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Published on July 11, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The Bozeman ICEDOGS held their invitation tryout camp June 27-29 in Blaine, Minnesota at the Schwan Super Rinks. This first class facility is home to the North American Hockey League annual showcase. Eighty players in attendance comprised six teams who competed together throughout the various activities. Smaller rosters gave the ICEDOGS' staff a chance to evaluate each player more effectively than if in a large group. Three games on the first night of camp were all settled by only one goal, including a shutout.

During the second day of camp, players competed in area cross-ice games. Potential ICEDOGS had to play in high traffic areas, which was an exhibition of their ability to make quick decisions while keeping their heads up. "This exercise really forced players to read and react. The players that were able to transition the best dominated these scrimmages," said Head Coach John LaFontaine.

Former NHL player and coach Paul Baxter was at the camp and helped create the second series of games where players competed in three-on-two and two-on- two scrimmages. "This drill taught us who has good offensive instincts and who is smart in defensive situations," he said.

The last game matched team Baxter played against team Stone/Winkler. Paul Baxter and his son, former ICEDOG Marcus Baxter, drafted and coached against the duo of ICEDOGS' Assistant Coach Kevin Stone and Blackhawks' Head Coach Tom Winkler. "The draft was fun, but difficult. There was a lot of talent out there and it is good to have to make tough decisions in hockey," said Winkler. The game went both ways with a lot of offense and some spectacular goaltending. Coach Stone was pleased with how potential goalies performed: "We had eight goaltenders in attendance with aspirations of earning one of only two roster spots. Mike Jarboe and Devan Hartigan were the story of the All-Star game."

The All-Star game ended up with Team Stone/Winkler winning 5-3. Two late goals and an empty netter sealed the victory. The ICEDOGS staff is very excited about the upcoming season and is thrilled with the lineup they have leaving camp. Coach Winkler was able to get a big jump on his season and a lot of interest in the Blackhawks team among those who were unable to earn a spot on the ICEDOGS' roster.

Alaska proved to be the surprise state of the week for producing players qualified to make this year's team. Bryant Molle of the Anchorage North Stars, Kyle Bailey and Luke Bennett of the Alaska All-Stars all had great camps. "They were well coached in midget hockey," said Baxter. Case Shade is another Anchorage North Star who is coming to Bozeman to try and make it into the lineup. Jason Krispel of California plays a very aggressive style that was instilled by his L.A. Select coach.

The defensive core looks tough as Graham McManamin, Brett Nylander, and Brian Moore showed off their summer training programs. They, along with newcomer Ryan Block (one of the team's early tenders), made big plays and strong hits.

Veteran Chris McKelvie was in attendance and has been given clearance from the doctor to start working out with his re-constructed shoulder. "I am anxious to join my teammates in Boston at the Chowder Cup," he said. The Chowder Cup is an early season exposure tournament where the ICEDOGS will have a chance to showcase their talents to eastern colleges. The event is for all junior age eligible players and teams from around the country August 4-7 in Walpole, Massachusettes.

League and Team Changes

The North American Hockey League has continued to evolve and change, and this year is no different. Here is a summary of some of the changes that we felt might be of interest:

Coaching Carousel: After the season, Billings released head coach Mike Aikens and replaced him with assistant Doug Johnson. Long time fans might remember Doug as he competed for the Bulls during the 1997-98 season. In Bismarck, team owner Tom Brigl fired head coach Chad Johnson and elevated three year assistant Dane Litke to the top coaching position.

Team Movement: The Central Texas Marshals and Soo Indians have decided not to compete as part of the league this year. The Springfield Spirit have moved to Mat-Su, Alaska while the Toledo Ice Diggers migrated to Alpena, Ohio. The North Iowa Outlaws and Southern Minnesota Express are expansion teams beginning play this season.

Schedule: ICEDOGS fans who felt they saw a little too much of Helena and Billings can breath easier this year. With the recent re-alignment of the west division, ICEDOGS fans will see a more balanced schedule. In addition, the team will play teams from other divisions, including a pair of games against the two-time league champion Texas Tornado. A full season schedule will be released as soon as it is finalized. Fans can expect to see a final schedule before August 1st.

Brett Beckfeld Makes College Commitment

Brett Beckfeld will be attending the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point. After making personal visits to two other universities, he decided that Stevens Point offered the best blend of academic and athletic challenges. "I went out with some of my future teammates while on my weekend recruiting trip and felt going to Stevens Point was the right decision. I am looking forward to living with Nick Bydal (former Bismarck Bobcat) and a couple of veteran players on the hockey team." Brett plans to study business with a communications minor, and eventually end up in the business school's prestigous entrepreunership program. "I have lived away from home with host families for the past four years, so doing laundry and cooking are going to be the biggest challenges," he quipped. "I met some incredible people around Bozeman and I will miss the scenery. It doesn't get any better than waking up to those beautiful mountains every day."

ICEDOGS Make Radio Partnership Change

After a seven year run on Clear Channel's 95.1-FM, the team will be making the switch to KBOZ Radio Stations' 93.7-FM. "KBOZ is more sports oriented and is really making an effort to promote local athletics, and many of their on-air personalities make athletics a big part of their programming. Former Voice of the Bobcats' Dean Alexander and Dave Visscher entertain listeners in the mornings and the trio of Dean, Dave and Terry Michael have their daily Sports' Nuts talk show over the noon hour. This will also be a nice fit because of their ESPN radio broadcasts," said Bozeman ICEDOGS General Manager Jason Martel.

One change for KBOZ listeners will be an increase in the number of player and coaches' interviews, as well as appearances by energetic ICEDOGS' Public Address Announcer Geno Plyler. "Geno has a radio background, and lights up the airwaves. I feel sorry for people who are just waking up when Geno is interviewed," Martel joked.

KBOZ has expressed an interest in the ICEDOGS broadcasts over the years, and is really excited about the change. KBOZ is currently building a Television studio at their headquarters and will be providing local programming on TVKBOZ Cable 22. Part of this programming will involve ICEDOGS hockey and televising home games on a delayed basis.

Are You Interested In Hosting An ICEDOG or Blackhawk?

With the addition of a Junior B team, the need for quality families to welcome players into their homes doubles. If you are interested in being part of the housing pool, please contact ICEDOGS coach Kevin Stone at 585-1415 or by e-mail kstone@bozemanicedogs.com.

Upcoming Valley Ice Garden Schedule

This Friday, the Valley Ice Garden will be hosting the Warped Tour. Featuring over 50 bands and numerous other activities, this event will draw around 6,000 fans. For information on Warped Tour, call the Ticket Office at 585-1415 or visit warpedtour.com.

Ani DiFranco is performing September 9th. Ani is an accoustic guitar player and folk singer who likes to keep things simple. Her radiant stage presence, lyrics, and guitar work have catapulted her to one of the music's top artists over the past 15 years. Unlike many musicians, she has resisted the advances of record labels, preferring to service the aural needs of an ever-expanding fan base through her own Righteous Babe Records. Ani's shows are intimate, intense, and invigorating for those who enjoy accoustic music.

ICEDOGS PA Announcer To Be Full Time

The Bozeman ICEDOGS are excited to announce the promotion of PA announcer Geno Plyler to a full-time Fan Development Coordinator within the organization. His areas of responsibility are developing a personal relationship with fans, game entertainment, assisting in marketing, public appearances, and ticket sales.

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North American Hockey League Stories from July 11, 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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