Tag: Prospects

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Habs Prospects Ready to Make the Jump

(PHOTO LE JOURNAL DE MONTRÉAL, PIERRE-PAUL POULIN)

by Nic Phelan, Lead Correspondent, IceCaps Hockey Report

(PHOTO LE JOURNAL DE MONTRÉAL, PIERRE-PAUL POULIN)
(PHOTO LE JOURNAL DE MONTRÉAL, PIERRE-PAUL POULIN)

ST. JOHN’S, NL. — The Montreal Canadiens were the healthiest team in the NHL in 2014-15 with the fewest Man Games Lost at 88 (team reported.) By contrast, the Columbus Blue Jackets topped the list with a whopping 508 Man Games Lost. Given the low number of injuries we saw typical Hamilton callups like Christian Thomas, Sven Andrighetto, Jarred Tinordi and Greg  Pateryn. It was good to see Pateryn, Nathan Beaulieu and Jacob De La Rose earning their keep playing big minutes in the Habs playoff run.

We can only hope for similar luck in 2015-16, but in case it doesn’t happen Bergevin definitely feels comfortable with the pieces in the system. This year the organization has an exciting crop of young guys waiting for their chance to make a jump, whether that be from junior to the pros, or the AHL to the NHL.

Michael McCarron

McCarron was drafted 25th overall by the Habs in 2013. Bergevin had visions of the 6-foot-6-inch, 230 pound ‘man-child’ meeting Milan Lucic at centre ice while making the Habs a much tougher team to play against. Times change, the NHL continues to get faster, and the Bruins have lost some of their edge with Dougie Hamilton and Lucic heading west in separate draft day deals.

McCarron still remains an interesting prospect because of his development. This time last year Habs fans heard whispers of “bust,” a word rarely used before a player even leaves junior. In his first year with the London Knights, McCarron struggled to find the back of the net. This year he found his touch playing with speedy playmakers like Max Domi and Mitch Marner. Unfortunately, due to politics by USA Hockey (they aren’t fond of American players who choose the CHL as a development path), for the second straight year McCarron was snubbed from the US Junior Camp.

Meanwhile a trade was in the works to move McCarron to the Oshawa Generals. McCarron didn’t see the same production in Oshawa, but remained close to a point per game player. More impressively, McCarron was counted on to play major minutes at the center position for the eventual Memorial Cup winners while impressing scouts with his ability to shut down top guys on opposing teams on a big stage. Once again Bergevin drools over the prospect of having a big body up the middle, something we’ve lacked in Hab land since, well, since McCarron was born.

Ceiling – Two-way center, potential 20-goal scorer. Think Brian Boyle 2.0
Floor – John Scott, look out Phil Kessel.

Nikita Scherbak

Without a doubt the flashiest player on this list with the apparent highest ceiling, Nikita Scherbak was drafted 26th overall by the Canadiens in 2014. After coming into the Canadiens camp at 6-foot-1-inch, 175 pounds last fall, Scherbak made noise this year growing an inch and adding another 25 pounds to his now 6-foot-2-inch frame. His wide skating stance and creativity with the puck had comparisons to another young Hab of Russian descent, No. 27.

In junior, Scherbak came to Canada to prove his commitment to playing in the NHL, as a part of the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades in 2013-14; he led all rookies in scoring with 78 points in 65 games, and followed it up with a modest 82 points in 65 games with Everett this past season. Nikita figures to compete in camp for a top-6 role on the big club, with potential to show his worth following news of Max Pacioretty missing most of the preseason (knee injury). With that said, following the recent Alexander Semin signing it is more likely he will spend some time with the St. John’s IceCaps this upcoming fall and before cracking the Habs lineup sometime in 2015-16.

Ceiling – Perennial 60+ point scoring winger.
Floor – Somewhere in Russia.

Charles Hudon

Drafted by the Canadiens 122nd overall in 2012, Hudon has spent his hockey career under the radar. In junior, he made Team Canada in 2012, just to suffer a back injury in the pre-tournament games and missed the tournament. The following year he was selected to play for Canada again, registering a couple points, but never really standing out. His junior career was highlighted scoring 273 points in 235 games, but his 5-foot-10-inch, 180 pound frame never considered to carry over to the NHL.

Last year with the Hamilton Bulldogs, Hudon was off to an incredible pace, leading the AHL in scoring with 27 points through 25 games as a 20-year old. However everything slowed down with just 30 points in his final 50 games. It is important to note that Hudon was a winger throughout junior, and was asked to play center position by the Hamilton coaching staff. It is yet to be seen if Hudon will ever become a bonafide NHL’er, but it appears that he will at least be given a chance, and is a current favourite to take over the vacant top-6 spot for the Habs; that is so long as the next prospect doesn’t have anything to say about it.

Ceiling – 40-50 point guy, 2nd-3rd line. Derek Roy.
Floor – Gabriel Dumont, career AHLer.

Daniel Carr

An unlikely hero in last year’s regular season, he was a bright spot on an inconsistent Hamilton Bulldogs team. Carr led all AHL rookies in scoring with 24 goals, and found chemistry with  Hudon. He spent four years at Union College, New York in NCAA Divison I. Scoring 78 goals in 160 college games, he helped bring Union College its first National Championship in school history.

Carr is a bit of a wildcard for the Habs, however they lost nothing by signing him as an undrafted free agent, and have been pleased by his development under Sylvain Lefebvre. Much like his line-mate from last season, he will by vying for that top-6 position in camp this September. The Habs’ brass hopes he proves to be a diamond in the rough for a team who may be depending on Alex Semin to address the lack of scoring. Bergevin and company have been adamant about the potential of a young player rising to the occasion and Carr figures to be just the type of guy they are looking for.

Ceiling – Brad Boyes, 30 goal threat.
Floor – Jason Jaffray, career AHL’er.

Zachary Fucale

The only thing more jammed up than Carey’s starter role is his trophy case back in Kelowna, BC. Because of this, Fucale is likely the furthest away from a Habs debut on this list, barring an injury to Mr. Price (let’s not go there.) Fucale will be fighting for a roster spot on the IceCaps with fan favourite Eddie Pasquale, who led the IceCaps (as part of the Jets organization) to a conference final and Calder Cup Final in 2012 and 2014 respectively. Along with the return of incumbent starter Mike Condon, Fucale now finds himself in a predicament. After shattering records for goaltending in the QMJHL, Fucale will get his first taste of the Pro’s this fall.

Fucale was the beneficiary of playing behind one of the greatest junior lineups in the last decade with players such as Nathan MacKinnon, Jonathan Drouin, Martin Frk, and more recently Nikolaj Ehlers and Timo Meier. He found himself traded to the 2015 Memorial Cup Host Quebec Remparts following his Gold for team Canada in Toronto this past January (his second kick at the cat as starter for Team Canada). The QMJHL has always given goalies the benefit of the doubt as a high scoring league with no defence, so Fucale’s stats were never considered to be an issue. His calm and sometimes cocky demeanor had scouts comparing him to No. 31 for Le Bleu Blanc et Rouge. The pedigree is there for Fucale, but it’s yet to be seen if he can follow through with the IceCaps this year or perhaps the organization deems it more valuable for him to gather more starting minutes with the Brampton Beast of the ECHL. Best case scenario for the Habs is he becomes the Schneider to Carey’s Luongo in 4-5 years.

Ceiling – Franchise No. 1 Starter, Potential trade bait or successor.
Floor – Justin Pogge anyone?

Ice Caps Hockey Report is a sister site to All Habs Hockey Magazine
Published by Rocket Sports Media, Inc.

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Press release

2014 NHL Entry Draft: Canadiens Add Six New Prospects

CANADIENS SELECT SIX PLAYERS IN 2014 NHL ENTRY DRAFT

Three forwards, two defencemen, one goaltender among newest Habs prospects

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – The Montreal Canadiens – National Hockey League affiliate of the Hamilton Bulldogs – selected six players, including three forwards, two defencemen and one goaltender at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft on Friday, June 27th and Saturday, June 28th at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

With their first pick (first round, 26th overall), the Canadiens selected forward Nikita Scherbak. In 65 regular season games with the Western Hockey League’s Saskatoon Blades in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 78 points (28 goals, 50 assists) and 46 penalty minutes. The 6’0”, 172-pound forward led all WHL rookies in scoring this past season and was named the Blades’ most valuable player, rookie of the year, plus/minus leader and three-star award winner. The Moscow, Russia native earned Saskatoon’s top scorer award after leading the Blades in goals, assists and points.

With their second pick (third round, 73rd overall), the Canadiens selected defenceman Brett Lernout. In 72 regular season games with the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) and 103 penalty minutes. In 133 career WHL regular season games with the Broncos and Blades, the 6’4”, 206-pound Winnipeg, Manitoba native has recorded 24 points (nine goals, 15 assists) and 146 penalty minutes.

With their third pick (fifth round, 125th overall), the Canadiens selected defenceman Nikolas Koberstein. In 51 regular season games with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Olds Grizzlys in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) and 153 penalty minutes. The 6’2”, 180-pound Barrhead, Alberta native is committed to play for the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s University of Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks.

With their fourth pick (fifth round, 147th overall), the Canadiens selected forward Daniel Audette. In 68 regular season games with the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Sherbrooke Phoenix in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 76 points (21 goals, 55 assists) and 79 penalty minutes. In 122 career QMJHL regular season games with the Phoenix, the 5’8”, 177-pound Buffalo, New York native has recorded 105 points (31 goals, 74 assists) and 144 penalty minutes. He’s the son of former Canadiens forward Donald Audette.

With their fifth pick (sixth round, 177th overall), the Canadiens selected goaltender Hayden Hawkey. In 33 regular season games with the United States Hockey League’s Omaha Lancers in 2013-2014, the 19-year-old posted a record of 22-6-3 with a 1.99 goals-against average, .926 save percentage and three shutouts. The 6’0”, 180-pound Fremont, California native is committed to play for the NCAA’s Providence College Friars.

With their sixth and final pick (seventh round, 207th overall), the Canadiens selected forward Jake Evans. In 49 regular season games with the Ontario Junior Hockey League’s St. Michael’s Buzzers in 2013-2014, the 18-year-old recorded 63 points (16 goals, 47 assists) and 79 penalty minutes. The 6’0”, 172-pound Toronto, Ontario native is committed to play for the NCAA’s University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

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Press release

Official Release: Sven Andrighetto Named CCM / AHL Player of the Week

Hamilton Bulldogs Press Release
02/10/2014 9:42 AM –

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – The American Hockey League announced today Hamilton Bulldogs forward Sven Andrighetto has been selected as the CCM / AHL Player of the Week for the period ending February 9th, 2014.

img_0239
Photo: Kathy K., All Habs Hockey Magazine

Andrighetto recorded eight points (three goals, five assists) in four road games for the Bulldogs last week.

On Tuesday in Rockford, Illinois, the 5’9”, 182-pound forward scored a goal and assisted on three others, setting a career high with four points in a 6-4 loss to the IceHogs. He was held scoreless Wednesday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin against the Admirals, but came back with two assists on Saturday night, helping the Bulldogs to a come-from-behind 5-4 win over the Binghamton Senators in Ottawa, Ontario. Finally, the Zurich, Switzerland native scored two goals, including the game-winner in the third period, as the Bulldogs edged the Toronto Marlies 4-3 on Sunday afternoon in Toronto, Ontario.

Selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the third round (86th overall) in the 2013 National Hockey League Entry Draft, Andrighetto has 27 points (12 goals, 15 assists) and 22 penalty minutes in 36 games with Hamilton this season. The 20-year-old rookie played the previous two seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, registering 172 points (67 goals, 105 assists) in 115 regular season games with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.

In recognition of his achievement, Andrighetto will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Bulldogs home game.

Hamilton’s next game is scheduled for Saturday, February 15th when the ‘Dogs will host the Texas Stars (AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars) at FirstOntario Centre at 7:00 p.m.

 

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IceCaps game report

Beaulieu’s Gordie Howe Hat Trick Powers Bulldogs [with POST-GAME AUDIO]

By Dan Kramer, Senior Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

POST-GAME AUDIO: Nathan Beaulieu | Sylvain Lefebvre

HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Bulldogs’ welcome home from a 4-0-0 road trip wasn’t a happy one Saturday, dropping a decision to the Rochester Americans, but the warriors from the Hammer got back in the win column Sunday by outworking the Iowa Wild. Goals from Gabriel Dumont, Nathan Beaulieu, and an empty netter from Nick Tarnasky supported a strong night of work from Dustin Tokarski to earn a 3-1 victory.

The Bulldogs started the night off on a strong note when the initial shift by the line of Christian Thomas, Maxime Macenauer, and Louis Leblanc drew a penalty to Hamilton-native Marc Hagel (brother of former Bulldog Kyle Hagel). The powerplay buzzed for the first minute, with Sven Andrighetto getting the best chance on a deflection of a Martin St. Pierre centering pass, but Johan Gustafsson resisted and the game remained scoreless.

In addition to his scoring the opening goal, a Gabriel Dumont shot block in the final minutes was a key play that helped preserve the Hamilton victory. (PHOTO: HAMILTON BULLDOGS)
In addition to his scoring the opening goal, a Gabriel Dumont shot block in the final minutes was a key play that helped preserve the Hamilton victory. (PHOTO: HAMILTON BULLDOGS)

Hamilton continued to press as the far better team in the opening stanza. A strong forecheck from Thomas created a turnover, and the winger himself narrowly missed tapping in the rebound of a Louis Leblanc half-pass half-shot.

One of the few Iowa scoring chances in the first came with the man advantage while Macenauer sat in the box for interference. A miscue between Greg Pateryn and Jarred Tinordi left former Bulldog Tyler Murovich alone in the slot, but his one-time attempt was stymied by a sprawling Dustin Tokarski. The Wild carried the momentum through the rest of the powerplay, and moments later captain Jake Dowell‘s shot beat Tokarski but found pipe.

With the penalty killed, the Bulldogs returned to the attack. Martin St. Pierre led a rush that drew a Corbin Baldwin hooking penalty, and early on in the powerplay, it was St. Pierre again spotting Gabriel Dumont at the side of the goal. Dumont showed quick hands, spinning around and flipping the puck over to his forehead before lifting a shot over Gustafsson for a 1-0 lead – a deserved advantage as the home side led 18-8 on the shot clock.

The Bulldogs looked to continue their dominance in the second, and it was again the line of Thomas, Macenauer, and Leblanc that almost extended the lead. Thomas picked off a puck behind the Wild net and spotted Leblanc all alone in front of Gustafsson, but the winger fanned on his wide-open scoring attempt.

Beaulieu came out post-game wearing a military helmet, awarded nightly to Hamilton's best player of the game by its previous keeper. (PHOTO: DAN KRAMER | ALL HABS)
Beaulieu came out post-game wearing a military helmet, awarded nightly to Hamilton’s best player of the game by its previous keeper. (PHOTO: DAN KRAMER | ALL HABS)

That same shift, Macenauer picked up his second minor penalty of the game, this one in the offensive zone for a trip, in a moment that seemed to swing the game’s momentum around a bit. Iowa’s puck movement on the powerplay was again crisp, and a perfectly-executed give-and-go between Warren Peters and Marc Hagel left the latter with an easy tap-in for a tie game, drawing applause from his hometown friends and family in the crowd.

Key for the Bulldogs was to not fall into the same trip they had a night before, being to play a strong first half, but then sit and watch as the visitors slowly took over after the midway mark. Sven Andrighetto showed there was still fight in the ‘Dogs on this night, as he and Patrick Holland battled hard on the forecheck, before Andrighetto himself worked magic with the puck, weaving around the offensive zone and firing a hard shot from just inside the blueline. His attempt was stopped by Gustafsson, but the rebound came right out to Nathan Beaulieu who ripped it over falling bodies and just under the bar to restore the lead.

A scary moment shortly after the go-ahead marker, as Jim McKenzie boarded Patrick Holland from behind in the Hamilton end. Holland lay on the ice for about a minute following the hit, as Beaulieu was quick to drop the gloves with McKenzie in his defense. Holland was eventually able to get up, leaving the ice under his own strength and returning to action in the third period, while for Beaulieu, the fight completed a Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

The period’s final minute saw the Bulldogs with another penalty to kill as Joonas Nattinen was given the only minor from a large scrum. Heavy pressure from the Wild forced Tokarski to be on top of his game, and the 24-year old was up to the task with numerous key pad saves.

The first half of the third saw both sides squander powerplay opportunities after looking so sharp in periods one and two. During one Bulldog kill, Gabriel Dumont blocked a heavy point shot with his foot and retreated to the dressing room under great distress. He would return to the bench minutes thereafter sporting a noticeable limp, and remained seated there the rest of the night.

Hamilton had a glorious chance to put the game away late in the period, as Nick Tarnasky and Joonas Nattinen swarmed the crease with the puck behind a fallen Gustafsson, but somehow the pair was unable to find the vacated cage.

Tarnasky would redeem himself in the game’s final minute, however. After two key face-off wins from Martin St. Pierre, the hulking forward pressed the Iowa defense with a forecheck, scooping a bobbled puck into the net with the goalie out for an extra attacker. Tarnasky’s ninth drew him even with Louis Leblanc for the team lead in goals.

Coach Sylvain Lefebvre indicated post-game that the Dumont shot block was a big lift to his players that helped carry them through the final minutes. “We know what Dumy’s all about. He’s an inspiration to all the players here. He plays hard every night. To block that shot, sometimes you like to think it’s a game changer. It’s as big as a goal sometimes,” credited the team’s bench boss.

“Yesterday we let the game slip away from us, so today we were on a mission,” summarized one of the night’s heroes, Nathan Beaulieu.  Beaulieu has now amassed two goals and three assists in five games in the month of January, and he owes his personal success to satisfaction with his defensive game, which has allowed him to open up his play on a more regular basis. “The first half of the year, I was focused on the defensive half of my game. Now I can jump in a little more and start putting up some numbers.”

Hamilton’s star offensive rearguard came out post-game wearing some unusual headgear. When asked about it, he explained that it was awarded every game to the team’s best player, chosen by its previous wearer. His claim that the tradition had been going on for two years was met with skepticism from the assembled journalists, which led him to clarify, “I’m the only one that actually wears it cause it only fits my head. I have a small head.” Ironic if you consider what some in the media have made of Beaulieu, but he has been nothing but a professional on and off the ice of late as a key contributor to the Bulldogs’ current run.

With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 7-1-1 in their past nine games and avoided the plague of their early season: following up every win streak with a slide of equal length. The team begins the second half of their 2013-14 AHL season at home next Saturday, January 18th, against the Utica Comets.

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Press release

Mayer Returns to Bulldogs; Condon, Schiestel Assigned to Nailers

MAYER REASSIGNED TO BULLDOGS; CONDON, SCHIESTEL ASSIGNED TO NAILERS

Hamilton Bulldogs Media Release

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – Montreal Canadiens and Hamilton Bulldogs General Manager Marc Bergevin announced today the Canadiens have reassigned goaltender Robert Mayer to the Bulldogs after a stint in the Spengler Cup with Geneve-Servette HC, while the Bulldogs have assigned goaltender Mike Condon and defenceman Drew Schiestel to the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers.

(Photo by Bradley Kalpin)
(Photo by Bradley Kalpin)

Mayer returns to Hamilton after winning the Spengler Cup with Geneve-Servette. In two games in the tournament, the Havirov, Czech Republic-born goaltender had a record of 2-0-0 with a 2.95 goals-against average and .918 save percentage. In 11 games with the Bulldogs this season, the 24-year-old has a record of 3-6-2 with a 3.05 goals-against average and .896 save percentage. In 38 games with the Bulldogs last season, the 6’1”, 199-pound goaltender posted a record of 16-17-3 with a 2.93 goals-against average and .908 save percentage. He was originally signed as a free agent by the Canadiens on September 25th, 2008.

Condon has split this season between Hamilton and Wheeling. In three games with the Bulldogs, the Holliston, Massachusetts native has a record of 1-1-0 with a 2.48 goals-against average and .909 save percentage. In 18 games with the Nailers, the 23-year-old has posted a record of 10-4-4 with a 2.33 goals-against average, .925 save percentage and one shutout. The 6’3”, 195-pound goaltender spent last season with the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Princeton University Tigers, the ECHL’s Ontario Reign and the American Hockey League’s Houston Aeros. In 24 regular season games with Princeton, he had a record of 8-11-4 with a 2.48 goals-against average, .923 save percentage and two shutouts. In four regular season games with Ontario, he posted a record of 3-1-0 with a 1.48 goals-against average, .943 save percentage and one shutout. In five regular season games with Houston, he had a record of 3-0-0 with a 2.39 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. Condon was signed by the Montreal Canadiens as a free agent on May 8th, 2013.

Schiestel has spent the entire 2013-2014 season to date with Hamilton. In 21 games with the Bulldogs, the Hamilton native has recorded six assists and 16 penalty minutes. The 24-year-old split the 2012-2013 season between the AHL’s Rochester Americans and the ECHL’s Greenville Road Warriors. In 35 regular season games with Rochester, he recorded three points (one goal, two assists) and 16 penalty minutes. In three games with Greenville, he recorded no points and no penalty minutes. The 6’2”, 193-pound defenceman was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the second round, 59th overall, in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He was signed by the Bulldogs as a free agent on July 29th, 2013.

Hamilton’s next game is scheduled for Friday, January 10th, when they will visit the Rochester Americans (AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres) at 7:05 p.m. at Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York. The ‘Dogs return to Copps Coliseum on Saturday, January 11th, when they will host the Americans at 7:00 p.m.

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Press release

Official Release: Bulldogs Release Duffy, MacAulay

BULLDOGS RELEASE DUFFY AND MACAULAY

Hamilton Bulldogs Press Release

MONTREAL, QUEBEC – Montreal Canadiens and Hamilton Bulldogs General Manager Marc Bergevin announced today the Bulldogs have released forwards Ben Duffy and Stephen MacAulay from their standard players’ contracts. The two forwards will both move on to play in Canadian Interuniversity Sport while pursuing educational opportunities.

Ben Duffy (Image QMI)
Ben Duffy (Image QMI)

Duffy split this season between the Bulldogs and ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers. In 15 games with Hamilton, the 21-year-old recorded two assists and no penalty minutes. In six games with Wheeling, the Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia native recorded six points (four goals, two assists) and no penalty minutes. The 5’10”, 177-pound forward spent the 2012-2013 season with the Prince Edward Island Rocket of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. In 68 regular season games, he recorded 110 points (39 goals, 71 assists) and four penalty minutes. He was signed to a one-year contract by the Bulldogs on July 11th, 2013.

MacAulay also split this season between the Bulldogs and Nailers. In eight games with Hamilton, the 21-year-old recorded two points (one goal, one assist) and no penalty minutes. In 12 games with Wheeling, the Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia native recorded two assists and 14 penalty minutes. The 6’2”, 191-pound forward split the 2012-2013 season between the Saint John Sea Dogs and Halifax Mooseheads of the QMJHL. In 34 regular season games with Saint John, he recorded 36 points (18 goals, 18 assists) and 36 penalty minutes. In 25 regular season games with Halifax, he recorded 26 points (13 goals, 13 assists) and 16 penalty minutes. Originally drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the sixth round (164th overall) in the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft, he was signed to a one-year contract by the Bulldogs on July 8th, 2013.

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Press release

Official Release: Tokarski Named CCM/AHL Player of the Week

Hamilton Bulldogs / American Hockey League Press Release

SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS – The American Hockey League announced today that Hamilton Bulldogs goaltender Dustin Tokarski has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending November 24th, 2013.

Tokarski stopped 98 of the 100 shots he faced in three starts last week (3-0-0, 0.67 goals-against average, .980 save percentage, one shutout), helping the Bulldogs pull into a tie for first place in the AHL’s North Division.

ingoalmag.com
Photo: ingoalmag.com

On Tuesday night, Tokarski made 30 saves in Hamilton’s 5-1 victory over the visiting Texas Stars (AHL affiliate of the Dallas Stars). At the Bell Centre in Montreal on Friday, he turned aside 25 of 26 shots and was named the game’s first star as the Bulldogs defeated the Syracuse Crunch (AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning), 4-1. And in Saturday’s rematch with the Crunch back in Syracuse, Tokarski stymied his former teammates with 43 saves – the most by a goaltender in a shutout this season – to lead the Bulldogs to a 3-0 victory.

For the season, Tokarski (8-3-1) ranks second in the AHL in both goals-against average (1.91) and save percentage (.935), allowing two goals or fewer in 12 of his 14 appearances.

Tokarski has appeared in 208 career AHL games with the Norfolk Admirals, Syracuse Crunch and Hamilton Bulldogs over his five professional seasons, compiling a record of 112-75-12 with a 2.42 goal-against average, a .912 save percentage and 18 shutouts. The 24-year-old native of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, won a Calder Cup Championship with Norfolk in 2012 and is 14-6 (1.67 goals-against average, .937 save percentage) in 20 career post-season contests. Originally drafted by Tampa Bay in 2008, Tokarski was acquired by the Montreal Canadiens in a trade with the Lightning on February 14th, 2013, and has made seven career appearances in the National Hockey League.

In recognition of his achievement, Tokarski will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Bulldogs home game.

Hamilton’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday, November 27th, when they travel to Rochester, New York to face the Rochester Americans (AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres) at 7:05 p.m. The Bulldogs will return to Copps Coliseum on Friday, November 29th when they will host the Toronto Marlies (AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs) at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s game will be broadcast live in high definition on Cable 14.

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Press release

St. Pierre Named 12th Captain in Bulldogs’ History

Hamilton Bulldogs Press Release
10/10/2013 3:37 PM –

HAMILTON, ONTARIO – Hamilton Bulldogs Head Coach Sylvain Lefebvre announced today that veteran forward Martin St. Pierre has been named the 12th Captain in Hamilton Bulldogs history. Defenceman Greg Pateryn and forward Gabriel Dumont have been named Alternate Captains.

“With these three players, we believe we have a group capable of leading in many different ways,” said Hamilton Bulldogs Head Coach Sylvain Lefebvre.  “Martin St. Pierre is an experienced player that has been a captain in the past, Greg Pateryn has also been a captain previously and Gabriel Dumont is a player of great character.”

Photo: Hamilton Bulldogs
Photo: Hamilton Bulldogs

St. Pierre, 30, is entering his 10th season of professional hockey. In January of 2013, the Ottawa, Ontario native became the 83rd player in American Hockey League history to record 500 career points. In 516 career regular season AHL games with the Edmonton Roadrunners, Norfolk Admirals, Rockford IceHogs, Providence Bruins, Binghamton Senators and Springfield Falcons, the 5’9”, 187-pound forward has registered 528 points (151 goals, 377 assists) and 509 penalty minutes. St. Pierre was named to the AHL’s All-Rookie Team in 2005-2006, selected as an AHL First-Team All-Star in 2006-2007 and an AHL Second Team All-Star in 2007-2008. In seven full AHL seasons, St. Pierre has finished among the top 10 in overall scoring four times, has scored 20-or-more goals five times and has produced 60-or-more points six times, setting career-highs in goals (27), assists (72) and points (99) with the Norfolk Admirals in 2006-2007. In 38 career regular season National Hockey League games with the Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and Ottawa Senators, the undrafted forward has collected eight points (three goals, five assists) and 12 penalty minutes.

Pateryn, 23, split last season between Hamilton and Montreal. In 39 games with the Bulldogs, the 6’2”, 222-pound defenceman recorded 12 points (seven goals, five assists) and 27 penalty minutes. In three regular season games with the Canadiens, the Sterling Heights, Michigan native recorded no points and no penalty minutes. Before turning pro, Pateryn played 142 regular season National Collegiate Athletic Association games with the University of Michigan Wolverines, recording 43 points (six goals, 37 assists) and 145 penalty minutes. He was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fifth round (128th overall) in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Dumont, 22, also split last season between Hamilton and Montreal. In 55 regular season games with the Bulldogs, the 5’10”, 186-pound forward recorded 31 points (16 goals, 15 assists) and 83 penalty minutes and received The Bill Sturrup Trophy (Fan’s Choice Award). In 10 regular season games with Montreal, he recorded three points (one goal, two assists) and 13 penalty minutes. In 178 career regular season AHL games, the Ville Degelis, Quebec native has recorded 73 points (34 goals, 39 assists) and 217 penalty minutes. In 13 career regular season NHL games, Dumont has recorded three points (one goal, two assists) and 13 penalty minutes. He was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the fifth round (139th overall) in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

St. Pierre is Hamilton’s first captain since 2012. Previous captains in Bulldogs history include Alex Henry (2009-2012), Kyle Chipchura (2008-2009), Ajay Baines (2007-2008), Dan Smith (2005-2006), Jason Ward (2004-2005), Benoit Gratton (2002-2004), Alain Nasreddine (2000-2002), Scott Ferguson (2000-2001), Rob Murray (1999-2000), Jeff Daw (1998-1999) and Terran Sandwith (1996-1998).

Hamilton’s next game is its regular season and home opener, scheduled for Friday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. against the St. John’s IceCaps at Copps Coliseum. The club will host a home opener street party starting at 5:00 p.m., which will feature food provided by Maple Lodge Farms, family entertainment, sponsor vendors and a beer garden serving Molson products. Y108 will also be hosting its Drive Show live at the street party from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Categories
Press release

Three Bulldogs’ Games to be Broadcast on Sportsnet 360

10/09/2013 11:26 AM
Hamilton Bulldogs’ Press Release

HAMILTON, ONTARIO – The Hamilton Bulldogs announced today that Sportsnet 360 will televise three of the team’s games this winter, two of which will feature the heated rivalry with the Toronto Marlies.tokarskibulldogs

The complete schedule is as follows (all times Eastern):

Sunday, February 9th, 2014, 3:00 p.m. – Hamilton Bulldogs at Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)
Sunday, March 9th, 2014, 3:00 p.m. – Lake Erie Monsters (Colorado Avalanche) at Hamilton Bulldogs
Sunday, March 16th, 2014, 3:00 p.m. – Hamilton Bulldogs at Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

These three games are part of a 10-game schedule of American Hockey League games for Sportsnet 360 this season. AHL games will be broadcast on the station weekly starting with Hamilton and Toronto on February 9th. The games can also be seen on NHL Network in the United States.

In addition to the 10-game regular-season package, Sportsnet ONE will broadcast two-day coverage of the 2014 AHL All-Star Classic between the AHL All-Stars and the Swedish Hockey League’s Farjestad BK, including the Skills Competition and All-Star Game, from St. John’s, Newfoundland on February 11th and 12th.

Hamilton’s next game is its regular season and home opener, scheduled for Friday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. against the St. John’s IceCaps at Copps Coliseum. The club will host a home opener street party starting at 5:00 p.m., which will feature food provided by Maple Lodge Farms, family entertainment, sponsor vendors and a beer garden serving Molson products. Y108 will also be hosting its Drive Show live at the street party from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Categories
IceCaps game report

Tokarski Shines but ‘Dogs Winning Streak Ends at Four [with AUDIO]

"If you didn't think Tokarski could stop the puck, now you know," said Sylvain Lefebvre of his message to the team. (PHOTO: Dan Kramer, AllHabs.net)

By Dan Kramer, Senior Writer, All Habs Hockey Magazine

POST-GAME AUDIO: Dustin Tokarski | Sylvain Lefebvre

HAMILTON, ON – The cellar-dwelling Hamilton Bulldogs entered their Monday afternoon matchup against the Rochester Americans as – surprisingly – one of the AHL’s hottest teams, winners of four straight and five of their last six.  But in this game, the ‘Dogs looked to be at their early season form rather than continuing their recent strong play, unable to generate anything in the way of offense, and coming up on the short end of a 3-0 final, flattering only because of stellar netminding from Dustin Tokarski.

It was another slow start for the Bulldogs, who were outshot 18-7 in the first period and fell behind 1-0 when a Brayden McNabb wrist shot from the point found the corner of the net behind Tokarski. It then became further clear that this wasn’t going to be Hamilton’s night when the second began in the same way, with Luke Adam converting on a two-on-one to double the Americans’ lead.

"If you didn't think Tokarski could stop the puck, now you know," said Sylvain Lefebvre of his message to the team. (PHOTO: Dan Kramer, AllHabs.net)
“If you didn’t think Tokarski could stop the puck, now you know,” said Sylvain Lefebvre of his message to the team. (PHOTO: Dan Kramer, AllHabs.net)

The ‘Dogs seemed to steady the ship a bit around the midway mark of the period, and drew a penalty looking to get on the board. But a terrible powerplay saw the team struggle to even gain entry into the offensive zone, and the ice re-tilted in Rochester’s favour thereafter, with the visitors holding a dominant 37-13 shot advantage through 40 minutes.

“I won’t lie, I haven’t faced that many in a long time. But as a goaltender, you gotta be ready to make 20 saves or 50 saves. Ultimately, they scored more than we did, and their goalie outplayed me. I gotta be better,” said Tokarski post-game, clearly his own harshest critic.

Tokarski notably came up big on one goalmoth stand as the Americans crashed the net, but on four occasions couldn’t slipped one passed the newest member of the Bulldogs.

Despite the lack of effort, down just 2-0, Hamilton seemed to find some stored up energy for the third, increasing their shot total to a respectable 30 on the night, and making David Leggio earn his second shutout of the season (the first also came against the Bulldogs). Sylvain Lefebvre‘s new top six combinations of Mike Blunden, Joey Tenute, and Patrick Holland and Gabriel Dumont, Michael Bournival, and Louis Leblanc both had their chances, particularly after Tokarski was pulled for an extra skater with 2:47 to play.

“Nothing was happening before that, so might as well pull him right away and see if we can get one quick, and it’s a 2-1 game,” explained Lefebvre on a night where his squad looked weak at both ends of the ice for two periods.

It’s easy to say that Hamilton had earned an off-night based on their recent strong performances, but still near the basement of the AHL standings, there is no room for error if the team wants to get back into playoff contention. Thus, every game is a must-win as the team moves on to the Bell Centre in Montreal for a rematch with Rochester Friday night.