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IceDogs look to rebound in season opener against Billings

September 16, 2004 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


The Bozeman IceDogs face off against the Billings Bulls this Friday for the first game of the regular season.

After back-to-back losses to Helena last weekend, the IceDogs will be looking to bounce back against the rival Bulls. The last time these two teams met, The IceDogs pulled off a win in a 4-1 preseason game.

The IceDogs will be looking to improve on last weekend's performance against Helena. After being outscored 13-5 over the course of two games, the IceDogs will try to tighten down on defense.

"We gave up a lot of odd-man rushes," said IceDogs Head Coach John LaFontaine. "You have to give most of the credit to Helena, though. They've always had a great transition game and there are a number of their players who know how to finish."

The IceDogs limped into last weekend without the help of a number of key players. Josh Heidinger (concussion), Jason Woll (concussion), Ryan Bunger (concussion), A.J. Balaze (hip flexor) and Chris McKelvie (ankle) all sat out both Helena games.

Veteran Anton Kharin was the IceDogs biggest standout against Helena, generating a majority of the team's scoring opportunities on Friday and grabbing a goal and an assist on Saturday. Kharin put himself in the way of harm time after time last weekend in order to get decent opportunities. Kharin and linemate Jack Day, who comes to the IceDogs this season from Grosse Pointe, Michigan, will aim to put together a solid offensive effort against Billings.

The IceDogs will have a little more veteran help on Friday as Ryan Bunger and Jason Woll return from their injuries. Heidenger, Balaze and McKelvie are still day-to-day. Despite missing the last two games, Heidinger finished the preseason leading the IceDogs in points with no goals and five assists.

With the onset of injuries, the IceDogs were able to place two native Bozeman players on to their roster. Forwards Russ Dissly and Jordy Trottier both saw ice this weekend, getting a taste for NAHL play.

"I was impressed with (Dissly and Trottier)," said LaFontaine. "They had a couple of good scoring chances in Saturdays game."



North American Hockey League Stories from September 16, 2004


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