Dog Pound Weekly

Published on February 1, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


For most fans the wins may not seem all that significant, but for the ICEDOGS, beating Helena two games in a row was a huge accomplishment. Prior to last weekend's games, two of the 'DOGS four losses had come at the hand of the Bighorns-a team with only ten wins all season.

The ICEDOGS have two games against the very solid Fargo-Moorhead Jets. The Jets (27-12-3) are in first place in the NAHL-central division, and against the ICEDOGS they are 0-3. Last weekend they beat the North Iowa Outlaws and Billings Bulls and lost to the Bismarck Bobcats. The Jets are led by #33 Phil Fox who has accumulated 43 points. Their balanced attack is supported by #12 Chris Connolly (41 pts.) and #19 Kai Cantola (40 pts.).

Friday's game is sponsored by SBC and will feature T- shirts, figure skating, and a post-game party at Old Chicago. Saturday's game is sponsored by Ressler Motors and will include firefighter broomball and T- shirts.

Do you like saving money on tickets? If so, the ICEDOGS would like to invite you to purchase a Flex Pack! Flex Packs are simply coupons that can be redeemed for tickets at any game. Click here to check out economical pricing on Flex Packs.

The Bozeman Blackhawks' are at home tomorrow evening against the Butte Rough Riders at 7:35 pm and again on Saturday afternoon at 3:05 pm versus the Tri City Titans. The Blackhawks only have four home games remaining before playoffs so come catch a game or two!

Bozeman's Second Streak Hits 11 Games

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The Bozeman ICEDOGS have set the mark all season long, and now own the league's top two winning streaks. After stringing together 20 wins earlier this season, the Boys from Bozeman came back from the break flying. This weekend they extended their second streak to 11 games with a sweep of the Helena Bighorns in a home and home series.

The Bozeman ICEDOGS took a nine game winning streak to the Capital City Friday night. The ICEDOGS, sparked by two goals late in the second period and an early third period goal, held off a late charge from the Bighorns to capture win number ten, 3-1.

A fast paced, scoreless first period gave way to a physical second period, with both teams getting quality scoring chances. The Bighorns, on the penalty kill, struck first for their 13th shorthanded goal of the season, but the ‘DOGS answered right back on the same power play. Josh Heidinger sent a puck to the front of the net, and Brett Nylander hammered it home to tie the game at one.

Off the ensuing face-off, the ICEDOGS had another opportunity from Quinn Ellingson, but Dan Vasquez shut the door, only to see it slip open minutes later. Adam Krefski took a pass from Kyle Bailey and buried it to give the ‘DOGS the lead. In the third, Josh Heidinger kept his goal scoring streak alive, after Chris McKelvie picked off a pass in front and fed Heidinger for the goal. Heidinger continued his scoring streak, now at 10 games, with another two- point game. Matt Dalton held tough in goal down the stretch for the ICEDOGS, stopping 38 of 39 shots to secure his 23rd victory of the season.

Saturday night, they hosted the Bighorns in what was another close game, but the ‘DOGS prevailed thanks to the veteran leadership of Josh Heidinger. Heids has once again taken over as the North American Hockey League's leading scorer. His three point effort Saturday night, a goal and two assists, paved the way for the ‘DOGS sweep of the Helena Bighorns with a 4-3 come from behind victory at the Valley Ice Garden.

Trailing the entire game, the ICEDOGS battled to tie the game twice, before Ryan Bunger's power play goal with seven minutes to play put the Boys from Bozeman up for good. Helena started the scoring for the second night in a row, with Tibor Kutelek scoring on the power play. Kutelek deflected a Phil Rausch shot that tripped up Matt Dalton to give the Bighorns the lead. Like Friday night in Helena, the ICEDOGS came right back to tie the game as Josh Heidinger started his three-point night with a goal. Heids battled for a loose puck in the crease and sent a shot upstairs to beat Dan Vasquez.

In the second period, the Bighorns regained the lead and built up a two-goal margin. Blake Page's even strength goal and Kutelek's shorthanded goal gave Helena the lead and the momentum, until the ICEDOGS showed up for the final thirty minutes. Pete Fylling pulled Bozeman within one, taking a Mark Columbus pass in the slot and beating Vasquez with the one-timer. Five minutes later, Kyle Bailey deflected a Graham McManamin shot past Vasquez and the stage was set for another exciting third period.

Scoreless through the first thirteen minutes of the third, Bozeman's veterans decided to step up. Brett Nylander battled for a loose puck down in the corner, and found Heidinger behind the net. Heidinger faked to the right and went back to the left with a pass on the tape of Ryan Bunger for the game-winning goal at the 12:58 mark. NAHL leading goaltender Matt Dalton stepped up his play in the final seven minutes, stopping three Bighorn scoring chances to secure his 24th victory of the season. Next weekend, the ‘DOGS welcome the Central Division's leaders from Fargo- Moorhead for a two game series Friday and Saturday nights.

Spotlight On #21 Jason Krispel

Q: Tell us a little about your playing background. A: Growing up in southern California, ice hockey wasn't very popular, roller hockey was the daddy status, and everyone played. When I was five I started playing for the Orange County Blades Roller Hockey team, and as I got older we started to travel all around the country. I was a fan of the Los Angeles Kings and had season tickets, and when I was 14 I decided to give the ice a shot. I made the Long Beach Icedogs Bantam A team, and the next season I made the AA team and we won nationals. Last season I tried out for the LA Selects Midget AAA team and we made the National finals but lost to Shattuck St. Mary's, and now in my fourth season on the ice, I am here in Bozeman.

Q: What is your favorite playing career memory so far? A: When we won Nationals with the Long Beach AA team is the best memory. It was a great experience and I had a great season. I was the leading scorer at Nationals and had a goal and three assists in the championship game.

Q: How do you prepare for a game? A: I get up and eat some eggs for breakfast before I head to the pre- game skate. After practice, I head to eat with some teammates, usually to Main Street Overeasy, and then home for a nap. When I wake-up, I take a shower and cook my pre-game meal, chicken hot pockets and peanut butter and bananas sandwiches. Around 5 I head to the rink, put on my sweats and tape my sticks. I like to play a little foosball in the locker room before we stretch, and after we stretch, it is all business. I visualize the game and the decisions I might face on the ice to help me focus.

Q: What are your plans after you are done playing juniors? A: I want to go on and play NCAA Division I hockey. Colorado College and Denver University are my dream schools, but anywhere I can get a scholarship. As for next season, if nothing comes through with school, I hope to be right back here for another season.

Q: What do you like best about Bozeman? A: Bozeman is awesome. The small town where everyone knows you, the friendly people and the mountains make it a great town to play hockey in. I love the outdoors, fishing, hunting and especially snowboarding. In addition, the team is great, awesome coaches and the best fans around. The atmosphere at games is incredible and a great experience.

Miscellaneous News, Notes, and Happenings

This past weekend, Danny Brinkley, an employee of ICEDOGS' sponsor Carpet Mill Outlet was involved in a snowboarding accident that will likely result in paralysis from the neck down. A fund has been set up at all First Security Bank in his name to help offset the high cost of his medical care, and any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

The ICEDOGS will be teaming up with the For One Another Cancer Family Network in their annual Tip-A- Dog event from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on February 8th at Old Chicago. The players will be helping wait tables and other restaurant tasks and donating their tips to the Cancer Family Network. This year the ICEDOGS hope to beat the Bulls and Bighorns for the first time in raising money!

The ICEDOGS will be participating in the City of Bozeman's SnowFest 2006 ice skating lessons on Sunday February 12th. They will be a part of the "Winter Carnival." Other events such as snow sculpture contests and snow games will be going on at the same time. Free hot chocolate will also be served. It will be on Sunday, February 12th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm at the Beall Park on North Black and Villard Street. Lessons will be offered to the public free of charge at the following times: 1:00p.m., 1:30p.m., 2:00p.m., and 2:30p.m.

The Blackhawks and ICEDOGS are taking part in the 5th annual President's Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Montana. The Plunge is at 12:00 pm on February 20, 2006 at the Bozeman Ponds. Be sure and sponsor your favorite players as each one will need to raise $50 to participate.

Congratulations to Tyler Olson and Nichole Maher who won tickets to games this weekend. They were randomly selected among those submitting an online survey since the last game. Click here to take the ICEDOGS survey and enter to win tickets!

The ICEDOGS have released their ticket pricing for 2006-07 season, with modest increases on both walk- up and season rates. This will be the first time since 2001 that regular game tickets have been increased, when they went to $10 from their 1997-2001 price of $9.50 . Season tickets have not increased since 1999 when they went to $275 from their 1997-1999 rate of $260 . Click here to see the new 2006- 07 rates! The Flex 32 and Flex 18 packs have been discontinued, and a Flex 6 pack will be available beginning in October.

Hockey Trivia, Sponsored By Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply

What are the dimensions of a regulation NHL playing surface (in feet)?

Did you know that Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply at 2275 North 7th Avenue has the greatest wardrobe selection? Even for jean lovers! For some folks, wardrobe selection goes something like this: for work, I'll wear my new blue jeans. For the dinner party on Saturday, I'll go with the black ones I just washed. For Sunday's fishing trip, I'll just throw on those old jeans with no knees. Yes, we know who you are and fortunately for you, Murdoch's has jeans by the bushel, and nice shirts too (to go with your jeans). No matter what you are looking for Murdoch's has it - located just north of the I-90 interchange!

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North American Hockey League Stories from February 1, 2006


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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