The Fox Cities Ice Dogs are a part of the Great Lakes Hockey League, an amateur hockey league made up mostly of former college players who didn't make it to the pros. Players are mostly local, though there are a few who hail from Canada and as far away as Alaska. With the dream of professional hockey out of the picture, the game has become a chance to have fun, hang out and drink beer, according to one player.
Ice Dogs captain Brad White walks onto the ice at the beginning of their game against Stoughton. The Ice Dogs play their home games at Appleton Family Ice Center in Appleton.
The team lines up according to jersey color for a little friendly competition to end practice. Brad White, team captain, points toward one of the goals as he explains the game.
A pair of players fly by during a one-on-one drill during practice Wednesday, November 15, at the Tri County Arena in Neenah. Practices, held at 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, feature several specific drills and a scrimmage, often working on power plays and penalty killing.
Adam Fuss gasps for air along with his teammates after a rigorous drill at practice November 15.
Friday night is game night. On November 17, they take on the Stoughton Steel. Dominic White waits by the door to the ice to bump fists with Adam Fuss, who skates onto the ice for warm-ups before the game.
Forward Mark Brown (10) tussles with a Stoughton player as teammates defend their goalie after a Stoughton player ended up in the net in their game November 17 in Appleton.
Goalie Christopher Musch and defenseman Jake Steimle watch a puck flutter past in their game against the Stoughton Steel November 17.
Several teammates joked that their captain, Brad White, cut himself shaving, but he was hit by a puck and needed to be stitched up between periods in order to return to the game. Here he dabs at the cut during second intermission of their game against the Waupun Wolves at the Appleton Family Ice Center on November 24.
Ice Dogs forward Kyle Peterson draws up a play during a team meeting during second intermission of their game against Waupun.
A short wall separates the penalty box from the players' bench. Here, Steve Manowske serves a two-minute minor penalty in their game against Waupun.
Ice Dogs forward Jens Hinderlie holds off a Waupun defender in front of the Wolves net during their game November 24 in Appleton.
Ice Dogs' captain Brad White congratulates his teammates on their win against Waupun. Waupun was able to keep it close early, tying the Ice Dogs 1-1 after one period, but the Ice Dogs blew it open after that, scoring the next eight goals to win 9-1. They also thoroughly beat Stoughton the week earlier 12-5.
Beer flows freely after each game, and often after practice. After the win over Waupun, most of the players head to a local bar, the Fish House, to enjoy beer, pizza and camaraderie.
