Icedogs update

Published on February 3, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


If you did not catch last weekend's game against the Fernie Ghostriders you really missed out. The 'DOGS dominated Fernie the entire game. This weekend's games against Helena should be equally exciting. Also it is time to celebrate ICEDOGS Head Coach John LaFontaine's 40th Birthday, which is on Saturday.

The ICEDOGS play the Bighorns on Friday here in Bozeman and then travel to Helena for Saturday's game. Friday's game is sponsored by Stanley Steemer and will feature an RC Car Race, FREE golf swing analysis from Gallatin Valley Golf (starting at 6:00 pm). Also, take your ticket from Friday's ICEDOGS game to Saturday's MSU Men's Basketball game against Portland State University and get one economy ticket FREE!

Spotlight on Berno Inferno

Berno was born in 1953 in Helena. After finishing high school in 1974, he worked in his dad's hardware store, "Casey Hardware" until 1983, when his father passed away and the business was sold. Berno spent the next three years working for Helena Industries. After deciding he needed to get more involved in athletics, he moved to Bozeman in 1986. REACH, Inc. welcomed Berno into their organization when he came to Bozeman, where he still works today. His main job at REACH is recycling cardboard. Other jobs Berno has had throughout the years include restaurant work and cleaning cars. Being involved in community service is also a big part of of his life. He got his Senatorship (honorary lifetime membership) for Jaycees in 1988, and is also a Kiwanis Club member.

However, these jobs were secondary to his extensive involvement in the Bozeman sports scene. In 1987, Berno joined the Bozeman High Football Team as an equipment manager. He also worked for Bozeman High Ahtletic Director Scott McDonald at numerous football and basketball tournaments. At Belgrade High, he worked at several basketball tournaments. Berno also helps with the Defensive Line for the Bobcat football team. Being around all of these athletes drives Berno to work out at a local club three days a week.

In 1996, REACH Director, Rob Tallon helped Berno get on with the Bozeman ICEDOGS as their Head Equipment Manager. At the time, the building was not completed, so one of the coaches would pick Berno up at home for all team functions like road trips, meetings, and games. Berno has been with the team ever since, and is an invaluable source of inspiration through pre-game speeches and lifting the spirits of everyone here at the Valley Ice Garden. This year, Berno has joined ICEDOGS PA Announcer Geno for some radio appearances, and enjoys his chance to become more involved in our organization.

Team Update

Last weekend, the 'DOGS played two of their best games of the season. ICEDOGS Head Coach John LaFontaine was pleased with the increase in shot generation and playing with desparation from the start to the end of the game. These two dominating wins helped build confidence among the players.

Tom Flikeid and Matt Frank stepped up for the ICEDOGS, playing well on both the offensive and defensive side of the ice. Having Captains Bill Leahy and Zac McClellan return helped lift the team through their passion and energy...which in turn fired up their teammates.

This weekend's games against Helena are big for the 'DOGS as their battle to make the playoffs continues. They are four points behind Helena--who is coming off losses to Bismarck and Billings last weekend.

The trading deadline has passed for the NAHL, but roster moves with non-NAHL teams are allowed until February 10th. Josh Meyers is expected to return to town this week, although it is unlikely he will see action until next week.

Local Schools Invited To ICEDOGS Games

The Bozeman ICEDOGS have extended an invitation to local schools to come to an ICEDOGS game for FREE. There are many kids in our area who cannot afford to come to a game, and we don't want any student to be denied. So far, schools to take advantage of this offer include Heck-Quaw, Amsterdam, Cottonwood, and Monforton.

If your child's school would like to come to an ICEDOGS game, call the Valley Ice Garden for more information.

Upcoming Promotions

Mountain Hot Tub has brought out a hot tub for our fans to enjoy during ICEDOGS games, and created a promotion entitled "The Hottest Seat In The House." ICEDOGS fans who would like a chance at being able to sit in the "Hottest Seat In The House" must listen to 96.7-FM The Sky between 7:30 and 8:30 tomorrow morning for a chance to win.

On February 14th, we are going to be having "Men's Night" at our game in celebration of Valentines Day. Entertainment will include a beer belly contest and lawn tractor races. If you are interested in being a participant in the beer belly contest, send an e-mail with a picture of your jug to either chasemoose@yahoo.com or joetoth@clearchannel.com. Finalists will be announced on both 95.1-FM The Moose and 96.7-FM The Sky on Friday, February 13th.

Do you have a crazy promotional idea? Reply to this message...you may even get a couple of FREE tickets if your idea is used.

If your e-mail begins with "jbhug," "diamond," or "djarr" you have won two free tickets to Friday's game. Reply to this e-mail for information on receiving your tickets! Thanks for subscribing to The Dog Pound Weekly!

Get Your Ticket For A Harley-Davidson V-Rod

Tickets still remain for an awesome 2003 Harley- Davidson V-Rod that will be given to a lucky fan (why not you?) on March 13th. With only 500 tickets sold for $50 each, your odds are pretty good that you will be the winner!

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Hockey League Stories from February 3, 2004


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.

OurSports Central