if we could just learn how to win, it would put a positive spin on the season." Despite the fact that there will be no playoffs this year for the 'DOGS, there have been a number of bright spots that the team can point to when evaluating this season. Four players committed to Division I colleges where they will continue their hockey careers. Josh Kassel, Bill Leahy, and Zach McKelvie all committed to Army, and Brett Nylander made a commitment to the Air Force Academy for the 2006 season. Also, both Kassel and Matt Cleveland were among the league leaders in save percentage and goals against average, and the ICEDOGS had the third best attendance in the NAHL this year - a sign that hockey is here to stay in the Gallatin Valley.

"The fans here are the best fans in the league," Winkler said. The team has six games left in the season, five of which are at home, so fans will still have plenty of chances to come out and watch some hockey. This weekend the team takes on the Billings Bulls on Friday and the Minnesota Blizzard on Saturday. Now that the ICEDOGS have nothing to lose, and the rest of the conference is still jockeying for points, the remainder of the season should see some exciting games. "Every game from here on out is still going to be a challenge," said Winkler.

Spotlight on Josh Meyers #26

Josh is a quiet leader of the team both on and off the ice, and unfortunately for everyone is in his final season. This year, his steady and reliable work ethic earned him the Assistant Captain designation. After three years in Bozeman, Josh is ready to continue his hockey career in college.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? I like to focus on being fast and playing solid defense. What skills do you want to improve? I want to work on being more offensive minded. What sports do you play other than hockey? I like to play baseball. What are your favorite teams? I like the Detroit Red Wings, Atlanta Braves, and Dallas Cowboys. My favorite players are Sergei Federov, Greg Maddox, and Emmitt Smith. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I would like to be remembered for working hard and playing smart. What is your pre- game routine? I take a pre-game nap and eat one of Rene's exceptional pre-game meals.

What is your funniest childhood memory? I use to like to walk around the house with nothing on but a Cowboy hat. If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? Buy a case of 17 shells for gophers. If you were granted any three wishes, what would you request? I would like to be happily married with two children, be a professional hockey player, and get paid to hunt and fish.

What are five words people would use to describe you? I have no idea. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? Yes..when I was 10 and 12 years old we won baseball championships. What do like most about Bozeman? I love the the mountains and fly fishing.

The Golden Jet, Bobby Hull

"Always keep your composure. You can't score from the penalty box; and to win, you have to score." Bobby Hull.

One of the greatest attributes of Bobby Hull was his undeniable love for his fans. Few players, even then, would stop during the pregame skate to sign autographs, but Bobby Hull always did. He learned early on how special a kind word or gesture from an athlete can be to an impressionable youngster. When Hull's parents took him by train from Belleville to Toronto to see his first NHL game, he was only 10 years old. The Maple Leafs were playing the Detroit Red Wings, and their rivalry was one of the greatest in all of sports. That night at Maple Leaf Gardens, the future Golden Jet got both Gordie Howe's and Ted Linsay's autographs. Bobby Hull was especially inspired by the way the two Detroit superstars treated the fans. Bobby followed their example and he was always there to sign autographs for his fans.

Learning the Rules-Rule 619 Hooking

The referee signal for hooking is made with a tugging motion with both arms, as if pulling something toward the stomach.

(a) A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player who impedes or seeks to impede the progress of an opponent by "hooking" with his stick. (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 "hooking".

About The Bulls and Blizzard

The Billings Bulls are coming off a two game series with the Helena Bighorns where they won 2-1 last Friday and lost 3-5 on Saturday. The Bulls have a trio of games this week with games here Friday, Helena Saturday, and Billings on Sunday afternoon against the Blizzard. They are currently 31-15-5 and have 67 points, one behind the division leading Jets. This season, the Bulls are 9-2-2 against the 'DOGS.

Last weekend, things did not go as planned for the Minnesota Blizzard. They got spanked 0-6 by the Fargo-Moorhead Jets on Friday and again by the Bismarck Bobcats 2-7 on Saturday. This weekend, they embark on a long road trip that takes them to Helena on Friday, here Saturday, and Billings Sunday. They are currently in fifth place with a 24- 23-4 record and 52 points. Against the ICEDOGS they are 1-2-0.

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North American Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2005


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