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|text_color = white
|text_color = white
| team = Bozeman Icedogs
| team = Bozeman Icedogs
| logo = Bozeman_Icedogs_logo.png
| logo = Bozeman Icedogs logo.png
| logosize = 150px
| logosize = 220px
| city = [[Bozeman, Montana]]
| city = [[Bozeman, Montana]]
| league = [[NA3HL|North American 3 Hockey League]]
| league = [[North American 3 Hockey League|NA3HL]]
| division = Frontier
| division = Frontier
| founded = 1996 (In the [[American Frontier Hockey League|AFHL]])
| founded = 1996 (In the [[American Frontier Hockey League|AFHL]])
| arena = [[Haynes Pavilion]]
| arena = Haynes Pavilion
| colors = Maroon, White, Black, Silver<br />{{color box|#800000}} {{color box|white}} {{color box|black}} {{color box|silver}}
| colors = Maroon, white, black, silver<br />{{color box|#800000}} {{color box|white}} {{color box|black}} {{color box|silver}}
| owner =
| owner =
| GM = Mike Perkins<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.na3hl.com/news/story.cfm?id=31875 |title=Bozeman hires Perkins and new Head Coach and GM |work=NA3HL |date=May 12, 2021}}</ref>
| coach = Mark Vichorek
| assistant coach =
| coach = Mike Perkins
| GM = Mark Vichorek
| media = [[Bozeman Daily Chronicle]]
⚫
| affiliates =
| media = [[Bozeman Chronicle]]
⚫
| affiliates =
| website =[http://bozemanicedogs.com bozemanicedogs.com]
| website =[http://bozemanicedogs.com bozemanicedogs.com]
<!---Franchise history--->
<!---Franchise history--->
Line 23: Line 22:
}}
}}


The '''Bozeman Icedogs''' are a [[Junior ice hockey#Tier III|Tier III Junior]] [[ice hockey]] team located in [[Bozeman, Montana|Bozeman]], [[Montana]]. The team is a member of the [[North American 3 Hockey League]] (NA3HL). The Icedogs play home games at the [[Haynes Pavilion]] located at the [[Gallatin County Fairgrounds]].
The '''Bozeman Icedogs''' are a [[Junior ice hockey#Tier III|Tier III Junior]] [[ice hockey]] team located in [[Bozeman, Montana]]. The team is a member of the [[North American 3 Hockey League]] (NA3HL). The Icedogs play home games at the [[Haynes Pavilion]] run by Gallatin Ice Foundation located at the [[Gallatin County Fairgrounds]].


==History==
==History==
⚫
Founded in 1996 by a [[Michigan]]-based investment group, the Icedogs played in the [[Junior ice hockey#Tier II|Tier II Junior A]] [[American Frontier Hockey League]] (AFHL) from 1996 to 1998.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/stte/bozeman-icedogs-4940.html|title=Bozeman IceDogs hockey team [AWHL] statistics and history at hockeydb.com|website=www.hockeydb.com}}</ref> The Icedogs were forced to play their entire first season on the road when the ownership team’s funding fell short with their [[Ice hockey rink|rink]] only half-built. Despite the circumstances, which left them practicing at times outdoors and playing all ‘home’ games in [[Helena, Montana]], the Icedogs, coached by David “Smoke” Cole and captained by Brad Michalski, earned a .500 record and a position in the AFHL playoffs. Forward Kevin Wesolek set a league record for single-season scoring as he captured 1996–97 Rookie of the Year honors.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/ice-dogs-hand-out-awards/article_8ccdc7f4-75bb-58de-8557-030a0eb044e7.html|title=Ice Dogs hand out awards}}</ref>
{{Refimprove|date=June 2007}}
⚫
Founded in 1996 by a [[Michigan]]-based investment group, the Icedogs played in the [[Junior ice hockey#Tier II|Tier II Junior A]] [[American Frontier Hockey League]] (AFHL) from 1996 to 1998.<ref>http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/teamseasons.php?tid=4161</ref> The Icedogs were forced to play their entire first season on the road when the ownership team’s funding fell short with their [[Ice hockey rink|rink]] only half-built. Despite the circumstances, which left them practicing at times outdoors and playing all ‘home’ games in [[Helena, Montana]], the Icedogs, coached by David “Smoke” Cole and captained by Brad Michalski, earned a .500 record and a position in the AFHL playoffs. Forward Kevin Wesolek set a league record for single-season scoring as he captured 1996–97 Rookie of the Year honors.


In the fall of 1997, the Icedogs moved into the brand new Valley Ice Garden, a state-of-the-art, 3,500-seat arena outside Bozeman. Bill Martel, owner of the Bozeman construction firm that had been building the facility, took over ownership of both the team and the arena, providing the [[Gallatin Valley]] with its first indoor [[ice skating]] facility. The rink opened to the public with an open house on September 14, 1997.
In the fall of 1997, the Icedogs moved into the brand new [[Valley Ice Garden]], a state-of-the-art, 3,500-seat arena outside Bozeman.<ref name="history">{{cite web
| title =History of the Bozeman Icedogs
| url =https://www.bozemanicedogs.com/history-of-the-icedogs#:~:text=In%20the%20fall%20of%201997,3%2C500%2Dseat%20arena%20outside%20Bozeman.
| website =bozemanicedogs.com/}}</ref> Bill Martel, owner of the Bozeman construction firm that had been building the facility, took over ownership of both the team and the arena, providing the [[Gallatin Valley]] with its first indoor [[ice skating]] facility. The rink opened to the public with an open house on September 14, 1997.<ref name="history"/>


The Icedogs played their first game at the Valley Ice Garden on September 30, 1997, a 6-4 victory over the [[Wichita Falls Wildcats|Butte Irish]] in front of a sellout crowd with Wesolek scoring the team’s first goal. The Icedogs went on to record sixteen- and seven-game unbeaten streaks while selling out nearly every game en route to a second-place finish in the AFHL. Bozeman fell to in-state rival [[Billings Bulls]] in six games in the Borne Cup Finals, but earned a berth in the Gold Cup National Championship Tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round of round robin play. Wesolek finished second in the AFHL in scoring and set a league record for career scoring, with 198 points over two seasons.
The Icedogs played their first game at the Valley Ice Garden on September 30, 1997, a 6-4 victory over the [[Wichita Falls Wildcats|Butte Irish]] in front of a sellout crowd with Wesolek scoring the team’s first goal.<ref name="history"/> The Icedogs went on to record sixteen- and seven-game unbeaten streaks while selling out nearly every game en route to a second-place finish in the AFHL.<ref name="history"/> Bozeman fell to in-state rival [[Billings Bulls]] in six games in the Borne Cup Finals, but earned a berth in the Gold Cup National Championship Tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round of round robin play. Wesolek finished second in the AFHL in scoring and set a league record for career scoring, with 198 points over two seasons.<ref name="history"/>


In 1998, the AFHL changed its name to the [[America West Hockey League]] (AWHL). The 1998–99 season brought less success for the Icedogs, who struggled throughout, and finished in last place in the AWHL, missing the playoffs for the first time. Forward Jimmy Sokol finished second in the league in scoring while linemate Jason Deitsch led the league in points-per-game.
In 1998, the AFHL changed its name to the [[America West Hockey League]] (AWHL).<ref name="history"/> The 1998–99 season brought less success for the Icedogs, who struggled throughout, and finished in last place in the AWHL, missing the playoffs for the first time. Forward Jimmy Sokol finished second in the league in scoring while linemate Jason Deitsch led the league in points-per-game.<ref name="history"/>


During the 1999–2000 season, Cole was fired and replaced with assistant coach Dale “Duner” Hladun.<ref>http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/article_0ad52721-9e01-546e-b4c9-f693bf783b45.html</ref> The team failed to improve under Hladun, who was forced to leave the team due to visa issues and replaced by assistant coach Darren Blue. The Icedogs missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
During the 1999–2000 season, Cole was fired and replaced with assistant coach Dale “Duner” Hladun.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/hladun-details-win-championships/article_0ad52721-9e01-546e-b4c9-f693bf783b45.html|title=Hladun: Details win championships|first=SEAN KELLY-Chronicle Sports|last=Writer|website=Bozeman Daily Chronicle}}</ref> The team failed to improve under Hladun, who was forced to leave the team due to visa issues and replaced by assistant coach Darren Blue. The Icedogs missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.<ref name="history"/>


In March 2000, the Bozeman Icedogs hired John LaFontaine, brother of [[National Hockey League]] great [[Pat LaFontaine]], as head coach and director of hockey operations. LaFontaine immediately turned the program around, leading the Icedogs to a .500 record and playoff appearance in his first season as coach.
In March 2000, the Bozeman Icedogs hired John LaFontaine, brother of [[National Hockey League]] great [[Pat LaFontaine]], as head coach and director of hockey operations. LaFontaine immediately turned the program around, leading the Icedogs to a .500 record and playoff appearance in his first season as coach. <ref name="history"/>


In 2003,<ref>http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/teamseasons.php?tid=2012</ref> the America West Hockey League merged with the [[North American Hockey League]] (NAHL) and the Icedogs began playing in the Tier II NAHL.<ref>http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/teamseasons.php?tid=4336</ref>
In 2003,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/teamseasons.php?tid=2012|title=Bozeman IceDogs hockey team [AWHL] statistics and history at hockeydb.com|website=www.hockeydb.com}}</ref> the America West Hockey League merged with the [[North American Hockey League]] (NAHL) and the Icedogs began playing in the Tier II NAHL.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hockeydb.com/stte/bozeman-icedogs-4941.html|title=Bozeman IceDogs hockey team [NAHL] statistics and history at hockeydb.com|website=www.hockeydb.com}}</ref>


In the 2005–06 season, goaltender Matt Dalton led the NAHL in saves percentage, setting NAHL records for goals against average and saves percentage. Forward Josh Heidinger led the league in scoring was voted the NAHL’s top forward. After defeating the [[Fairbanks Ice Dogs|Fairbanks (Alaska) Ice Dogs]] for their second Borne Cup title, the Icedogs fell to the [[Texas Tornado]] in the final game of the national championship Robertson Cup tournament in May 2006.
In the 2005–06 season, goaltender Matt Dalton led the NAHL in saves percentage, setting NAHL records for goals against average and saves percentage. Forward Josh Heidinger led the league in scoring was voted the NAHL’s top forward. <ref name="history"/>After defeating the [[Fairbanks Ice Dogs|Fairbanks (Alaska) Ice Dogs]] for their second Borne Cup title, the Icedogs fell to the [[Texas Tornado]] in the final game of the national championship Robertson Cup tournament in May 2006. <ref name="history"/>


Later in May 2006, the [[Helena Bighorns]] and [[Billings Bulls]] joined the [[Northern Pacific Hockey League]] (NorPac). The Valley Ice Garden was sold to a beer distributor and the Tier II Icedogs were dissolved. However, the Icedogs would also join the [[Junior ice hockey#Tier III|Tier III Junior B]] NorPac when the Bozeman Blackhawks took on the Icedogs moniker and began play in Bozeman’s Haynes Pavilion. In 2007, the NorPac was promoted from Tier III Junior B to Junior A.
Later in May 2006, the [[Helena Bighorns]] and [[Billings Bulls]] joined the [[Northern Pacific Hockey League]] (NorPac). The Valley Ice Garden was sold to a beer distributor and the Tier II Icedogs were dissolved. However, the Icedogs would also join the [[Junior ice hockey#Tier III|Tier III Junior B]] NorPac when the Bozeman Blackhawks took on the Icedogs moniker and began play in Bozeman’s Haynes Pavilion. In 2007, the NorPac was promoted from Tier III Junior B to Junior A.<ref name="history"/>


In 2007 the Icedogs moved to the Gallatin Ice Facility run by Gallatin Ice Foundation at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman, Montana following the closure of the Valley Ice Garden in 2006.
⚫
In 2011, the Icedogs joined the other eastern teams of NorPac and created a new [[American West Hockey League]] made up of teams in Montana and Wyoming. In March 2014, the new AWHL joined the [[North American 3 Hockey League]] (NA3HL) as the Frontier Division the 2014–15 season.<ref>http://www.na3hl.com/news/story.cfm?id=11149</ref>

⚫
In 2011, the Icedogs joined the other eastern teams of the NorPac and created a new [[American West Hockey League]] made up of teams in Montana and Wyoming. In March 2014, the new AWHL joined the [[North American 3 Hockey League]] (NA3HL) as the Frontier Division in the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://na3hl.com/news/story.cfm?id=11149|title=AWHL to join NA3HL in 2014-15|website=North American Tier III Hockey League (NA3HL)}}</ref>

The Icedogs were sold after the 2012–13 season to a local couple Alec and Kate Nisbet.<ref name="history" /> The Icedogs and the entire league moved from the AWHL and joined the [[NA3HL]] after the 2013–14 season and became the Frontier Division.<ref name="history" />

The Icedogs changed hands again in 2018, sold to the Paine Group.


===Previous leagues===
===Previous leagues===
Line 59: Line 66:
|- align="center"
|- align="center"
! Season !! GP !! W !! L !! OTL !! Pts !! GF !! GA !! PIM !! Regular Season Finish !! Playoffs
! Season !! GP !! W !! L !! OTL !! Pts !! GF !! GA !! PIM !! Regular Season Finish !! Playoffs
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffeeee"
|colspan="12"|'''''American West Hockey League'''''
|-
| 2011–12 || 48 || 14 || 34 || 0 || 28 || 131 || 207 ||—|| <small>5th of 6, AWHL</small> ||''Did not qualify''
|-
| 2012–13 || 48 || 1 || 47 || 0 || 2 || 72 || 376 ||—|| <small>7th of 7, AWHL</small> ||''Did not qualify''
|-
| 2013–14 || 48 || 5 || 39 || 4 || 14 || 113 || 265 ||—|| <small>7th of 7, AWHL</small> ||''Did not qualify''
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffeeee"
|- align="center" bgcolor="#ffeeee"
|colspan="12"|'''''North American 3 Hockey League'''''
|colspan="12"|'''''North American 3 Hockey League'''''
|-
|-
| 2014–15 || 47 || 15 || 31 || 1 || 31 || 119 || 193 || 990 || <small>5th of 7, Frontier Div.<br />23rd of 31, NA3HL</small> ||<small>''Did not qualify''</small>
| 2014–15 || 47 || 15 || 31 || 1 || 31 || 119 || 193 || 990 || <small>5th of 7, Frontier Div.<br />23rd of 31, NA3HL</small> ||''Did not qualify''
|-
|-
| 2015–16 || 47 || 29 || 11 || 7 || 65 || 191 || 134 || 911 || <small>3rd of 7, Frontier Div.<br />12th of 34, NA3HL</small> ||<small>Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–2 vs. [[Great Falls Americans]]</small>
| 2015–16 || 47 || 29 || 11 || 7 || 65 || 191 || 134 || 911 || <small>3rd of 7, Frontier Div.<br />12th of 34, NA3HL</small> ||<small>Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–2 vs. [[Great Falls Americans]]</small>
|-
|-
| 2016–17 || 47 || 24 || 21 || 2 || 50 || 174 || 168 || 1412 || <small>5th of 8, Frontier Div.<br />23rd of 48, NA3HL</small> ||<small>TBD Div. Quarterfinals, 0–0 vs. [[Missoula Jr. Bruins]]</small>
| 2016–17 || 47 || 24 || 21 || 2 || 50 || 174 || 168 || 1412 || <small>5th of 8, Frontier Div.<br />23rd of 48, NA3HL</small> ||<small>Won Div. Quarterfinals, 2–0 vs. [[Missoula Jr. Bruins]]<br />Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–2 vs. [[Yellowstone Quake]]</small>
|-
| 2017–18 || 47 || 5 || 41 || 1 || 11 || 104 || 289 || 867 || <small>6th of 6, Frontier Div.<br />41st of 42, NA3HL</small> ||''Did not qualify''
|-
| 2018–19 || 47 || 28 || 15 || 4 || 60 || 197 || 136 || 851 || <small>3rd of 7, Frontier Div.<br />15th of 36, NA3HL</small> ||<small>Lost Div. Semifinals, 1–2 vs. [[Great Falls Americans]]</small>
|-
| 2019–20 || 47 || 39 || 7 || 1 || 79 || 241 || 119 || 1404 || <small>'''1st of 8, Frontier Div.'''<br />3rd of 34, NA3HL</small> ||Playoffs cancelled
|-
| 2020–21 || 40 || 13 || 22 || 5 || 31 || 124 || 163 || 1250 || <small>6th of 8, Frontier Div.<br />21st of 31, NA3HL</small> ||''Did not qualify''
|-
| 2021–22 || 47 || 26 || 17 || 4 || 56 || 194 || 183 || 1247 || <small>3rd of 8, Frontier Div.<br />16th of 34, NA3HL</small> ||<small>Won play-in series, 2–0 vs. [[Butte Cobras]]<br>Lost Div. Semifinals, 0-2 [[Gillette Wild]]</small>
|-
| 2022–23 || 47 || 23 || 23 || 3 || 47 || 151 || 174 || 1258 || <small>5th of 8, Frontier Div.<br />20th of 34, NA3HL</small> ||<small>''Did not qualify''</small>
|-
| 2023–24 || 47 || 30 || 16 || 1 || 61 || 196 || 152 || 1283 || <small>3rd of 8, Frontier Div.<br />14th of 34, NA3HL</small> ||<small>''Lost Div Semifinal 0-2 ([[Gillette Wild]])''</small>
|}
|}


== Notable Icedogs alumni ==
== Notable Icedogs alumni ==
The Icedogs have had a number of alumni move on to [[NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]], [[Division III (NCAA)|Division III]], and higher levels of [[junior ice hockey]], and [[professional sports|professional]] ice hockey, including:
The Icedogs have had a number of alumni move on to [[NCAA]] [[Division I (NCAA)|Division I]], [[Division III (NCAA)|Division III]], and higher levels of [[junior ice hockey]], and [[professional sports|professional]] ice hockey, including:<ref>{{cite web
| title =ALUMNI
| url =https://www.bozemanicedogs.com/alumni
| website =bozemanicedogs.com/alumni
| access-date =October 30, 2020}}
</ref>


* Ryan Carrigan (1996–199) – [[Northern Michigan Wildcats men's ice hockey|Northern Michigan University]] ([[NCAA Division I]]) 2000–2002; [[Niagara Purple Eagles men's ice hockey|Niagara University]] ([[NCAA Division I]]) 2002–2005; [[Rockford IceHogs (UHL)]] 2005–2007; [[Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (CHL)]] 2007–2008
* Ryan Carrigan (1996–1999) – [[Northern Michigan Wildcats men's ice hockey|Northern Michigan University]] ([[NCAA Division I]]) 2000–2002; [[Niagara Purple Eagles men's ice hockey|Niagara University]] ([[NCAA Division I]]) 2002–2005; [[Rockford IceHogs (UHL)]] 2005–2007; [[Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees (CHL)]] 2007–2008
* Jason Deitsch (1998–1999) – 2006 [[International Hockey League (2007-)|UHL]] [[Rookie of the Year (award)|Rookie of the Year]], assistant captain of [[Cincinnati Cyclones]]
* Jason Deitsch (1998–1999) – 2006 [[International Hockey League (2007-)|UHL]] [[Rookie of the Year (award)|Rookie of the Year]], assistant captain of [[Cincinnati Cyclones]]
* [[Thomas Hajek]] (1996–1998) – All-star and team captain of the [[Philadelphia Wings]] of the [[National Lacrosse League]]
* [[Thomas Hajek]] (1996–1998) – All-star and team captain of the [[Philadelphia Wings (1987–2014)|Philadelphia Wings]] of the [[National Lacrosse League]]
*[[Matt Dalton]] (2005-2006) – NAHL MVP (2006), [https://www.eliteprospects.com/team/52/boston-bruins/2009-2010?tab=stats Boston Bruins (2009-2010)], [[Ice hockey at the 2018 Winter Olympics – Men's team rosters#South Korea|Olympian for South Korea (2018)]]


==References==
==References==
Line 80: Line 115:


==External links==
==External links==
* [http://bozemanicedogs.pointstreaksites.com/ Official Ice Dogs Website]
* [http://bozemanicedogs.com Official Ice Dogs Website]
* [http://www.na3hl.com/ Official League (NA3HL) Website]
* [http://www.na3hl.com/ Official League (NA3HL) Website]


{{Montana Sports}}
{{Montana Sports}}
{{NAHL}}


[[Category:Ice hockey teams in Montana]]
[[Category:Ice hockey teams in Montana]]
Line 90: Line 126:
[[Category:American West Hockey League teams]]
[[Category:American West Hockey League teams]]
[[Category:Defunct North American Hockey League teams]]
[[Category:Defunct North American Hockey League teams]]
[[Category:Ice hockey clubs established in 1996]]

Latest revision as of 17:33, 15 November 2024

Bozeman Icedogs
CityBozeman, Montana
LeagueNA3HL
DivisionFrontier
Founded1996 (In the AFHL)
Home arenaHaynes Pavilion
ColorsMaroon, white, black, silver
       
General managerMike Perkins[1]
Head coachMike Perkins
MediaBozeman Daily Chronicle
Websitebozemanicedogs.com
Franchise history
1996–presentBozeman Icedogs

The Bozeman Icedogs are a Tier III Junior ice hockey team located in Bozeman, Montana. The team is a member of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL). The Icedogs play home games at the Haynes Pavilion run by Gallatin Ice Foundation located at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds.

History

[edit]

Founded in 1996 by a Michigan-based investment group, the Icedogs played in the Tier II Junior A American Frontier Hockey League (AFHL) from 1996 to 1998.[2] The Icedogs were forced to play their entire first season on the road when the ownership team’s funding fell short with their rink only half-built. Despite the circumstances, which left them practicing at times outdoors and playing all ‘home’ games in Helena, Montana, the Icedogs, coached by David “Smoke” Cole and captained by Brad Michalski, earned a .500 record and a position in the AFHL playoffs. Forward Kevin Wesolek set a league record for single-season scoring as he captured 1996–97 Rookie of the Year honors.[3]

In the fall of 1997, the Icedogs moved into the brand new Valley Ice Garden, a state-of-the-art, 3,500-seat arena outside Bozeman.[4] Bill Martel, owner of the Bozeman construction firm that had been building the facility, took over ownership of both the team and the arena, providing the Gallatin Valley with its first indoor ice skating facility. The rink opened to the public with an open house on September 14, 1997.[4]

The Icedogs played their first game at the Valley Ice Garden on September 30, 1997, a 6-4 victory over the Butte Irish in front of a sellout crowd with Wesolek scoring the team’s first goal.[4] The Icedogs went on to record sixteen- and seven-game unbeaten streaks while selling out nearly every game en route to a second-place finish in the AFHL.[4] Bozeman fell to in-state rival Billings Bulls in six games in the Borne Cup Finals, but earned a berth in the Gold Cup National Championship Tournament, where they were eliminated in the first round of round robin play. Wesolek finished second in the AFHL in scoring and set a league record for career scoring, with 198 points over two seasons.[4]

In 1998, the AFHL changed its name to the America West Hockey League (AWHL).[4] The 1998–99 season brought less success for the Icedogs, who struggled throughout, and finished in last place in the AWHL, missing the playoffs for the first time. Forward Jimmy Sokol finished second in the league in scoring while linemate Jason Deitsch led the league in points-per-game.[4]

During the 1999–2000 season, Cole was fired and replaced with assistant coach Dale “Duner” Hladun.[5] The team failed to improve under Hladun, who was forced to leave the team due to visa issues and replaced by assistant coach Darren Blue. The Icedogs missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season.[4]

In March 2000, the Bozeman Icedogs hired John LaFontaine, brother of National Hockey League great Pat LaFontaine, as head coach and director of hockey operations. LaFontaine immediately turned the program around, leading the Icedogs to a .500 record and playoff appearance in his first season as coach. [4]

In 2003,[6] the America West Hockey League merged with the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and the Icedogs began playing in the Tier II NAHL.[7]

In the 2005–06 season, goaltender Matt Dalton led the NAHL in saves percentage, setting NAHL records for goals against average and saves percentage. Forward Josh Heidinger led the league in scoring was voted the NAHL’s top forward. [4]After defeating the Fairbanks (Alaska) Ice Dogs for their second Borne Cup title, the Icedogs fell to the Texas Tornado in the final game of the national championship Robertson Cup tournament in May 2006. [4]

Later in May 2006, the Helena Bighorns and Billings Bulls joined the Northern Pacific Hockey League (NorPac). The Valley Ice Garden was sold to a beer distributor and the Tier II Icedogs were dissolved. However, the Icedogs would also join the Tier III Junior B NorPac when the Bozeman Blackhawks took on the Icedogs moniker and began play in Bozeman’s Haynes Pavilion. In 2007, the NorPac was promoted from Tier III Junior B to Junior A.[4]

In 2007 the Icedogs moved to the Gallatin Ice Facility run by Gallatin Ice Foundation at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds in Bozeman, Montana following the closure of the Valley Ice Garden in 2006.

In 2011, the Icedogs joined the other eastern teams of the NorPac and created a new American West Hockey League made up of teams in Montana and Wyoming. In March 2014, the new AWHL joined the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) as the Frontier Division in the 2014–15 season.[8]

The Icedogs were sold after the 2012–13 season to a local couple Alec and Kate Nisbet.[4] The Icedogs and the entire league moved from the AWHL and joined the NA3HL after the 2013–14 season and became the Frontier Division.[4]

The Icedogs changed hands again in 2018, sold to the Paine Group.

Previous leagues

[edit]

Season-by-season records

[edit]
Season GP W L OTL Pts GF GA PIM Regular Season Finish Playoffs
American West Hockey League
2011–12 48 14 34 0 28 131 207 — 5th of 6, AWHL Did not qualify
2012–13 48 1 47 0 2 72 376 — 7th of 7, AWHL Did not qualify
2013–14 48 5 39 4 14 113 265 — 7th of 7, AWHL Did not qualify
North American 3 Hockey League
2014–15 47 15 31 1 31 119 193 990 5th of 7, Frontier Div.
23rd of 31, NA3HL		 Did not qualify
2015–16 47 29 11 7 65 191 134 911 3rd of 7, Frontier Div.
12th of 34, NA3HL		 Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–2 vs. Great Falls Americans
2016–17 47 24 21 2 50 174 168 1412 5th of 8, Frontier Div.
23rd of 48, NA3HL		 Won Div. Quarterfinals, 2–0 vs. Missoula Jr. Bruins
Lost Div. Semifinals, 0–2 vs. Yellowstone Quake
2017–18 47 5 41 1 11 104 289 867 6th of 6, Frontier Div.
41st of 42, NA3HL		 Did not qualify
2018–19 47 28 15 4 60 197 136 851 3rd of 7, Frontier Div.
15th of 36, NA3HL		 Lost Div. Semifinals, 1–2 vs. Great Falls Americans
2019–20 47 39 7 1 79 241 119 1404 1st of 8, Frontier Div.
3rd of 34, NA3HL		 Playoffs cancelled
2020–21 40 13 22 5 31 124 163 1250 6th of 8, Frontier Div.
21st of 31, NA3HL		 Did not qualify
2021–22 47 26 17 4 56 194 183 1247 3rd of 8, Frontier Div.
16th of 34, NA3HL		 Won play-in series, 2–0 vs. Butte Cobras
Lost Div. Semifinals, 0-2 Gillette Wild
2022–23 47 23 23 3 47 151 174 1258 5th of 8, Frontier Div.
20th of 34, NA3HL		 Did not qualify
2023–24 47 30 16 1 61 196 152 1283 3rd of 8, Frontier Div.
14th of 34, NA3HL		 Lost Div Semifinal 0-2 (Gillette Wild)

Notable Icedogs alumni

[edit]

The Icedogs have had a number of alumni move on to NCAA Division I, Division III, and higher levels of junior ice hockey, and professional ice hockey, including:[9]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Bozeman hires Perkins and new Head Coach and GM". NA3HL. May 12, 2021.
  2. ^ "Bozeman IceDogs hockey team [AWHL] statistics and history at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com.
  3. ^ "Ice Dogs hand out awards".
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "History of the Bozeman Icedogs". bozemanicedogs.com/.
  5. ^ Writer, SEAN KELLY-Chronicle Sports. "Hladun: Details win championships". Bozeman Daily Chronicle.
  6. ^ "Bozeman IceDogs hockey team [AWHL] statistics and history at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com.
  7. ^ "Bozeman IceDogs hockey team [NAHL] statistics and history at hockeydb.com". www.hockeydb.com.
  8. ^ "AWHL to join NA3HL in 2014-15". North American Tier III Hockey League (NA3HL).
  9. ^ "ALUMNI". bozemanicedogs.com/alumni. Retrieved October 30, 2020.
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