Dog Pound Weekly

Published on December 14, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


"Your winning streak starts with your last loss." The phrase echoed through the locker room Thursday night when the Fairbanks Ice Dogs ended the Bozeman ICEDOGS incredible 20 game winning streak. It is a phrase that Coach John LaFontaine has been saying all along, including when the ‘DOGS lost their first three games.

Now after a two month unbeaten streak, the "Boys from Bozeman" have to start all over. It took a team that shares the same name to upend the ICEDOGS, and it took a shootout and the third one goal game of the season between the two teams. Fairbanks, fighting back the entire game tied the score at three, and Jameson Lundquist was the only shooter to score in the shootout to give Fairbanks the 4-3 victory.

The following night, after hearing the ever popular phrase from Coach LaFontaine, the team put together another solid game. It bore resemblance to the one that started the first streak, with the only difference being it ended in another shootout. Fairbanks tied the game at one in the third period and the overtime frame was scoreless for the second night. The shootout however, ended a little differently. "On Friday morning we watch video," Coach LaFontaine said. "Every shooter watched what Christianson did, his style in a shootout and every one of them found a hole."

But not every one of the five shooters had to go. Adam Krefski, Graham McManamin, and Josh Heidinger scored on the first three shooters, and Matt Dalton stopped three of the first four Fairbanks attempts to end it after three and a half rounds. On Sunday night, the ICEDOGS took on Billings on the road and were back to their winning ways, downing the Bulls 4- 1. Two second period power play goals, along with a Chris McKelvie shorthanded goal opened the game wide open. Bozeman's Mike Jarboe played solid in net, stopping 35 shots in the game.

Random Thought from ICEDOGS Play-by-play Broadcaster Jim Stephens: The Bozeman ICEDOGS lost their first three games against NAHL opponents, and then won 20. Counting the two losses to Team USA, although exhibition, still an NAHL opponent, and the one to Fairbanks makes three. Are the ‘DOGS destined to win 20 more? One may think--Let's Hope!!!

The ICEDOGS were pushed to the limit last weekend by the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in two games that ended in shootouts and a weekend split. Sunday night, the ICEDOGS won in convincing fashion against a struggling Billings Bulls team has yet to find their stride this season.

The 'DOGS are at home this Friday against Helena...their last home game until January 13th, so be sure and come see the streaking 'DOGS finish out 2005 in style. It will also be a Pepsi Family night where $25 will purchase four tickets, four Pepsis, a bucket of popcorn and a post-game skate with the team! Don't forget to bring a non-perishable food item to donate to the Gallatin Valley Food Bank.

On Saturday, the ICEDOGS will return to Helena for the first time since October 29th. The players then head home for a couple of weeks and return a few days after Christmas to prepare for a New Year's Eve clash in Billings.

Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in Century 21 Summit Realty's Toys For Tots Teddy Bear Toss on Friday night. This event was a huge success. There are over 5,500 families in Gallatin Valley and outlying communities who have requested support from Toys For Tots, and together we made a difference!

The Blackhawks have a home game tomorrow against the Kent Crusaders and Saturday against the Puget Sound Tomahawks. Both games begin at 7:35 pm. Be sure and check out the plethora of local talent playing exciting hockey!

Spotlight On #16 Matt Hughes

Q: Tell us a little about your playing background. A: I started skating on in-line skates when I was six, messing around in the driveway during the summer. In the winter, my parents put ice skates on me and I started to play. I played in the recreational leagues until my second year of squirts when I made the Flint Icelanders AAA team and played for them until midgets. My first year of midgets I played AAA for Belle Tire, and then moved to Compuware last season before trying out and coming out here with Mike Jarboe.

Q: What is your favorite playing career memory so far? A: When I was a peewee my team played in the tournament in Quebec. It is one of the biggest tournaments and almost 10,000 fans come to see the games. It was an awesome experience to play in front of such a big crowd.

Q: How do you prepare for a game? A: Week day games are tough to really get a routine going because I have to go to school. I get up and get a good breakfast in before the pre-game skate, then off to class. Eat a great cafeteria lunch, and then after school make a stop at Subway for dinner. When it is time, I head to the rink and I like to shoot pucks and work on my stick handling before the stretch.

Q: What are your plans after you are done playing Juniors? A: I want to go to college to play hockey. It is a dream of mine to play in Michigan, close to home but I guess I will go wherever I get a chance to play. I think I want to be a teacher and coach either hockey or baseball after college.

Q: What do you like best about Bozeman? A: Being out in Montana is awesome. The mountains and all the opportunities to go fishing, hiking, and hunting are really awesome. We also have a great fan base that takes good care of us and is always supportive at the games. Earlier this season we got the chance to go trap shooting and process a deer and elk, both things I wouldn't have done in Michigan.

Miscellaneous News, Notes, and Happenings

Ten of your favorite ICEDOGS will be at Hastings from 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm tonight signing autographs and handing out their player trading cards. If you missed out on your chance to get the card of your favorite DOG, come to Hastings and pick one up!

Coach LaFontaine was recently featured in The Montana Quarterly publication. Click here to read this interesting life story of John and his brother Pat and how they were groomed for success in hockey and life.

The next Dog Pound Weekly will be sent on January 4th. From our family to yours, have a safe and happy Holiday season! We are grateful to the many fans and sponsors who support the ICEDOGS and many more who are involved in the Valley Ice Garden through other clubs, events, and activities. We look forward to an exciting 2006!

Hockey Trivia, Sponsored By Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply

Who is awarded the Calder Memorial Trophy at the NHL Annual Awards?

Bring a little Holiday cheer to your home this season and deck the halls with a limited edition Murdoch's ornament. Get them while they last! An original creation by The Lost Woodsman Studio, each ornament is hand-crafted depicting a moose, bear, cowboy and boot. These limited edition ornaments will be available this Holiday season only.

Toys for Tots will receive 100% of the profits from the sale of the classic Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply Christmas ornaments. The Toys for Tots program allows the collection of new, unwrapped toys for distribution as Christmas gifts to needy children in your community.

Murdoch's is pleased to be partnering with such a strong organization and asks for your assistance in giving back to the community and those in need this Holiday season by purchasing a limited edition Murdoch's ornament. Swing by Murdoch's just north of the I-90 Interchange and let us help you ensure a Merry Murdoch's Holiday Season!

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North American Hockey League Stories from December 14, 2005


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