Bozeman, Montana, has a vibrant ice hockey history, marked by the dedication of its teams and the enthusiasm of its community. From the early struggles of the Bozeman Icedogs to the unifying events that bring together NHL alumni and veterans, ice hockey has left an indelible mark on the town.
The Bozeman Icedogs: A Tier III Junior Ice Hockey Team
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). 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.
Early Challenges and Triumphs
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.
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 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.
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.
Read also: The Story of Bozeman Hockey
Changes and Transitions
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. During the 1999-2000 season, Cole was fired and replaced with assistant coach Dale “Duner” Hladun.
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. 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.
Notable Seasons and Achievements
In the 2005-06 season, goaltender Matt Dalton led the NAHL in saves percentage, setting NAHL records for goals against average and saves percentage. 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 withdrew from the league. The team was able to secure a new home venue when they signed a lease with the Haynes Pavilion that summer. This had the side effect of displacing the Bozeman Blackhawks as the Icedogs took not only their home rink but their spot in the NorPac as well.
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.
Read also: Cycling in Bozeman
Icedogs Season Results
- Lost Div. Semifinals, 0-2 vs.
- Won Div. Quarterfinals, 2-0 vs. Missoula Jr. Bruins
- Lost Div. Semifinals, 0-2 vs.
- Lost Div. Semifinals, 1-2 vs.
- Won play-in series, 2-0 vs. Butte Cobras
- Lost Div.
Face Off for Heroes Montana
From July 3 to 6, 2025, the Warrior for Life Fund hosted the inaugural Face Off for Heroes Montana, presented by the National Hockey League. The event united NHL Alumni, Naval Special Warfare, Army Special Operations personnel, and their families for a powerful weekend of hockey, connection, and shared purpose.
Held at Gallatin Ice Arena in Bozeman, the four-day event blended hockey with fellowship, giving servicemembers and their families a rare opportunity to slow down and reconnect.
“This is a community effort that changes lives,” said Ryan Croley, Executive Director of the Warrior for Life Fund. “We’re using the game of hockey to break down walls, build trust, and help people feel whole again.”
During opening remarks, Stanley Cup champion and NHL Director of Social Impact Andrew Ference said, “When I left the league, I missed the locker room more than the game. I think that’s something our veterans understand deeply. This event gives us all that feeling back." Current Chicago Blackhawk Sam Lafferty alongside Al Iafrate, Andrew Alberts, Kevan Miller, Mark Mowers, Terry Yake, John Moore, and Frank Simonetti.
Drafted first overall in the 2025 Face Off For Heroes, Montana was a Boston Bruin alumnus and a Montana native, Kevan Miller. “I wasn’t drafted in the NHL,” Miller told the crowd. “So, I’m going to soak this in for a second, if you guys don’t mind.”
Read also: Snowmobiling near Bozeman
The sled hockey game showcased the spirit of adaptability and inclusion. Featuring Paralympic gold medalist Kip St. “This is a transformational experience built around the ice. The impact is lasting and real.”
Face Off for Heroes Montana represents a new chapter in the Warrior for Life Fund’s ongoing memorial series, which began in 2013.