Dog Pound Weekly

Published on April 5, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


At the game on Monday in the MetraPark Arena, the ICEDOGS were propelled by their fans to victory. The arena, which seemed to have more Bozeman fans than Billings, remained relatively quiet throughout the game until either team scored. The Booster Club's recruitment of over 50 fans to ride a charter bus turned what should have been an intimidating environment for the 'DOGS into one of comfort.

The 'DOGS will now have at least a week off as they await the conclusion of the Wasilla-Fairbanks series, which is tied 1-1. The final three games will be played this weekend, with round two dates being determined early next week.

Season Ticket Holders will be able to use their complimentary "Game 3" coupon at the next ICEDOGS home playoff game.

ICEDOGS Sweep Bulls, Advance To Round Two

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The Bozeman ICEDOGS headed into their round one series with an 11-0 record against the Billings Bulls in the regular season. Games one and two weren't the best played by the Boys from Bozeman, but the ‘DOGS cruised to victories in both contests. Game three provided the fans with a little closer contest and for the few fans that made it to the Metra Park Arena Monday night, the Bulls gave them some hope, until the ICEDOGS bashed it with a club in the third period, winning 5-3. Bozeman defeated the Bulls in all 14 meetings of the season and advance to round two, the Western Division Finals.

Billings kept the game close through the first two periods, but Graham McManamin scored with 23 seconds left to play in the second period to give the ‘DOGS the lead for good. Jason Krispel added the insurance goal in the third and Bozeman's defense held strong for the win. "I thought we played 60 minutes of hockey tonight," Coach John LaFontaine said. "We were controlling the play in their end and knew if we continued to move the puck and hem them in then we would pull out a victory."

The Bulls drew first blood, scoring on the power play. Working the puck around, Jay Fifield sent a shot from the point. "I wasn't worried after the goal. We were controlling the play and it was only a matter of time before we would get things rolling," LaFontaine added. Bozeman did score shortly after on the power play as Mark Columbus beat Mike Rielly to tie the game. Eighty seconds later, Ryan Bunger gave the ICEDOGS the lead with the second power play goal of the game, but the Bulls would tie it up after one. Coach LaFontaine wasn't worried and the team never had a doubt in the locker room in-between periods. "Out power play was on, but our penalty kill struggled so we made a minor adjustment after the first period. They were calm and knew with some effort they would pull it out."

Bozeman worked hard in the second period and again took the lead. Jason Krispel, Ryan Bunger and Cody Omilusik connected for the seventh time in the playoffs as the three continue to click as a line. "That line has been clicking on all cylinders," LaFontaine said. "They support each other and bury their chances. When one guy has the puck, another is moving to help free him up, while the other is finding space."

"I don't know what it is, but we work well together," Jason Krispel added. "We have a big guy in Bunger who creates space, and Cody is just a fireball. He is all over the place and we all give it everything we can. We don't care who scores as long as the team succeeds." Billings continued to charge back and again tied the game at three as Travis Hamway scored seconds after the ICEDOGS killed off another penalty, but for a third time, Bozeman regained the lead.

Graham McManamin slide down the slot with 32 seconds left in the period and Josh Heidinger set him perfectly for the one-timer to give the ICEDOGS the lead for good. It was the third power play goal on the night for the ‘DOGS, as Bozeman went 3 for 8 with the man advantage. In the third, Jason Krispel scored his third goal of the playoffs, knocking home a loose puck that deflected off the skates of Ryan Bunger. Brian Moore let the original shot fly from the point, which hit Bunger's skates and found the stick of Krispel for the insurance goal. Krispel leads the league in the playoffs with seven points, with Bunger and Omilusik in a tie for third with five.

"Their efforts forced the puck to squirt out to me in front," Krispel commented about his goal. "It's great to score, but better that the team won and we are one step closer to our goal." After the goal, the ICEDOGS turned up the defense and continued to outplay the Bulls for the final minutes of the period to win 5-3. Matt Dalton picked up his third victory of the playoffs as the ICEDOGS swept the Bulls and now await their second round opponent, the winner of the Fairbanks and Wasilla series.

Miscellaneous News, Notes, and Happenings

Are you interested in getting ICEDOGS jerseys, hats, or other merchandise for the team to sign? If so, stop by Play It Again Sports on Oak Street or Top Shelf Hockey at the Valley Ice Garden for official ICEDOGS merchandise.

Individual tickets for the Big Sky Thunder football games are now on sale! Visit their website for pricing information. Their first home game is April 15th against the Cincinnati Marshals.

2006-07 Season Tickets are now on sale! If you are interested in avoiding lines and getting the best price- per-game deal then Season Tickets are for you!

Earning Their Stripes

Amidst all the action taking place on the ice, are three men whose game is scrutinized with every call they make. These men don't take the glory of victory but feel the wrath of defeat. They try to blend in, but on an 85' by 200' sheet of ice, there is nowhere to hide. They travel great distances, train for months, study film, and sit through hours of classes. Why do they put themselves through this regimen? Would you enjoy getting yelled at by fans, players, and coaches? This is the life of an official in the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program. For some, they wouldn't have it any other way. A common refrain among officials is that they love hockey and their job.

Michael Dumas is in his first year of the USA Hockey Officiating Program and his 12th year of officiating hockey. He started when he was in eighth grade and worked his way to this point, graduating from college in the process. The fans of ice hockey are some of the most loyal and dedicated fans, but few truly know the rules of the game. Sure they know offside, icing, and your basic penalties, but do they truly know what classifies a hooking call or what a player is allowed to do to while avoiding an interference penalty? Referees are often second guessed by fans who often lack a full understanding of the rules. "The job is hard. You have to think on your toes and make split second decisions about plays that are happening at 20-30 mph," Dumas said. "With the rough travel schedule and the constant change in environment, every game is something new and every game is a challenge to call."

The pay for a game is not that good considering the long hours, weekends, and travel. The life of a referee is all about passion. Contrary to popular belief, the officials in the North American Hockey League didn't just sign up; they went through extensive training and classes to get where they are. "Every year we go through update classes which are about eight hours a day for a week straight," Dumas added. "If we are lucky, USA Hockey invites us to a regional, national or select camp. These are more intense, but being invited to a select camp provides the exposure needed to make it to the pros."

During the classes, the officials sit and discuss rule interpretations, training, skating, and the different situations that are dealt with every night. One of the areas of emphasis is how to rest and perform at peak levels while constantly on the road. NAHL officials travel an average of 300-1,200 miles per week in order to reach the upcoming weekend's assigned city. A percentage of their gas is covered and they are reimbursed for a basic hotel room. The officials are on their own for food and recreation.

While the job is rewarding it is as stressful as the average 9-to-5 office job. "In a 9-to-5 job you know what to expect everyday," Dumas said. "In our job, it is something different and sometimes you're on the road all week. The coaches are different, the game is different and you want to blend in. It is stressful when you feel you're not letting the game flow, but you also have to keep things under control. You're the center of attention even when trying not to be." In the end all the hard work pays off, and some reach their goal of refereeing at the professional level. In its 15 years of existence, the US Hockey Officiating Developmental Program has moved about 5 officials to the professional level and many more to come. "The job is rewarding and we get to see a lot of cool places and meet new people along the way."

This piece was written to draw attention to what actually goes into being a referee in the NAHL. It's intent is to help fans realize the extensive training and pressure that goes with the job, and hopefully give them a better understanding of the task of the men in stripes. Michael Dumas is a member of the US Hockey Officiating Developmental Program.

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North American Hockey League Stories from April 5, 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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