Icedogs weekly

Published on September 22, 2004 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Bozeman Icedogs News Release


Last weekend's game against the Billings Bulls nearly sold out...and was one of the best games in recent memory. This Friday, the ICEDOGS welcome back the Helena Bighorns in their first match of the regular season.

In winning their season opener against Billings 3-2 last week at the Valley Ice Garden, the Bozeman ICEDOGS gave fans everything they could ask for in a hockey game; big hits, big saves and scoring opportunities by way of odd man rushes, turnovers, breakaways, one-timers and furious battles in front of the net.

"Our penalty killing was much better and we were able to keep the number of odd- man rushes down, which is something we've had trouble with lately," said ICEDOGS Head Coach John LaFontaine.

The ICEDOGS plan to continue the excitement this Friday at the Valley Ice Garden when the Helena Bighorns charge into town. The last time these teams met, the Bighorns took advantage of an ICEDOGS squad that was riddled with injuries to key players.

Veterans Josh Heidenger, Jason Woll, Ryan Bunger, A.J. Balaze and Chris McKelvie were all sidelined with various ailments. This time around, the ICEDOGS are a little bit healthier, a little bit wiser and a little bit angrier. "Our guys are more aware of what we need to expect out of Helena this week," said LaFontaine. "Helena is a team that needs to be taken seriously." Veteran linemates Bill Leahy and Anton Kharin will lead the ICEDOGS pack against the Bighorns after putting together a fine performance against Billings. Kahrin tallied a goal and an assist, complementing Leahy's hard nosed five penalty performance.

Fans should also keep an eye on forwards Jack Day and Mike McMillan, both of whom generated a number of scoring chances last week against Billings. The ICEDOGS added forward Brett Backfield from the Cedar Rapids Roughriders to the roster last week, and hope to see him in action on Friday. LaFontaine says Backfield is a player with the potential to make a serious impact. "Brett was a little frustrated with his situation in Iowa, and is going to have a good opportunity to let his game develop with us," said LaFontaine. "He's a young player with a lot of potential." Friday's game marks the start of the regular season for Helena, a team that has a majority of returning players from last year. Considering Helena's strong transition game and experienced blue line, the ICEDOGS know they'll have their work cut out for them. "Helena does a great job of spreading the game out," said LaFontaine. "We'll have to make sure our defense is prepared for them."

Spotlight on Jason Woll #4

Jason Woll is an Assistant Captain for the 2004-05 ICEDOGS team, a title that is well deserved. Jason has established himself as one of the most respected Defensemen in the league, and is appreciated by 'DOGS fans for his blue collar approach to playing. He comes to play aggressive every night, and is a leader both on and off the ice.

What skills do you bring to the ICEDOGS? I really think my strengths are toughness, defense, and leadership. What skills do you want to improve? Stick handling, and moving my feet quicker. What sports do you play other than hockey? I love to play basketball and home run derby. What are your favorite teams? I like the Calgary Flames and Chicago Bears. My favorite players are Scott Stevens and Brian Urlacher. Why Did You Start Playing Hockey? I watched the Mighty Ducks Movie and was inspired. What do you want to be remembered for by ICEDOGS' fans? I want to be remembered for my skills and good looks. What is your pregame routine? I get up and eat a good breakfast, watch a movie, take a nap, hang out by myself, and eat a good pre-game meal.

If you received $100 cash as a gift, what would you do with it? I would go play Texas Hold 'Em. If you were granted any 3 wishes, what would you request? I would like to hit like Scott Stevens, have the skills of Wayne Gretzky, and a date with Jamie Pressely. What was the best advice you ever received, and from who? My dad reminds me to life life to the fullest and have fun with everything I do.

What are five words people would use to describe you? I am cool, fun, a leader, handsome, and crazy. Have you ever been a part of a championship team in another sport, if so what sport and when? Yes, we won back-to-back state championships in baseball while in 7th and 8th grades. What do you typically shoot on the course? Around 4 under par....heh heh heh.

This Weekend's Plans

Doors open at 6:00pm on Friday with Happy Hour from 6-7pm. Get 21 ounce Molson Canadian Draughts for $2! During the first intermission, the very popular RC Car Group will be jumping and racing their cars. Suzie Lenson will be performing figure skating routines at the end of the second intermission.

The ICEDOGS play in Helena on Saturday night. Listen live on 95.1-FM The Moose with Voice of the ICEDOGS Mark Martello. Next weekend, your hometown huskies take on the Billings Bulls on Friday and MSU Hellcats on Saturday!

Hockey Lingo

Have you ever wondered what some of the language is in hockey? We thought you might be interested in some of the common terminology of hockey and when these words are used.

BREEZERS: Hockey pants. CHEAP- SHOT: A deliberate and unsportsmanlike attempt to injure another player. CHERRY PICKER: A player who hangs out near center ice trying for an easy score and doesn't come back into his own defensive zone to help on defense. DEKE: (deek) A fake move by a puck carrier to stickhandle his way around an opponent or to make the goalie move first. DIVE: When a player exaggerates being hooked or tripped to try and draw a penalty. FIVE-HOLE: The opening between a goalie's leg pads. GOON: A player whose role is to physically intimidate the opposition, oftentimes by fighting. Synonyms include "enforcer," "heavyweight" and "policeman." GORDIE HOWE HAT TRICK: A goal, an assist, and a fight in the same game by one player. ONE TIMER: When a player shoots immediately upon receiving the puck and without stopping the puck first.

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North American Hockey League Stories from September 22, 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.

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