Dog Pound Weekly

Published on November 30, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


This weekend the ICEDOGS welcome some of the most talented players in the country on Friday and Saturday in Team USA's U18 squad. Among them are 13 players selected by NHL Central Scouting as likely first-round candidates and three additional players who are potential draft candidates. In addition, all of those players have made commitments to major college hockey programs should they be drafted by a team and need further development.

Once drafted into the NHL, a player may be required by the drafting team or decide on their own to play college hockey and join the NHL team at any time between the time of drafting until one year following their last year of playing college hockey. That player's rights are held by the NHL franchise drafting them and may be traded or released should their skills not develop as expected. Some players enter the NHL upon drafting and do not play college hockey.

Check out the U18 team's website for more stats, schedules, college commitments, and more.

The Blackhawks are off this weekend and will return to action on December 8th in Helena against the Queen City Cutthroats. Their next home game is on December 15th against the Kent Crusaders.

Friday's game is being sponsored by Bozeman's own FOX 24/32. They will be giving away one That 70's Show box set per period to a lucky fan and The Complete Sixth Season of the Simpsons DVD Collectors Edition Box Set or FOX Sunday Comedy Tour T-shirt (winner's choice) as their cow toss prize.

ICEDOGS Take Unique Approach During 20 Game Winning Streak

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During the 2005-06 season, the Bozeman ICEDOGS have put together the North American Hockey League's best single season winning streak, now at 20 games. However, when you mention the streak to Coach John LaFontaine, he may dodge the question.

During this incredible run for the "Boys from Bozeman," Coach LaFontaine and his team have taken an interesting approach in efforts to keep the team focused, and the words that echo every night, "It's not how you start, it's how you finish." "We try not to talk about the 20 wins," Coach LaFontaine said. "We have to take it one weekend and one game at a time. The focus in on getting better and working towards the end of the season."

The approach of taking it one weekend at a time has found the ICEDOGS with six winning streaks of two or three games. After the weekend, they start from scratch. "That concept came from the players," LaFontaine added. "It was what they wanted and it's what they talk about before games to keep the guys focused on the task at hand, winning the game."

As of late, the competition has been getting tougher, as every team wants to be the one to end the streak, and as the ICEDOGS approach the NAHL's All- Time Winning Streak, one may think the pressure is growing on the boys. "Sure the players know they are close to the all-time streak," LaFontaine said. "That's normal, but they also know they need to work on things. We haven't put together a solid 60 minutes in the past five games. If we don't get on track, that will catch up to us."

For the Bozeman ICEDOGS, every game sets the tone and is a new challenge. It is a chance to get better, not just individually, but as a team and that's the way the coaches want it to be. Whatever the approach, it keeps working and the team continues to find ways to get the job done. 2005-06 has been a special year for the ICEDOGS organization, as signs of the 2001-2002 Borne Cup Champions start to creep back into the minds of fans and players alike.

Spotlight on Quinn Ellingson #14

Q: Tell us a little about your playing background. A: I started skating on the ponds when I was old enough to walk. My parents got me skating and then signed me up at age four for hockey. I played in the Austin Youth Hockey Program until high school, playing on travel teams for most of the years. I played Varsity Hockey for Austin High School in Minnesota for two years and then my senior year I transferred to play for Albert Lee in Minnesota. After making the State Tournament my senior year, the Southern Minnesota Express offered me a tender, which I took. A few months into the season, I decided I wasn't happy there, and ended up getting traded to Bozeman.

Q: What is your favorite playing career memory so far? A: My senior year in high school I made the Minnesota High School State Tournament, which is an awesome experience. Some games you play in front of 19,000 fans in a packed Excel Energy Center in downtown St. Paul, MN. We lost our first game to Warroad, the eventual winners, but finished with a win in the consolation championship game.

Q: How do you prepare for a game? A: When I wake up I take a shower and eat a good breakfast before the morning skate. I try to get a good workout in on the ice before I head out for some lunch. After lunch, I go home and relax until three. I take another shower and get a big dinner, usually of meat and potatoes before I head to the rink. I tape my sticks, get everything ready to go and then jump in the shower again. This helps get my blood flowing and I use the time to focus. When I start putting my gear on I put my left shin pad on first and then the rest of my equipment in the same order every game.

Q: What are your plans after you are done playing Juniors? A: I want to go to college, hopefully a Division I school. I'm open to whatever happens so I will just have to see where I end up. I think I want to go into the medical field, but not sure what area yet.

Q: What do you like best about Bozeman? A: Playing in Bozeman is awesome. I get to work with some good coaches and the guys on the team are awesome. We all get along and they are accepting to new players. I also love the mountains, getting a chance to go snowboarding at Big Sky, and just having fun with the surroundings.

Miscellaneous News, Notes, and Happenings

Are you interested in playing winter league hockey? Of so, click here for information. The Gallatin Valley Hockey Club is also sponsoring a New Year's Eve tournament, and information is available on the above link.

The annual ICEDOGS' Christmas party is this Sunday from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Bozeman Senior Center. If you are interested in attending, or would like more information, please contact Booster Club President Marlene Montgomery at 388-1473 or visit the Booster Club booth on the concourse at one of this weekend's games.

Several ICEDOGS will be making an appearance at Hastings on Wednesday, December 14th from 7:00 to 8:00 pm to sign player trading cards. Each player will have 100 additional cards in case you missed out on getting one at their game.

The ICEDOGS would like to thank Moonlight Basin and our fans for helping the team sellout and win last Friday night! Fans can redeem their game ticket for a free lift ticket, limit one per person. In addition to wonderful skiing, Moonlight Basin features exquisite dining, lodging, and their very popular Jackass Creek Saloon. Visit moonlightbasin.com for details on turning your lift ticket into a mini-vacation this winter!

If you have any ideas on additional promotions the ICEDOGS should consider, send an e-mail to insider@bozemanicedogs.com! We are always looking for ways to increase attendance and help reward our loyal fans.

ICEDOGS Media Relations Coordinator Jim Stephens recently compiled an updated list of former 'DOGS. Check out the Team History page on the team website to check out this information.

Hockey Trivia, Sponsored By Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply

Who was the last goaltender to play an NHL hockey game without a mask?

Did you know that Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply at 2275 North 7th Avenue has the perfect gifts for him, her, the kids and all your four legged friends this Holiday season? For him, consider a Better Built tool box, Carhartt coat or a drilling screwdriver accessory combo set. For her, how about sheep skin slippers, Montana Silversmiths jewelry or scented country candles? What kids wouldn't love to find a horse tire swing, 75 piece value farm set or kid's Woolrich sweaters, tees, fleece tops and pants under the tree? For the four legged friends in your life perhaps an ex-large Dogloo, pig ears or Hamilton dog & cat collars and leads. Stop by Murdoch's just north of the I-90 interchange and let us help you outfit everyone in your clan for the Holiday season!

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North American Hockey League Stories from November 30, 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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