IceDogs' Dog Pound Weekly for 7 December

Published on December 7, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


Greetings! If last weekend was any indication as to the strength of this year's ICEDOGS team, the high expectations that have been building over the past several months have been validated. The 'DOGS lost both games by one goal each, but hung with a very talented Team USA that feautured several players likely destined for the NHL.

This weekend, the 'DOGS (20-3) look to continue their official winning streak in league play against the Fairbanks Ice Dogs (13-10-3) with games tomorrow and Friday. Fairbanks won in Helena last Saturday 3- 2 before losing in Billings 2-3 on Sunday. They are led in scoring by #21 Shane Wheeler, a crafty playmaker with nine goals and 21 assists. At 5'5" and only 140 lbs, this quick forward will keep the ICEDOGS defense working hard in front of the net.

Friday's game is being sponsored by Century 21 Summit Realty. Be sure to bring a Teddy Bear for their annual Teddy Bear Toss for Toys For Tots! Throw your bear after the ICEDOGS score their first goal or during the cow toss, whichever comes first.

Next Wednesday, ten of your favorite ICEDOGS will be at Hastings from 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm signing autographs and handing out their player trading cards. If you missed out on your chance to get the card of your favorite DOG, come to Hastings and pick one up!

The Blackhawks are on the road to play Queen City tomorrow night, their only game of the weekend. Next week, they return to action at the Valley Ice Garden with games on Thursday and Saturday.

Next Friday's game against Helena will be the last ICEDOGS home game until January 13th, so be sure and come see the streaking 'DOGS finish out 2005 in style. It will also be a Pepsi Family night where $25 will purchase four tickets, four Pepsis, a bucket of popcorn and a post-game skate with the team!

Spotlight On #15 Matt Pinder

Q: Tell us a little about your playing background. A: I was pretty much born on skates, with my dad putting skates on my feet upon walking. Being the son of a former NHLer, playing hockey was expected. I played travel while advancing through the various youth levels, and then moved away at age 14 for a boarding school in Saskatchewan. While there, I played for the Notre Dame Hounds for two years and was captain of my Bantam AAA team. At age 16, I moved back home to play for the Calgary Canucks in the Calgary Junior League. I started this season with the Kamrose Kodiaks but an injury kept me out for a few months, and that was when I came down here to Bozeman.

Q: What is your favorite playing career memory so far? A: During my Peewee season, we won the Provincials, which is like winning State in the United States.

Q: How do you prepare for a game? A: I go about my day as usual by attending practice and then to home or school. I have found that routines cause stress, and going with the flow helps retain focus on the game and task at hand.

Q: What are your plans after you are done playing juniors? A: I want to go to a Division I program like Boston College or Michigan State to play hockey and earn a Business or teaching degree.

Q: What do you like best about Bozeman? A: I cannot find anything bad about this town. The city is great! The small town atmosphere, mountains, and snow have really made it fun. I like the fans, coaches, and the way the team was so open and accepting of a new player. It's great to be here.

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North American Hockey League Stories from December 7, 2005


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