Dog Pound Weekly

Published on February 8, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


All good things come to an end, and for the ICEDOGS another long streak of wins came to an end last Saturday night at the hands of the Fargo-Moorhead Jets. This weekend, the 'DOGS look to rebound with another pair of games against the Helena Bighorns, in Bozeman on Friday and Helena on Saturday.

Last weekend, the Bighorns beat the North Iowa Outlaws 5-3, Bismarck 6-5, and then lost to Bismarck 1-4. With 29 points, they are in scramble mode to catch Billings (36 points) for the fourth playoff spot.

Friday's game is sponsored by PC Development. While at the game stop and pick up your Pepsi Four Pack for next Friday (February 17th) for the ICEDOGS game against Helena. Join the team at their Old Chicago post-game party on Friday!

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 regular season game. Click here to check out economical pricing on Flex Packs.

Be sure and read in the News, Notes & Happenings section below for information about the playoffs.

The Bozeman Blackhawks' are at home tomorrow evening against the Spokane Flyers at 7:35 pm and again on Sunday evening at 5:35 pm versus the Queen City Cutthroats.

Unlucky 13 Bites Dogs

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A week after the Bozeman ICEDOGS gained the NAHL's second longest winning streak, the ICEDOGS were bitten by unlucky number 13. Bozeman, who put together a 20 game winning streak earlier this season, saw their 12 game winning streak come to an end during a weekend split with the Fargo- Moorhead Jets. Bozeman opened the weekend with victory number 12, grounding the Jets 4-2. A scoreless first period gave way to an action packed second period. The ICEDOGS held a 2-1 lead after the second period on goals from Ryan Bunger and Brett Nylander. The ‘DOGS leading scorer Josh Heidinger added assists to extend his streak to 20 games with a point, and an average of over 2 points during the 20 game stretch.

In the third, Cody Omilusik made it 3-1 early in the period, but the Jets pulled back within one with five minutes to play. With an empty net at the Fargo end, Josh Heidinger stole the puck and fed Nylander who drove wide to find Brett Barta for the empty net goal and the 4-2 final. Heids had three assists on the night. The following night, Bozeman looked to get past unlucky number 13, and on that night, it was unlucky. Late turnovers in the ICEDOGS end resulted in three goals for the Jets as they ended the streak with a 6-3 victory.

Bozeman led after the first period on a Marc Howe goal, his second of the season. Three minutes into the second period, the game was tied at one, but the ICEDOGS responded a few minutes later. After a Ryan Bunger shot, the puck sat behind BJ O'Brien for a matter of seconds before Pete Fylling came diving for the goal, giving the ICEDOGS the lead for the second time in the night. Fargo responded just after the eleven-minute mark with a pair of quick goals, one by Joe Schuster and the other from Phil Fox. For Fox it was his second of the night. In the final minute of the period, Brian Moore tied the game at three heading to the third.

In the final frame, Bozeman had some chances but mistakes in the neutral zone or the ‘DOGS defensive zone turned into quick strikes from the Jets. Rody Selk found the back of the net twice in the last five minutes of play, with his goals coming less than two minutes apart. Phil Fox added an empty net goal to complete his hat trick and the victory.

Bozeman now looks ahead for three games against Helena, with two this weekend and one the following weekend. The ICEDOGS and Bighorns always match- up well, with Bozeman holding the 6-2 advantage in their eight prior meetings.

Spotlight On #23 Bryant Molle

Q: Tell us a little about your playing background. A: I started playing hockey when I was three years old, following in the footsteps of my brother and dad. My dad played in the IHL, mostly with the Milwaukee Admirals, and my brother is now in his fourth season with the Waterloo Blackhawks of the USHL. I played in the recreational leagues for a few years and then joined the Alaska North Stars when I was a mite. After nine years there, concluding with the Midget AAA North Stars last season, I ended up here in Bozeman.

Q: What is your favorite playing career memory so far? A: Last season I won two state titles. One with my Midget AAA North Stars team, the other was with South Anchorage High School. In Alaska, you're allowed to play on both a Midget AAA and a high school team, so getting a chance to do that, and winning state for both was pretty awesome.

Q: How do you prepare for a game? A: I wake up and try to eat a light breakfast before the pre-game skate. After practice, it is back home for a nap and a movie, just relaxing as long as I can. Around 3:00 I make lunch/dinner, usually pasta, before getting ready to head to the rink. I get to the Ice Garden around 4:45 pm and just kick back and relax. I tape my stick and if there is a game going on, sit in the stands and watch that. I read the program notes, read the stats and just try not to think about things until we stretch as a team, then I focus on the task at hand.

Q: What are your plans after you are done playing juniors? A: I want to play NCAA Division I hockey someday, but I am not sure where. I think the WCHA would be a good league to get in, but I am not going to be too picky. As for next season, I am thinking about coming back here or follow my brother and tryout in the USHL, but I am still undecided.

Q: What do you like best about Bozeman? A: Bozeman is awesome, the fans, the town, everything the city has to offer. The fans make the atmosphere at games, and they give us an advantage. I also have had the chance to go sledding, hiking, horse back riding, but haven't made it skiing, which is a disappointment so far. I hope to hit the slopes before the ski season ends, but I love it here in Bozeman.

Miscellaneous News, Notes, and Happenings

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 tonight 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 Melissa Griffiths who won tickets to Friday's game. She was 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.

The ICEDOGS have secured a playoff position, and we are currently working on our ticket system to get setup to sell tickets. The team will have between one and seven home games, all of which will be FREE to season ticket holders. As soon as we have more information we will let you know. Please remember that Flex Tickets and Season Ticket Turnbacks cannot be used for playoff tickets.

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!



North American Hockey League Stories from February 8, 2006


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