Dog Pound Weekly

Published on March 16, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The Billings Bulls have bullied the ICEDOGS around all season. Friday night, the ICEDOGS got their last chance of the 2004-05 season to get some revenge on Billings. While down 2-3 and in front of 2,371 screaming fans, forward Zach McKelvie dropped his gloves at center ice to square off against Gabe Harren of the Bulls. Depending on whom you ask, the fight was either a draw or a win for McKelvie. The typical momentum shift followed, as seconds later Mike McMillan put in the tying goal. The tally sent the already standing crowd into a frenzy, ready to watch their ICEDOGS finally take the Bulls for a ride.

Instead, the ICEDOGS took two more bad penalties and Billings scored two more goals in a disappointing 5-3 loss, making the ICEDOGS' record against the Bulls 2-14 for the season. In a year filled with frustration, Friday's loss could be called a low point - with nothing to prove but their already established dominance over Bozeman, the Bulls beat a team desperate to prove its worth.

Saturday night against the surging Minnesota Blizzard wasn't any better. Almost as if to tease the fans that made it out to the game, the 'DOGS lasted all the way into a shootout, only to have Minnesota take the win. The game was a back and forth scoring fest, with the lead changing hands four times. Anton Kharin scored two goals and Nick Siddoway scored his first goal in Junior A Hockey. In the end it was the same old story, with fans going home after another one goal loss.

But while the team might not be having any success, at least the games have been exciting. The ICEDOGS have lost more 1-goal games (15) than any other team in the league this year, making this the season that literally could have been. Had all of those losses been wins, the ICEDOGS would be gunning for first place in a division that might be the best in the league. Had the ICEDOGS won their 6 overtime losses, they would still be contending for a playoff spot. Instead, Bozeman is the third worst team in the NAHL. At this point, fans can only wait for next season.

This weekend, the ICEDOGS are back at home for two more games! Friday night, the 'DOGS take on the Fargo-Moorhead Jets in their final Pepsi Family Night of the season. Get 4 tickets, 4 Pepsis, and a bucket of popcorn for $25 and stick around after the game for the FREE post-game skate. It is also our winners-only puck toss for a FREE trip to a Colorado Rockies game from the ICEDOGS, Harrington's Pepsi, and The Travel Station!

Saturday night, the Bismarck Bobcats make their final appearance of the season at the Valley Ice Garden. Join the team afterwards at Old Chicago for their post-game party.

Next weekend is the final pair of games for the 2004- 05 ICEDOGS. Friday night, they play in Helena and then both teams return to play again here on Saturday. Saturday's game is sponsored by AutoBody Experience. Every fan in attendance will receive a FREE round of golf* at Big Sky Resort if the game sells out, and one lucky fan will drive away in a new golf car! *FREE round of golf valid before June 9th or after September 24th 2005.

Spotlight on Brett Nylander

Brett is in his first year of ICEDOGS Hockey and has already made a commitment to play college hockey for the Air Force Academy in the fall of 2006. This means he will return to Bozeman next year and give fans a lot to look forward to over the summer.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? I like to focus on moving the puck and adding some offense. What skills do you want to improve? I want to work on my defense. What sports do you play other than hockey? I like to play football and golf. What are your favorite players? I like Zach Prise because of his intensity, Kevin Garnett because I'm from Minnesota, and Mike Vick because he has the quickest feet I have ever seen. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I would like to be remembered for having a lot of passion, being fast, and high character. What is your pre-game routine? I wake up between 7:00 and 8:00 am, then go for a little jog. After returning, I eat breakfast and spend some time relaxing. I drive to the rink early because I can't sit still at home, and spend a lot of time getting my sticks ready.

What is your funniest childhood memory? When in High School I was crowned King at the homecoming coronation. At the time I was really sick and sweaty...which was embarassing in front of all my classmates. If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? Spend it on sports equipment. If you were granted any three wishes, what would you request? I would like an NHL contract, a million dollar job, and an awesome wife.

What are five words people would use to describe you? Competitive, Caring, Funny, and Hard Working. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? Yes, in football my sophomore year. What do like most about Bozeman? I love the the mountains and lifestyle here.

Learning the Rules-Rule 622 Interference by Spectators

(a) In the event of a player being held or interfered with by a spectator, the Referee or Linesman shall blow the whistle and play shall be stopped, unless the team of the player interfered with is in possession of the puck at the time, in which case the play shall be allowed to be completed before blowing the whistle, and the puck shall be faced at the spot where last played at the time of stoppage.

(b) Any player who physically interferes with a spectator shall be assessed a game misconduct penalty and the Referee shall report all such infractions to the proper authorities who shall have full power to impose such further penalty as deemed appropriate.

(c) In the event that objects are thrown on the ice which interfere with the progress of the game, the Referee shall blow the whistle and stop the play, and the puck shall be faced-off at the spot where play is stopped.

About The Jets and 'Cats

Both of the ICEDOGS' opponents played each other last weekend. On Friday, Fargo beat Bismarck 6-3 and on Saturday, Bismarck beat Fargo 2-1. The Jets are in a heated race with Billings for first place, while Bismarck is one point behind the fourth place Blizzard.

One reason for Fargo's success this season is the play of Phil Fox, Chris Myhro, and Dain Prewitt. All- star goaltender Andy Stricker is also one of the stingiest in the league with a 2.11 goals against average.

While Bismarck lacks the firepower of Fargo, they are still a dangerous team as they fight for their playoff lives. They have four players with 10 or more goals, and goaltender Aaron Walski ranks 8th in the league with a 2.87 goals against average. With a lot riding on Saturday's game, fans can be assured playoff intensity as the 'DOGS try to seek revenge against the two-time division champions.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Hockey League Stories from March 16, 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.

OurSports Central