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Dog Pound Weekly

May 3, 2006 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


There are many words to describe the atmosphere throughout and following Friday's game five victory over the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, but few would do it justice.

"The fans were awesome. My wife and kids cannot stop talking about the energy from the crowd... particularly during the third period," said Head Coach John LaFontaine.

Although to many the season is a complete success, the players and coaches are focused on the NAHL tournament next week in Youngstown, Ohio. The team will leave on Monday and play next Wednesday at noon MST against the Cleveland Barons in the first game of the Robertson Cup tournament. That game will be broadcast live on KBOZ 93.7-FM by Jim Stephens and can also be heard on sportsjuice.com.

Are you as ready for next season to begin as we are? If so, check out the links to the left for a downloadable calendar. You can also check out photos of the season and celebration by ICEDOGS' photographers Tonya Kent and Doug & Suzanne Dwyer.

A Great Season; Experience Even Better

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For the Bozeman ICEDOGS, life in the small mountain town offers more than just a chance to play hockey. It allows the young men to relax away from the rink and gather memories and experiences that they will take with them when they leave. While the 2005-06 season will forever be etched in the minds of the "Boys from Bozeman," it's the time spent with the team away from the rink, the friendships, and the surroundings that make Bozeman a great place to play.

ICEDOGS Co-Captain Chris McKelvie summed it up best when he said that he will always call Bozeman his second home. "I have been fortunate to meet some lifelong friends since I came here three years ago," McKelvie said. "From the billets, to the coaches and members of the community who embrace this team. We have a Chaplin named Warren Heibert who opens his home to us every week for Bible Study, and his wife cooks dinner to anyone who wants to attend. It's the care and openness of the people in Bozeman that make this town awesome."

In addition to the people, Bozeman offers an outdoor lifestyle that can't be matched anywhere else. Within a two-hour drive, the players can visit Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky Ski Resort, and experience some great hunting and fishing. "Coming out here has allowed us to do things we have never done before," Mark Columbus said. "The billets offer to take us out hunting, fishing, and as a team we spend many days in the fields hunting gophers. Everything we do is as a team and it makes the experience that much more memorable."

Besides hunting and fishing, skiing is also a popular hobby among the 'DOGS. For many, they have never skied and with every run, they get hooked. "I picked up a life long sport," Brett Barta added. "I had never really skied before, but now I think I am going to have to make a trip out here every year to hit the slopes."

With all that aside, the outdoor life and the scenery is extra special to one Michigan native. Cody Omilusik came to Bozeman to play hockey, but in the summer he will get the ultimate experience of life on the ranch. Cody's mom and step-dad live about an hour outside of Bozeman on "Story Ranch" and Cody looks forward to the summer he will spent riding around the mountains, living the ranchers life.

Perhaps Co-Captain Brian Moore can sum up the whole Bozeman ICEDOGS experience. "It's the ultimate place to play, and you can't top Bozeman, Montana."

All the experiences the "Boys from Bozeman" have enjoyed were made even sweeter with the success of the team. The 2005-06 season is one to remember for the Bozeman ICEDOGS. Bozeman is headed to the Robertson Cup after recapturing the Borne Cup by defeating Fairbanks in the Western Division Finals. The chance to claim the Robertson Cup is a culmination of a year of hard work from the players and coaches during this record-breaking season.

Robertson Cup Schedule Set

The NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs annually determine the champion of the North American Hockey League. The format of the playoffs change occasionally, but in recent years, playoffs in each division determine a division playoff winner and the divisional winners advances to the Robertson Cup National Championship Tournament, where they are joined by the host team in round robin play, followed by a Championship Game and a Consolation Game.

The games will begin on Wednesday, May 10th. Bozeman (#1 Seed) will play Cleveland (#4 Seed) in game one. Texas (#2 Seed) will play S. Minnesota (#3 Seed) in game two. For complete playoff details, including format, please click on the logo above to be directed to the tournament website.

Hockey Trivia, Sponsored By Murdochs Ranch & Home Supply

2005-2006 was an amazing year for the ICEDOGS, and their winning ways can be attributed to some unique stats. Listed below are some interesting statistical questions regarding the season. See how many questions you can answer and then click on the Murdoch's logo above for the answers.

The ICEDOGS power play had a successful power play scoring rate of 23.89%. What place did that put them in among all NAHL teams?

The ICEDOGS penalty kill fell short of the top spot with an 88.82% kill rate. Who had the league's best kill rate?

The ICEDOGS had a home record of 24-4-1 and 24-5 on the road. How many combined losses did they have against Billings, Wasilla, Bismarck, and Minnesota?

Josh Heidinger finished his NAHL regular season career as one of the league's most prolific point scoring touches. How many career points does he have?

Matt Dalton set many NAHL goaltending records, but one may stand out as the most significant and proudest. His 9 regular season shutouts broke a five year old record that was set by this current NHL goaltender who played for Coach LaFontaine when he was an assistant with the Soo Indians.

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!

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North American Hockey League Stories from May 3, 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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