A Puck Above the Rest: Icedogs

Jessica Cairoli

Faces pressed as close to the thick plexiglass as dared, longing to be close to the action but safe from its intensity, fans alternate between joyful cheering and quiet focus as the game unfolds before them. As the Bozeman Icedogs hockey team furiously skate, swing, clash, and brawl on the ice, spectators are reminded of the qualities that have maintained the group’s significance for decades; passion and competitive drive. Beating frozen feet against the frigid concrete floor, Icedogs fans try to keep warm with delicious concessions, the companionship of the local hockey community, and, most of all, a love for the game. 

One of Bozeman’s most beloved winter sporting staples since its establishment in 1996, the Bozeman Icedogs hockey team has endured as a fundamental element of community in our tight-knit town. Whether you’re a seasoned hockey fan or a casual viewer, the Icedogs have cultivated a captivating atmosphere of energetic competition perfect for anyone and everyone. In a place that prizes the vast array of winter activities available in our local winter wonderland, Icedogs hockey is an excellent addition to the winter fun both Bozeman natives and visitors enjoy. Having been amidst another thrilling season since September, the Icedogs’ final full month of scheduled games has officially begun. With five home games taking place at Haynes Pavilion, there are numerous opportunities to see these brilliant athletes in action before the season’s close. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to Icedogs’ head coach Mike Perkins about the team’s community, goals, and history; a revealing discussion about how Bozeman has shaped the cherished team that has become a local legend. Perkins consistently expressed gratitude for the many individuals that contributed to the group’s success; most notably, the players themselves. 

A fourth-season general manager as well as Icedogs’ head coach, Perkins has grown to know his players well over the course of their time together, and has established a sense of mutual respect between managerial staff and athletes. Singing praises of their drive and accomplishments, Perkins explained how none of the team’s athletic or community-based successes would be possible without the hard work of his players. Many Icedogs veterans have recently aged out of the program or were transferred, meaning that this season’s lineup is generally young. But these Icedogs are hardly underdogs; players make up for what they lack in age with intense motivation and impressive skill on the ice. With practices nearly every day and games often multiple times a week, this team has taken advantage of every opportunity to hone their abilities as much as possible, and their dedication shows. Over the course of the 2024-2025 season, many have remarked upon the growing sense of teamwork and cohesion evident in the team’s performance, a clear product of their priority to make the most of their time both in front of loyal fans and behind closed arena doors. 

When asked which players spectators should especially be watching in the games to come, Perkins remarked on the difficulty of such a question in a sea of devoted excellence. After some deliberation, he recommends keeping an eye out for forwards Andrew Kaunas (#29) and Spencer Wilkinson (#22), and defensemen Wes Weisenburger (#6) and forward Lex Steckelberg (#22), both Montana natives. Make sure not to miss these four in action (along with the support of the full team) while you still can. 

As all their hard work culminates toward the end of the season, the Icedogs are on track to make the playoffs at the time of this writing. Ambitious as always, Perkins tells me that the team’s ultimate season goal is to win the Frontier Division, one of the five divisions in the NA3HL league. As the eight Frontier Division teams battle for the top spots, the Icedogs are feeling increasingly prepared for the postseason competition. 

After the Frontier Division comes the Fraser Cup, in which the winning team from each division comes together to see who’s really the top dog. Although the Icedogs have yet to make it to the Fraser Cup, the team likes to push themselves to the limits by chasing the possibility of this ultimate win. Naturally, the first step is the playoffs. 

Currently sitting around the middle ranking in the Frontier Division, the Icedogs are expected to be a part of this year’s division playoffs. Having made playoffs in the 2023-2024 season and lost in the Division Semifinal round, the team is confident they can recreate their same successes, hopefully advancing them further. Whatever happens, the Icedogs are sure to provide a thrilling, nail-biting watching experience as the league pressure ramps up. 

With opportunities to see the team in action dwindling, this last full month of scheduled games is a definite must-see. When asked which games will be particularly exciting watches, Perkins suggested that fans make time to see the Icedogs compete against other Montana teams. The atmosphere at a game between two local teams is always electric, and fans from both sides are especially invested. Kicking off the month on February 1st, the Icedogs face off against the Butte Irish in Haynes Pavilion. The following day, the Icedogs also host the Great Falls Americans, making for an action-packed weekend. The Icedogs play the Great Falls team one more time at home on February 15th, so you have plenty of chances to see the two teams battle it out. To finish the February calendar, Haynes Pavilion will host the Helena Bighorns on the 21st, and the Yellowstone Quakes on the 28th. A month packed with excitement—be sure to make it to at least one game while you can. 

To wrap up our interview, Mike Perkins wanted to emphasize the role that administration has in the success of the Bozeman Icedogs. He extended a special thanks to assistant coach Jeff Burton, Gallatin Ice hockey director and management overseer Dave Weaver, game day operations official Lydia Klemenac, social media manager Dawn Perkins, the instrumental members of game day staff, and, of course, the generous housing families that have taken in Icedogs players. All of Bozeman is incredibly grateful for the immense amount of work and dedication that goes into maintaining the hockey team we all know and love, and will continue to cherish for seasons to come.  

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