Helena Bighorns silence the Icedogs in Bozeman

The Bozeman Icedogs’ final home game of the season took place last Friday, ending in a 10-5 loss to the Helena Bighorns. However, the evening was about more than the scoreboard, as three Bozeman skaters were celebrated for taking home ice one last time.

According to its website, the Icedogs are a junior hockey team in the North American 3 Hockey League. Its roster consists of players from across the U.S. who live with host families during the season.

The team typically plays 47 games throughout the regular season, which runs from September to March. Its opponents are spread out across Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota, according to the team’s website. The Icedogs are a U-20 team, meaning that once players turn 20 years old, they age out.

Three Icedogs will age out at the end of this season: forwards Baron Masopust, Andrew Kaunas and Devin Bruns. Masopust and Kaunas played their final home match Friday night, but Bruns was unable to compete due to a hand injury.

For Baron, the opportunity to play at home one last time alongside his younger brother — Icedogs forward Hayes Masopust — made the night that much more special.

“Being able to share the ice and compete together in a place that means so much to us is something I’ll always cherish,” Baron said. “Every one of my teammates feels like a brother, but having Hayes on the team this year made the experience even more meaningful.”

At 7:30 p.m., the puck dropped and the excitement began. Within 10 minutes of the first period, the Icedogs were down three goals, as Helena forwards Kade Pareja, Austin Tyler and Ty Schell each found the back of the net.

Helena added two more goals before the end of the period, while Bozeman managed to get on the board with a goal from defenseman Seth Hanson, assisted by Kaunas and captain forward Lex Steckelberg. At the end of the first period, Helena led 5-1.

Following a performance by MSU’s Figure Skating Club, Bozeman took the ice again, looking motivated and ready for a comeback. Early in the period, Steckelberg scored with assists from Kaunas and Baron. Helena swiftly responded, adding four more goals before the end of the period.

On a power play after a holding penalty on Hanson, Schell scored for Helena. Later in the period, Baron was sent to the penalty box for checking-from-behind.

Helena forward Austin Uecker and Schell each scored twice, completing hat tricks. While Bozeman seemed to play stronger than in the first period, it wasn’t enough as the second closed with Helena leading 9-2.

The third period brought Bozeman fans to their feet as cheers from both teams filled Haynes Pavilion. About five minutes in, Helena forward Tyler Parsons was sent to the penalty box for cross-checking, creating a prime opportunity for the Icedogs to score.

Although the team didn’t score on this chance, Bozeman dominated the third period, putting three more goals on the board. Left-wing Matthew Stamp made the first goal, assisted by center Jacob Larned and forward Sam Trufant. The second goal was scored by Baron and assisted by Kaunas and Steckelberg.

The final goal for the Icedogs came from Kaunas with another assist by Steckelberg. Helena added one final goal late in the period, scored by right-wing Chase Berg with an assist from defenseman Mason Blair. The game ended with Helena taking the win 10-5.

For one final time on Friday night, Bruns, Kaunas and Baron were written into the history of Bozeman junior hockey.

“My most memorable experience playing for the Icedogs isn’t just one moment — it’s the connection we’ve built with the community over the past two years,” Baron said. “Walking around downtown and having people say, ‘Great game last night’ really shows how much the team has meant to Bozeman.”

“Seeing young fans excited about hockey and dreaming of becoming Icedogs one day is something I’ll always support,” he said. “None of it happens without the support of this community, and if we can make a fan’s day even one percent better, then we’ve done our job.”

To learn more about the Bozeman Icedogs, visit www.bozemanicedogs.com.