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Dog Pound Weekly

October 5, 2005 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The ICEDOGS have two weeks to prepare for a tough road trip next week where they will have four games against the first place Fairbanks Ice Dogs (4-2-1) and second place Wasilla Spirit (4-3-0). After inconsistency last weekend against Helena (1-3-0), the team has to focus on maintaining intensity for 60 minutes--something that led to a 5-1 victory on Saturday.

Looking forward, the ICEDOGS have a number of open Game Night Sponsorships/Beer Garden rentals available for the upcoming holiday season! If your business is looking for a place to have a Christmas party, look no further than an ICEDOGS game! For more information or available dates, please call Rex at 585- 1415.

The Bozeman Blackhawks play the Kootenai Colts tomorrow night at 7:35 pm at the Valley Ice Garden. Friday morning, they head to Spokane for matches against the Flyers on Friday and Saturday. Last weekend the Blackhawks went 2-0 at home, beating the Butte Rough Riders and Fort Vancouver Pioneers. By signing up for the Dog Pound Weekly, you will automatically receive game reminders for the Blackhawks. To remove yourself from these reminders, click on the "my profile" section at the bottom of this e-mail. You can choose what information you recieve from the ICEDOGS and Blackhawks.

Picking Up The First Win, Crucial After Tough Losses

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For ICEDOGS' Head Coach John LaFontaine, the first league victory of the season should have come a night earlier. Disappointed after a loss that should have been a win, Coach LaFontaine and Coach Kevin Stone spent late hours Friday night watching video. They also talked about adjustments that would help them defend against the chip and chase style that Helena plays.

"We watched a lot of video, and saw Helena's transition game," LaFontaine said. "The biggest thing we noticed was how tough it was for our defense to be aggressive and still watch their wingers flying out of the zone. They had 11 odd man rushes in Friday's game." The changes worked, as Saturday night was a different story. The ICEDOGS traveled to Helena and were on a mission, like Huskies in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race.

For Bozeman it was a pair of rookies who decided to step up and lead the team. Mark Columbus and Kyle Bailey each scored in the first period to give the ICEDOGS a 2-0 lead in the first. "The difference in the game on Saturday was not that we had the lead, but we had control," LaFontaine added. "Getting the lead is always important but Friday we didn't have control. Just as big was the third goal because it gave us the cushion heading into the third period."

But Bailey and Columbus weren't done just yet. In the second they each added their second tally of the night, and in the third, Bailey picked up the hat trick. "It was my first hat trick since I was a Pee Wee," Bailey said. "It was great to be such a big part of the team's first win."

Behind the scenes were the veterans, who may not have been scoring goals, but were racking up assists. Chris McKelvie had one, Pete Fylling had two, while Ryan Bunger and Josh Heidinger each tallied three. "They really stepped up," LaFontaine said. "Not just the forwards with the assists, but the defensive veterans as well. They all had a rookie playing with them and you could see them directing traffic, helping the younger players."

Special teams were also clicking on all cylinders as the ICEDOGS power play was a perfect 2-2 on Saturday night. The penalty kill was solid, giving up on one goal in seven Helena chances. Matt Dalton stepped up and answered the challenge from Coach Stone, stopping 34 of the 35 Helena shots and making a statement to the team that he is the clear number one.

"Matt was a big reason we were in control," LaFontaine said. "In the second period Helena came out charging and he made two huge glove saves that gave the team confidence. If he hadn't made those saves then it would have been a different game. Instead of 4-0 at the end of the second it would have been 2-2." The ICEDOGS have the weekend off as they prepare for a four game trip north to Alaska.

Spotlight on Jamesom Raymond #4

Jameson Raymond is a first-year ICEDOG from Flint, Michigan after playing last season for Detroit Compuware. He has played in all four regular season games and is a strong defenseman with high expectations.

Q: Tell us a little about your playing background. A: My neighbor was French Canadian and introduced me to the game. Our backyards were always flooded and frozen, so we skated in the yard. When I was six years old my parents got me in figure skating classes to work on my power skating. I started playing hockey the following year. I played youth hockey in Flint and had to move to Detroit when I was a freshman for better talent and more competition. I played for Belltire when I was a freshman and then moved to Detroit Compuware for the rest of my high school career.

Q: What is your favorite memory of your playing career so far? A: When I was a Pee Wee we played in a big tournament in Quebec. It was the first time I ever really played in front of a lot of fans. There were about 8,000 fans at one of the games and our team placed 10th out of 200 teams. It was a neat experience for me when I was still young and hope to play in front of that many fans again.

Q: How do you prepare for a game? A: I get up on game day and head to morning skate. After practice, I eat a big brunch and then go home for a nap. I wake up an hour or so before I have to be at the rink and start to mentally prepare for the game. At the rink I follow the team routine of stretching and a meeting. I always put my left skate on first when getting ready.

Q: What are your plans after you're done playing Juniors? A: I want to go on and play in college, and where does not matter. While at school, I plan to study physical education or history and become a teacher after graduation.

Q: What do you like best about Bozeman? A: I enjoy hunting and fishing, so this area is perfect. The scenery, mountains, and fresh air are great. Bozeman is an awesome place.

For More Information on Jameson Raymond

NAHL Weekly Blog Features Chris McKelvie

NAHL Director of Communications and Sports Information Stu Hackel recently asked Bozeman ICEDOGS' forward and three-year Veteran Chris McKelvie to provide insights into life in the NAHL.

The weekly Blog will be produced by a player, coach, or other individual affiliated with the NAHL and posted on the league's website. It will offer their unique perspective of the league, teams, and rivalry.



North American Hockey League Stories from October 5, 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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