Sports stats

Dog Pound Weekly

April 25, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


Few fans would have guessed the Bozeman ICEDOGS would have outscored the Fairbanks Ice Dogs 12-3 in back-to-back games this past weekend, but the veteran leadership kept the 'DOGS in the game when things got rough. Their calm and professional demeanor elevated their play and paved the way for a Borne Cup Championship this weekend.

The 'DOGS take their 3-1 advantage in this best-of- seven round two series into game four on Friday night. Join fellow fans before the game beginning at 5:00 pm for tailgating (BYOS-Bring Your Own Stuff) and bring your rally towels as we cheer these hometown huskies to victory!

This is your last weekend to see hockey action of the season, so get your tickets soon! Should the ICEDOGS lose, game six will be Saturday night and game seven will be on Sunday (if necessary).

Season Ticket Holders will be able to use their complimentary "Game 5" coupon at Friday's ICEDOGS home playoff game.

ICEDOGS One Game Away from Tourney

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Bozeman ICEDOGS salvaged a split last weekend in Fairbanks to open the Western Division Finals against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, and Coach John LaFontaine knew that returning home with an even series would make the final five games easier. With home ice advantage clearly in the favor of the "Boys from Bozeman," Coach LaFontaine's squad came out and gave Fairbanks a taste of what it is like to play the ICEDOGS in the Valley Ice Garden.

In front of 2,000 of the loud and proud ICEDOGS faithful, Bozeman poured on the offense, outscoring and outshooting Fairbanks on the weekend. Friday night, Bozeman out shot Fairbanks 40-25 enroute to a 7-2 victory. Bozeman's Matt Dalton held Fairbanks scoreless through two periods, turning aside 23 shots in the game. Ryan Bunger led the way for Bozeman with two goals as 12 ICEDOGS finished the game with at least a point. Kyle Bailey had a goal and two assists, with Mike Schumacher, Josh Heidinger, and Pete Fylling adding the other goals for the ICEDOGS. Bozeman's Jason Krispel leads the team in points in the playoffs and added to his tally with two assists.

Saturday night, Fairbanks came ready to play but Matt Dalton again rose to the occasion and set the tone two minutes into the contest. Fairbank's Matthias Iberer had a wide-open breakaway, but Dalton stoned his attempt and from that point Bozeman took control of the game. A three-goal outburst in the first period gave Bozeman the comfortable lead, all started by Krispel who scored his fifth goal of the playoffs. Later in the period, the ICEDOGS added two more as Mike Schumacher and Phil Johnson scored to give Bozeman all the offense they needed.

The second period saw Chris McKelvie pick up a goal before being ejected after a scrum in the corner. Fairbanks' Chris Johnson scored to break Dalton's shutout midway through the second, but any chance of a comeback was out of the question as the ICEDOGS settled down and stayed out of the chippy play with Fairbanks.

In the third, there were six penalties called, all against Fairbanks. Starting the period with 3:50 seconds of power play on the major to McKelvie, Fairbanks had a great opportunity to get back in the game but Bryce Christianson took a needless interference call, which wiped out the power play. Later in the period, Christianson ended his playoffs, receiving a Gross Misconduct for spitting on a member of the Bozeman ICEDOGS. The Gross Misconduct carries a three game suspension and the possibility of more after further review by the league.

With under two minutes to play, Shane Madalora let one past on a quick shot off a face-off from Mike Schumacher. He tallied his second goal of the game to finish off the scoring and give Bozeman the 3-1 series lead and the 5-1 victory. Dalton stopped 32 of 33 shots in the game for his sixth victory in seven tries this playoff season.

Bozeman has a chance to close the series out in Game Five on Friday night at the Valley Ice Garden.

Miscellaneous News, Notes, and Happenings

As of today, the MetraPark arena management and the Bulls are back at the negotiating table. Although we may never know how this happened, the public outcry from fans all over the state might have had something to do with it. The ICEDOGS would like to thank everyone who e-mailed the Yellowstone County Commissioners and MetraPark Arena management regarding the Bulls' lease. We hope the Bulls will remain in Billings for a very long time and continue to be a viable league partner and rival.

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.

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!

Congratulations to Tanya Maninger who won a pair of tickets to Friday's game by completing the online survey at bozemanicedogs.com!

Hockey Trivia, Sponsored By Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply

This former ICEDOG played this season for the Burnaby Express in the British Columbia League (BCHL). The Express just won the Junior A Championship, called the Fred Page Cup. His team moves forward to play against the champions of the Alberta Junior Hockey League for the Doyle Cup. The ultimate goal is the Royal Bank Cup which is the bragging rights for all of Canada. This player finished the BCHL season with 28 points. Who is he? Click here for the answer!

Thanks to Murdoch's Ranch & Home Supply on North 7th Avenue for sponsoring this trivia question. Be sure and stop by Murdoch's for supplies and tools for all of your spring cleaning projects!



North American Hockey League Stories from April 25, 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.

Other Recent Bozeman Icedogs Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central