(Editor's note: Report by Merrick Parnell)
MISSOULA -- Hockey is back for the Bozeman Icedogs, and it was a very happy return as Bozeman topped the Missoula Bruins 6-2.
The Icedogs would score early and often in the contest. Hazen McKay got things started on the score sheet after putting the puck past Missoula’s Dylan Swanson. McKay would finish the game with a hat trick and third-star honors for his efforts.
Icedogs newcomer Caden Duggan would make his debut with a multi-goal performance of his own. Duggan netted two goals in the contest, with one coming in the first period and then another in the third period to seal the deal for the Dogs.
Starting goalie AJ Ruskowski had a quality start for Bozeman, making 22 saves against the Bruins.
“We showed we had a lot of skill on the team,” said Mckay. “We have to settle down at times and know where the puck goes before we get it, but it was a great team effort for the win. AJ was strong between the pipes, but he needs a little more support from us on the ice."
Bozeman will battle the Sheridan (Wyo.) Hawks next weekend on the road. The Hawks are coming off of a two-game sweep against the Cobras in Butte this week.
