3View: Bozeman Icedogs
The 3View series will feature an in-depth look into all NA3HL teams in preparation for the 2023-24 season, with two teams being highlighted daily, leading all the way up until the start of the regular season. 3View goes in-depth into each NA3HL team and will include interviews with all the head coaches in the NA3HL, as they provide fans with their expectations and outlook for the 2023-24 season, including taking a look at their potential roster and their strengths as a team for the upcoming season. It will also take a look back on the 2022-23 season and how each team fared and what they accomplished. Best of all, 3View will provide the fans of the NA3HL with an inside look at their favorite team and what to expect.
Bozeman Icedogs
Head Coach: Mike Perkins (3rd season)
2022-23 Record: 23-23-0-1, 47 pts. (5th in Frontier Division)
2022-23 leading scorer: Owen House (46 points)
2023 Playoffs: Did not qualify
2023-24 Division: Frontier
After finishing the 2022-23 season one spot outside of the playoffs, Bozeman Icedogs Head Coach Mike Perkins and his squad learned a lot about junior hockey and the Frontier Division.
“Last season we had a younger team and it took some time for them to get acclimated to junior hockey,” Perkins said. “We knew that would be the case but we definitely improved as the season progressed and finished 19-11 in our last 30 games.”
Coming into his third season, Perkins has an understanding of the competitiveness of the Frontier Division and what it means to bring your best night in and night out.
“The Frontier Division has made great strides in the last couple of seasons as we have strong ownership groups and experienced coaches who know how to recruit,” Perkins said.
Granted all eyes are set on the upcoming season, but Perkins and the Bozeman organization are more than excited about their players moving on to new opportunities at the collegiate level.
“We have four players advancing to college hockey, Cam Milewski is going to the University of Mary ACHA D1, Chris Pigge is going to the University of Iowa ACHA D2, Axel Rosenlund is going to the University of St. Thomas ACHA D2 and Kole Morris is going to the University of Wyoming ACHA D2,” Perkins said.
This upcoming campaign for the Icedogs will feature 10-12 veteran returns to the roster. Perkins mentioned a handful of players that will be returning to Bozeman for the 2023-24 season with Braden Koliha, Chris Porciuncula, Bodie Shepardson, Sean Smer, Bryce Sturm, Casey Sturm, and Spencer Wilkinson. Additionally, Bozeman will see several veteran junior players and a strong rookie class that will be ready to compete.
The Frontier Division continues to provide great competition in the NA3HL as Perkins mentioned, but the growing culture of hockey in the state of Montana has made the belief in the team even stronger.
“Bozeman is a great community with a growing hockey culture that supports what we do,” Perkins said. “We have a strong coaching staff and off-ice staff that puts a lot of time in to make this work.”
With the foundation laid of last season, the Icedogs look to build off of that and make the push even further towards the Fraser Cup this year.
“The season is right around the corner and we are ready to get to work,” Perkins said.
Next Up: Butte Cobras
