Scratches: Eric Neilson, Connor Crisp (undisclosed injury), Jacob De la Rose (lower-body), Nikita Scherbak (undisclosed injury) Injured reserve: Ryan Johnston (back surgery)
Game Report
Looking at the game sheet, you would be excused if you came to the conclusion that the AHL was testing new, larger nets at Mile One on Saturday night. Both starting goaltenders, Zach Fucale and Toronto’s Antoine Bibeau gave up eight goals. In Fucale’s case, three-quarters of the goals allowed could be categorized as soft or very soft.
After allowing his eighth goal, fourth of the third period, Fucale was lifted in favour of Eddie Pasquale. In a quirk of the scoring rules, despite making seven of eight stops, Pasquale was charged with the loss.
The IceCaps scored five goals in the second period and had an 8-4 lead with 19 minutes left in the third period. But the Marlies showed resilience, taking advantage of some shaky goaltending.
On the positive side was the night of Mike McCarron. The rookie centre set an IceCaps franchise record with two goals and three assists for five points. Defenceman Morgan Ellis has a solid game with two goals and an assist on four shots.
In 16 games, the IceCaps have now given up 59 goals which is tops in the league. Allowing 3.69 goals per game is not a recipe for success.
The IceCaps will have the week to work on team defense before a two-game series against the Syracuse Crunch at Mile One Centre.
▲ Michael McCarron, Morgan Ellis, Bud Holloway, Charles Hudon
Scratches: Josiah Didier, Eric Neilson, Connor Crisp (undisclosed injury), Jacob De la Rose (lower-body) Injured reserve: Ryan Johnston (back surgery)
Game Report
It was the first game for the IceCaps following their six-game road trip that ended last Saturday in Hershey with an exciting comeback win. The week had been spent practicing to prepare for the homestand as well as attend to some of the problems that cropped up while in Pennsylvania. The opponents were the arch-rival Toronto Marlies for the first of 12 games this season.
St. John’s was welcoming Nikita Scherbak back to the lineup after he missed the entire rad trip with a lower-body injury. Unfortunately for the rookie forward, the return would be short-lived. With seven minutes left in the first period, the Marlies’ Viktor Loov delivered a solid shoulder check into the chest of Scherbak as he was coming out of the IceCaps zone. Scherbak missed the rest of the first period, took one shift in the second and wasn’t seen on the ice after that.
The first period ended with no scoring after an entertaining period. It was a great playoff-like atmosphere at the Mile One Centre with an equal mix of Marlies – IceCaps fans. A “Go Leafs Go” chant was loudly heard throughout the night.
St. John’s also lost the service of Markus Eisenschmid as he was on the wrong end of a big hit. The short bench led to some line juggling as the game went on.
Perhaps suffering a little in the second period from being down to three lines, the Marlies dominated outshooting the IceCaps 16-7. Yet it was St John’s who got the only goal of the second period to take a 1-0 lead. Charles Hudon stretched out to redirect a Bud Holloway shot. Hudon looked to the rafters after picking up his fifth goal of the season indicative of his relief following a less than stellar performance on the road trip.
The IceCaps dodged a bullet when Nikita Soshnikov blew past Hudon and Mark Barberio only to be thwarted by the pad of Fucale. St. John’s then took a 2-0 lead on a great individual effort from Darren Dietz.
Zach Fucale had a solid game particularly in the second frame making 16 saves but a mistake in the third with 11:13 remaining put the Leafs on the board. Casey Bailey scored into the wide open cage as Fucale had taken himself out of the play, overplaying the puck and sliding well beyond the crease behind the goal line.
The goal gave a boost to the Marlies who ramped up the pressure in the period. Christian Thomas took a bad offensive zone penalty for tripping. It took just 18 seconds for Mark Arcobello to score on the power-play going high glove hand on Fucale. The two teams did not add to their totals ending the third period in a 2-2 tie.
In overtime, Thomas atoned for his costly penalty by rifling a shot from the faceoff dot blocker side on Garret Sparks. Fucale picked up an assist as he banked a pass off the boards to Thomas.
It was the second straight win for the IceCaps in extra time. After giving up a two-goal third period lead, it was also another character test passed successfully for the young team.
The same teams play again on Saturday at Mile One to complete the two-game series.
▲ Zach Fucale, Morgan Ellis, Bud Holloway, Sven Andrighetto, Darren Dietz
▼
Statistics
ICECAPS
MARLIES
29
Shots
38
1 for 2
Power Play
1 for 3
13
Penalty Minutes
11
Scoring
FINAL
1
2
3
OT
SO
T
IceCaps (8-5-1-1)
0
1
1
1
–
3
Marlies (10-3-1-0)
0
0
2
0
–
2
Scorers
Goalies
STJ: Hudon (5), Dietz (3), Thomas (6)
TOR: Bailey (2), Arcobello (4)
STJ: Fucale (W) 6-2-0
TOR: Sparks (L) 5-2-1
AHL Three Stars
Zachary Fucale STJ
Christian Thomas STJ
Victor Loov TOR
Video highlights
Post-game interview
Coach Sylvain Lefebvre
“It was geography. It was playing them 36 times in three years, and that’s not counting the times they played each other before I was there. It’s because they’re division rivals, big-club rivals.”
ST. JOHN’S, NL. — On Thursday afternoon the AHL released the season schedule for 2015-16, it’s 80th in operation. Given the realignment of the divisions, and relocation of the Habs farm team replacing the Winnipeg Jets regime, there’s a buzz in the capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador.
It is worth noting because of the geographical isolation that is the Island of Newfoundland, all home games are often home stands, consisting or 2 or 3 game series with visiting teams, and multiple teams visit over a 2-3 week period. This season proves to be no different with 6 game home stands in October, December, January, February and March. In November we will see the least home games with a 4 game home stand.
Division Realignment
In an attempt to reduce travel costs and the toll it takes on the players, the AHL overwent its largest overhaul arguably in the modern era as it expanded into California and realigned its divisions to follow suit. Because of this, the IceCaps find themselves in the North Division, which includes Albany Devils (New Jersey), Rochester Americans (Buffalo), Binghamton Senators (Ottawa), Toronto Marlies (Toronto), Utica Comets (Vancouver) and Syracuse Crunch (Tampa).
Series of Significance*
Marlies (Nov 13,14, Jan 16,17, Feb 13,14)
A Marquee rivalry for a number of reasons, anytime the Marlies visit St. John’s you can guarantee Mile One Centre will be sold out. Due to the Maple Leafs farm club calling St. John’s home from the early 90’s thru 2005, there is a strong fanbase for the Leafs in this province. In hopes of carrying over the Bulldogs-Marlies, Habs-Leafs rivalry, you can be sure the IceCaps will be capitalizing on all marketing opportunities to promote this divisional rivalry.
Penguins (Jan 13,14)
There is a long playoff history between the IceCaps and Penguins organizations. Although we have seen a complete turnover in players, you can be sure that the IceCaps organization will build up this series as well. Just as importantly we have an opportunity to see reigning rookie of the year and AHL’s most outstanding goaltender, Matt Murray. Murray is the first real competition for Marc Andre Fleury in Pittsburgh, but it is expected he’ll play the year in the AHL barring any injuries with the parent club.
Rochester Americans (Oct 16,17, Dec 11,12)
The IceCaps home opener takes place October 16 against the Americans. This in itself is enough to make this a series to watch, however the tradition of the Amerks helps build a little buzz. Rochester is the sole franchise within the division which has hung around since the Maple Leafs were based in St. John’s. In fact the franchise is celebrating its 60th anniversary in the AHL, the oldest behind only Hershey Bears (78 years young). In addition to this the Sabres have just drafted highly touted Center Jack Eichel, and key acquisition Center Ryan O’Reilly. This could leave Sam Reinhart off the top 6, and if so, he may take time to develop in Rochester. Fingers Crossed.
ST. JOHN’S — The St. John’s IceCaps announced today the Toronto Maple Leafs’ top prospects will travel to Newfoundland and Labrador in October to compete in a three-game preseason series.
The American Hockey League preseason showdown will pit the Toronto Marlies versus the IceCaps at three venues across the province:
• Thursday, October 1st (7:30 p.m. NT) Stephenville Dome
• Friday, October 2nd (7:30 p.m. NT) Corner Brook Civic Centre
• Sunday, October 4th (2:00 p.m. NT) Gander Community Centre
“The Montreal Canadiens’ rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs is one of the greatest in all of sports so I’m sure these IceCaps and Marlies contests will be intense and spirited as players jockey to secure a place on their respective teams, “ said IceCaps President and CEO Danny Williams. “Of course, these games will also give our fans their first glimpse of an entirely new IceCaps roster stocked with Montreal Canadiens prospects. From that perspective, this will be a momentous series for the IceCaps franchise as we launch our new era as the primary affiliate of the legendary Canadiens franchise.”
Brad Lynn, Alternate Governor and Director of Hockey Operations for the Marlies, says the Toronto Maple Leafs organization has a historic connection to Newfoundland and Labrador, which makes this series unique.
“Newfoundland represents a special place in Marlies history after the team enjoyed 14 seasons as the St. John’s Maple Leafs,” said Lynn. “Since relocating to Toronto, the team has always enjoyed returning to Newfoundland and playing in front of the passionate IceCap fans. The affiliation with the Montreal Canadiens, arguably the Maple Leafs most storied rival, just adds another dynamic for the players and fans of both organizations. These exhibition games will expose fans across Newfoundland to the rivalry that has developed between these two clubs and we look forward to puck drop in October.”
The IceCaps also announced that training camp will run from September 27th to October 7th, initially based out of Corner Brook and concluding in St. John’s.
Ottawa, Vancouver affiliates among teams in North Division
St. John’s IceCaps Media Release
ST. JOHN’S, NL. – The St. John’s IceCaps – proud new American Hockey League affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens – will move to a newly-formed division next season which includes natural rival, the Toronto Marlies.
As part of league realignment announced by the AHL today in Chicago, the IceCaps will now play in the North Division of the Eastern Conference alongside the Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs), Binghamton Senators (Ottawa Senators), Utica Comets (Vancouver Canucks), Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres), Syracuse Crunch (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Albany Devils (New Jersey Devils).
In their previous four seasons, the IceCaps competed in the Atlantic Division with the Portland Pirates, Worcester Sharks, Providence Bruins and Manchester Monarchs.
“We’re thrilled to be part of this new AHL division,” said IceCaps COO and Governor Glenn Stanford. “The IceCaps rivalries with the Marlies and Senators will become some of the most heated in the league, as they currently are with the respective parent clubs. And I’m sure rivalries with our other new division-mates will develop once the season gets underway. St. John’s fans will also get their first-ever glimpse of teams like Rochester and Utica next season. Overall, a great day to be an IceCaps fan.”
IceCaps Season tickets can be purchased in person at the Mile One Centre box office (noon-5 p.m.), by phone at 709-576-7657 (9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.), or online at www.mileonecentre.com
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Bridgeport Sound Tigers (NYI)
Hartford Wolf Pack (NYR)
Hershey Bears (WSH)
Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI)
Portland Pirates (FLA)
Providence Bruins (BOS)
Springfield Falcons (ARI)
Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (PIT)
North Division
Albany Devils (NJ)
Binghamton Senators (OTT)
Rochester Americans (BUF)
St. John’s IceCaps (MTL)
Syracuse Crunch (TB)
Toronto Marlies (TOR)
Utica Comets (VAN)
Western Conference
Central Division
Charlotte Checkers (CAR)
Chicago Wolves (STL)
Grand Rapids Griffins (DET)
Iowa Wild (MIN)
Lake Erie Monsters (CBJ)
Manitoba Moose (WPG)
Milwaukee Admirals (NSH)
Rockford IceHogs (CHI)
Pacific Division
Bakersfield Condors (EDM)
Ontario Reign (LA)
San Antonio Rampage (COL)
San Diego Gulls (ANA)
San Jose Barracuda (SJ)
Stockton Heat (CGY)
Texas Stars (DAL)
The format for the 2016 Calder Cup Playoffs will be finalized by the Board of Governors at its Annual Meeting in Hilton Head Island, S.C., July 6-9, and the complete playing schedule for the 2015-16 regular season, which begins Oct. 9, will be announced later this summer.
BULLDOGS HOST WILD, MARLIES THIS WEEK
Winners of seven of their past eight games, the Hamilton Bulldogs will look to stay hot with two home games this week.
(Photo by Hamilton Bulldogs)
Hamilton Bulldogs Weekly Release
HAMILTON, ON. — On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Bulldogs will host the Iowa Wild (American Hockey League affiliate of the Minnesota Wild) at FirstOntario Centre at 7:30 p.m. in the final contest between these two teams this season. The ‘Dogs are 2-1-0-0 against the Wild so far in 2014-15.
On Friday, Feb. 13, the Toronto Marlies (AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs) will visit Hamilton for the final time this season in the ‘Dogs annual ‘Pink in the Rink’ night at FirstOntario Centre at 7:30 p.m. So far in 2014-15, Hamilton holds a record of 6-2-1-0 against Toronto. THIS WEEK’S GAME SCHEDULE / BROADCASTS (All times Eastern)
Tuesday, Feb. 10 vs. Iowa Wild, FirstOntario Centre, 7:30 p.m. – AHL Live, AM900 CHML
Friday, Feb. 13 vs. Toronto Marlies, FirstOntario Centre, 7:30 p.m. – Cable 14, AHL Live, AM900 CHML
(All statistics include games through Sunday, Feb. 8) BULLDOGS AT A GLANCE
Record: 23-18-6-0, 52 points … Home: 11-11-3-0, 25 points … Road: 12-7-3-0, 27 points … Standings: T-2nd North Division, T-8th Western Conference … Last 10 games: 7-3-0-0 … Longest winning streak: 6 (Jan. 16 – Jan. 31) … Longest losing streak: 3 (Oct. 25 – Oct. 29; Nov. 7 – Nov. 13; Jan. 10 – Jan. 14) … Leading scorers: F Charles Hudon (47 GP 12-29-41), F T.J. Hensick (47 GP 12-24-36), F Gabriel Dumont (40 GP 12-15-27) …Goaltenders: Mike Condon (27 GP 15-9-3, 2.02 GAA, .934 Save %, 3 SO), Joey MacDonald (18 GP 7-8-3, 3.02 GAA, .899 Save %, 0 SO) … Power play – Home: 13-for-102, 12.7 per cent, 24th AHL … Road: 9-for-78, 11.5 per cent, 24th AHL … Overall: 22-for-180, 12.2 per cent, 28th AHL … Penalty killing – Home: 76-for-89, 85.4 per cent, 10th AHL … Road: 72-for-82, 87.8 per cent, T-5th AHL … Overall: 148-for-171, 86.5 per cent, 7th AHL … Goals for per game: 2.68, 20th AHL … Goals against per game: 2.57, T-10th AHL
OPPONENTS AT A GLANCE IOWA WILD (Affiliation: Minnesota Wild) – Head Coach: John Torchetti … Record: 17-30-1-1, 36 points … Home: 8-15-0-0, 16 points … Road: 9-15-1-1, 20 points … Standings: 5th West Division, 15th Western Conference … Leading scorer: F Tyler Graovac (46 GP 16-18-34) … Leading goaltender: John Curry (21 GP 8-10-0, 2.78 GAA, .917 Save %, 0 SO) … Power play: 29-for-175, 16.6 per cent, 16th AHL … Penalty killing: 134-for-174, 77.0 per cent, 30th AHL … Goals for per game: 2.37, 26th AHL … Goals against per game: 3.31, 29th AHL … Last 10 games: 3-7-0-0 … All-time series: 3-2-0-0 … Last season: 1-1-0-0 … This season: 2-1-0-0 …First-round NHL picks: F Zack Phillips (Minnesota Wild, 2011), D Jonathon Blum (Nashville Predators, 2007) … Ontario-born players: F Tyler Graovac (Brampton), F Zack Mitchell (Orangeville), F Marc Hagel (Hamilton), F Kurtis Gabriel (Newmarket), D Alex Gudbranson (Orleans), D Danny Syvret (Millgrove)
TORONTO MARLIES (Affiliation: Toronto Maple Leafs) – Head Coach: Gord Dineen … Record: 19-18-9-0, 47 points … Home: 10-8-5-0, 25 points … Road: 9-10-4-0, 22 points … Standings: 4th North Division, 12th Western Conference … Leading scorer: F Connor Brown (46 GP 12-22-34) … Leading goaltender: Christopher Gibson (24 GP 10-11-3, 2.47 GAA, .921 Save %, 1 SO) … Power play: 20-for-157, 12.7 per cent, 26th AHL …Penalty killing: 160-for-198, 80.8 per cent, 26th AHL … Goals for per game: 2.28, 28th AHL … Goals against per game: 2.70, 14th AHL … Last 10 games: 4-3-3-0 … All-time series: 55-44-8-8 … Last season: 6-6-0-0 … This season: 6-2-1-0 … First-round NHL picks: F Tyler Biggs (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2011), F William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2014), D Stuart Percy (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2011) … Ontario-born players: F Greg McKegg (St. Thomas), F Spencer Abbott (Hamilton), F Josh Leivo (Innisfil), F Sam Carrick (Markham), F Ryan Rupert (Grand Bend), F Patrick Watling (Sault Ste. Marie), F Jamie Devane (Mississauga), F Connor Brown (Toronto), D Matt Finn (Toronto), D Stuart Percy (Oakville) TRANSACTIONS
Feb. 9 – D David Makowski assigned by Hamilton Bulldogs to Wheeling Nailers
Feb. 9 – F Gabriel Dumont assigned by Montreal Canadiens to Hamilton Bulldogs
Feb. 8 – D Bobby Shea recalled by Hamilton Bulldogs from Wheeling Nailers
Feb. 8 – D Bobby Shea assigned by Hamilton Bulldogs to Wheeling Nailers
Feb. 7 – D Bobby Shea recalled by Hamilton Bulldogs from Wheeling Nailers
Feb. 5 – F Jacob de la Rose recalled by Montreal Canadiens from Hamilton Bulldogs
Feb. 5 – G Mike Condon signed by Montreal Canadiens to two-year contract extension
Feb. 4 – F Jacob de la Rose assigned by Montreal Canadiens to Hamilton Bulldogs
Feb. 2 – F Jacob de la Rose recalled by Montreal Canadiens from Hamilton Bulldogs
INJURY REPORT
F Connor Crisp – Upper body (Day-to-day)
D Darren Dietz – Lower body (Day-to-day)
F Jack Nevins – Upper body (Two weeks)
D Magnus Nygren – Concussion (Out indefinitely) PRACTICE / MORNING SKATE SCHEDULE (Subject to change)
Hamilton Goals: Daniel Carr (2)*, Nick Sorkin, Charles Hudon
Lake Erie Goals: N/A
Goaltending: Hamilton: Mike Condon (0 GA, 34 SV) / Lake Erie: Calvin Pickard (4 GA, 22 SV) Power Play: Hamilton: 0-for-3 / Lake Erie: 0-for-2
* – Game-winning goal
MOLSON CUP – THREE STARS LEADERS
(1st Star – 5 pts, 2nd Star – 3 pts, 3rd Star – 1 pt)
Player
Points
1. Mike Condon
41
T2. Sven Andrighetto
25
T2. Daniel Carr
25
4. Gabriel Dumont
24
5. Charles Hudon
23
6. T.J. Hensick
18
7. Christian Thomas
8
8. Eric Tangradi
6
T9. Mac Bennett
5
T9. Jake Dowell
5
T9. Joey MacDonald
5
T9. Davis Drewiske
5
T9. Jacob de la Rose
5
T14. Michael Bournival
4
T14. Darren Dietz
4
T14. Nick Sorkin
4
T17. Greg Pateryn
3
T18. Nathan Beaulieu
2
T18. Maxime Macenauer
2
THE DAN LAWRIE INSURANCE PREMIUM PLAYER OF THE GAME (Hardest–working Hamilton Bulldogs player)
Player
Selections
1. Charles Hudon
8
2. Gabriel Dumont
4
T3. Mac Bennett
3
T3. Greg Pateryn
3
T3. Mike Condon
3
T3. Jarred Tinordi
3
T7. Eric Tangradi
2
T7. Davis Drewiske
2
T7. Christian Thomas
2
T7. Drayson Bowman
2
T7. Sven Andrighetto
2
T7. Darren Dietz
2
T13. Joey MacDonald
1
T13. Jack Nevins
1
T13. Maxime Macenauer
1
T13. Magnus Nygren
1
T13. Nick Sorkin
1
T13. Michael Bournival
1
T13. Dustin Tokarski
1
T13. T.J. Hensick
1
T13. Jacob de la Rose
1
T13. Daniel Carr
1
T13. Bryan Allen
1
TICKET INFORMATION
Bulldogs flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 1-866-DOGS-TIX or visit hamiltonbulldogs.com.
BOWLING WITH THE DAWGS – WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11
The Bulldogs will host their annual Bowling with the Dawgs event on Wednesday, Feb. 11 at Splitsville Entertainment (1525 Stone Church Rd. East). Meet and bowl with your favourite players starting at 6 p.m.! Bowling with the Dawgs is presented by the Bulldogs Foundation in support of the Dawgs Breakfast Program. Contact Brett Varey at brett.varey@hamiltonbulldogs.com for more information or to register now!
PINK IN THE RINK – FRIDAY, FEB. 13
Join your Bulldogs on Friday, Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. as they welcome the Toronto Marlies to FirstOntario Centre for the last time this season! Don’t miss your chance to bid on our Pink in the Rink game-worn specialty jerseys atwww.bulldogsfoundation.com to raise funds for the Juravinski Cancer Centre. Pink in the Rink is sponsored by Shopper Drug Mart.
FAMILY DAY – MONDAY, FEB. 16
Spend Family Day with the Bulldogs! Your favourite team will host the Utica Comets on holiday Monday, Feb. 16 at 1 p.m.
LEARN TO CAMP NIGHT – SATURDAY, FEB. 28
Are you new to camping and want to learn the basics? Come spend the night at FirstOntario Centre with Parks Canada. On Feb. 28, Parks Canada’s Learn to Camp event will feature fun-filled, family-friendly activities for up to 60 participants. Join us for the afternoon and evening to learn the basics of setting up a campsite, campfire activities and sleeping in a tent. For the evening, sit back and enjoy an action-packed hockey game as the Hamilton Bulldogs face off against the Charlotte Checkers at 7 p.m. Dinner, game tickets and breakfast are included. For more information or to book your spot, call 1-888-773-8888 or email information@pc.gc.ca.
WEEKEND PROMOS
Every weekend Bulldogs game offers a great promotion! Every Friday home game is Y108 $3 Beer Night, with $3 beers until puck drop and live music in the Molson Canadian Hockey House. Saturdays will once again be Family Night, featuring special meal offers courtesy of Maple Lodge Farms. And every Sunday will be the Kids’ Game, with post-game autographs and skate for children aged 14 and under.
WINNING WEEKDAYS
If the Bulldogs win on a weekday night (Monday to Thursday) at home, everyone in attendance at that game will receive a free ticket voucher to the next weekday night game. If the ‘Dogs win their last weekday game of the season, everyone in attendance can redeem their voucher on Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 18.
BULLDOGS MERCHANDISE
Fans can get all their Bulldogs merchandise at shop.hamiltonbulldogs.com or during home games at the “Dawg House” store, located behind section 114 on the concourse level at FirstOntario Centre. There are several great items fans can purchase to show off their Bulldogs pride, including hats, t-shirts, jackets, replica jerseys, foam fingers and other select novelty items.
WATCH LIVE ON AHL LIVE
Watch the Bulldogs while they’re on the road with AHL Live! Now you can watch all the best hockey action from wherever you are…live on your computer or smartphone. AHL Live online is the only place where you can catch every game, from every AHL team, all season long! Visit www.ahllive.com for more information.
CATCH THE ‘DOGS ON HAMILTON’S CABLE 14
Watch 16 Bulldogs games this season live in high definition on Hamilton’s Cable 14, including every single Friday night home game! Cable 14 will also carry March 28’s road game when the ‘Dogs visit the Toronto Marlies at Ricoh Coliseum at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.cable14.com.
LISTEN LIVE ON HAMILTON’S AM900 CHML
Listen to all Bulldogs regular season and post-season games live on Hamilton’s AM900 CHML or on www.900chml.com. Play-by-play announcer Matt Holmes calls the action for all regular season and post-season games and is joined by colour commentator Al Craig for home games. AM900 CHML broadcasts feature a pre-game show hosted by Rick Zamperin and post-game show hosted by Anthony Urciuoli.
By Dale Lamontagne, Hamilton Bulldogs Correspondent, Bulldogs Hockey Report
TORONTO, ON — Just less than 24 hours after their Friday night win at FirstOntario Centre, the Hamilton Bulldogs travelled down the QEW to Toronto to take on the Marlies at the Ricoh Coliseum for the rivals back-to-back weekend. The Bulldogs shutout the Marlies on Friday on First Responders Night and, of course, the North American pro debut of highly touted Toronto Maple Leafs prospect, William Nylander. Hamilton spoiled the night for Nylander and the Marlies in front of 10,451 fans at a packed arena.
On Saturday afternoon in Toronto, the Bulldogs extended their winning streak to four games with a 4-3 overtime win.
The first period at Ricoh after twenty-minutes of play would see a tie game. Unlike Friday’s game in Hamilton at the FirstOntario Centre, there were two goals in the opening frame and it didn’t take long after puck drop. Just a couple of minutes after the game began, the Bulldogs struck first with Drayson Bowman scoring his seventh of the season. Bowman received a really nice pass from Mac Bennett, sending him towards the net and beating Antoine Bibeau on the blocker side.
But the Bulldogs would not keep their 1-0 lead for long. Forward Brandon Kozun tied the game for the Toronto Marlies on a nice pass from Spencer Abbott in front of Mike Condon, tipping the shot and beating the Bulldogs netminder five-hole.
Just after the Kozun goal that tied the game, Carter Ashton bumped into Condon. The goal was waived off and Ashton went to the box for the minor penalty. The remainder of the period saw the Bulldogs have a short two-man advantage on the power-play but the ‘Dogs did not capitalize.
Ashton gave the Marlies a quick 2-1 lead just 22 seconds after puck drop to open the second period. The Bulldogs found themselves down by two goals thanks to Matt Finn who scored his first AHL career goal giving Toronto a 3-1 edge.
Maxime Macenauer cut the Marlies lead with a deflection in front, beating Bibeau high blocker side. Gabriel Dumont tied the game for the Bulldogs at the 9:44 mark in the third period with a shot that beat Bibeau, five-hole.
Sixty minutes was not be enough to decide the game, overtime was required! It didn’t take long for the game to end in the extra period, as Hamilton’s Sven Andrighetto scored to give the Bulldogs a 4-3 win and a sweep in the home-and-home against the Marlies.
(Photo by Brandon Taylor / Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club)
By Dale Lamontagne, Hamilton Bulldogs Correspondent, Bulldogs Hockey Report
HAMILTON ON, — The Hamilton Bulldogs hosted QEW rivals, the Toronto Marlies, at a packed FirstOntario Centre for First Responders Night, and the debut of highly touted Toronto Maple Leafs’ prospect William Nylander.
It was a really exciting night in Hamilton because for the first time this season (school day game excluded) the Bulldogs played in front of a jammed, highly energetic, crowd of 10,451, and a sold out lower-bowl.
The hype leading into the game was mainly because of the debut for Swedish forward Nylander. But the other exciting part was the Bulldogs dedicated the night to Hamilton’s first responders and that was special.
Friday’s Bulldogs game concluded their season-long seven game homestand having won the past two games last weekend against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Hamilton entered the game with a 18-17-6 record with 42 points and third in the North Division.
However, despite the Marlies tough start to the first half of the 2014-15 AHL season, Toronto entered the contest with 40 points, two behind the Bulldogs and were 7-0-3 in their last ten games.
But tonight, the Bulldogs extended their winning streak to three games adding two more points for a total of 44, four points more than the Marlies.
The first two periods of play at FirstOntario were scoreless. Yes, you read that right. Both teams were getting a ton of rubber on net, but goaltenders Mike Condon for the Bulldogs and Antoine Bibeau for the Marlies were making a ton of saves.
In the first period, Ryan Rupert took the lone penalty for the Marlies and the Bulldogs got their first power-play opportunity of the game. But they did not convert.
In the middle frame, the Marlies took three penalties and the Bulldogs two, but there still was no score after forty minutes of play in front of a very loud crowd.
The third and final period of the game was where we saw a lot more action and scoring.
Bulldogs captain Gabriel Dumont opened the scoring just 28 seconds into the third period after he received the puck in the neutral zone, flying down the wing to snipe it by Bibeau.
The Bulldogs extended their lead on the power-play just a couple minutes after the Dumont goal, with Daniel Carr putting the puck by Bibeau on a two-on-one rush.
Moments after the the Carr goal, Greg Pateryn headed off to the dressing room after getting crunched into the end boards. Something caught him in the face as there was some blood on the ice. Pateryn returned to the game after getting some repairs done.
With 1:49 to go, Dumont scored his second of the game with an empty netter. The Bulldogs held on to take the 3-0 shutout win over the Marlies on Friday night.
The two teams are back at it tomorrow at 3:00 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto.
LOWER BOWL SOLD OUT, BULLDOGS OPEN UPPER BOWL FOR FRIDAY’S AHL “BATTLE OF ONTARIO” WITH MARLIES
Upper bowl tickets available for $20 in advance, $24 at the door
Hamilton Bulldogs Media Release
(Photo by Hamilton Bulldogs)
HAMILTON, ONT. – Hamilton Bulldogs President Stephen Ostaszewicz announced today that the lower bowl of FirstOntario Centre (8,819 capacity) has sold out for Friday’s game against the Toronto Marlies. Ostaszewicz also announced the hockey club has opened the arena’s upper bowl and that $20 advance tickets are on sale now.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce today’s sell out of the lower bowl for Friday’s matchup with the Toronto Marlies,” said Ostaszewicz. “The Marlies are a very strong draw for our hockey club and because of that we will be opening the upper bowl of FirstOntario Centre on Friday to ensure that we can accommodate as many guests as possible into the building.”
Recording artist Vanessa Marie Carter will perform live in the Molson Canadian Hockey House, located on the main concourse of FirstOntario Centre, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. and during the first and second intermissions. Friday is also Y108 $3 Beer Night from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.
Advance upper bowl tickets for Friday’s contest, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., are $20 and available at the FirstOntario Centre box office, any Ticketmaster location, online at www.ticketmaster.ca or through charge-by-phone at 1-866-DOGS-TIX (1-866-364-7849).
Upper bowl tickets can also be purchased for $24 at the FirstOntario Centre box office on game day. All seat holds for season-ticket or flex-ticket redemption will be released 90 minutes prior to game time (6 p.m.).
Friday’s game, the eighth of 12 regular season contests between the Bulldogs and the Marlies in 2014-15, marks the fourth of five games between the two teams at FirstOntario Centre in Hamilton. The 18-17-6-0 Bulldogs, who are currently in third place in the North Division, are 4-2-1-0 versus their fourth-placed, 17-16-6-0 North Division rival Marlies. The Bulldogs have an all-time record of 53-44-8-8 in 113 regular season games versus the Marlies.
For more information on Hamilton Bulldogs flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets, call 1-866-DOGS-TIX or visit hamiltonbulldogs.com.
Listen to all Bulldogs regular season and post-season games live on Hamilton’s AM 900 CHML, on www.900chml.com or watch live on www.ahllive.com. Catch every Friday night home game live in high definition on Cable 14.
BULLDOGS FACE HOME-AND-HOME WITH MARLIES THIS WEEK
Hamilton Bulldogs Weekly Release
(Photo by Hamilton Bulldogs)
HAMILTON, ON. — Coming off a 2-1-0-0 week that saw back-to-back home victories against the Grand Rapids Griffins, the Hamilton Bulldogs wrap up their season-long, seven-game homestand this week with a home-and-home series against the Toronto Marlies.
On Friday, Jan. 23, the Bulldogs will pay tribute to Hamilton’s fire, police and ambulance services with First Responders’ Night as the ‘Dogs host the Marlies (American Hockey League affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs) at FirstOntario Centre at 7:30 p.m. in the eighth of 12 games between the two teams this season.
The Ontario rivals will go head-to-head again on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto at 3 p.m. for the ninth meeting between them this season.
Hamilton’s record against Toronto so far in 2014-15 is 4-2-1-0.
THIS WEEK’S GAME SCHEDULE / BROADCASTS (All times Eastern)
Friday, Jan. 23 vs. Toronto Marlies, FirstOntario Centre, 7:30 p.m. – Cable 14, AHL Live, AM900 CHML
Saturday, Jan. 24 vs. Toronto Marlies, Ricoh Coliseum, 3 p.m. – Cable 14, AHL Live, AM900 CHML
(All statistics include games through Sunday, Jan. 18)
BULLDOGS AT A GLANCE
Record: 18-17-6-0, 42 points … Home: 10-10-3-0, 23 points … Road: 8-7-3-0, 19 points … Standings: 3rd North Division, T-8th Western Conference … Last 10 games: 4-5-1-0 … Longest winning streak: 2 (Nov. 14 – Nov. 16, Nov. 21 – Nov. 23, Nov. 29 – Dec. 2, Jan. 16 – Jan. 17) … Longest losing streak: 3 (Oct. 25 – Oct. 29; Nov. 7 – Nov. 13, Jan. 10 – Jan. 14) … Leading scorers: F Charles Hudon (41 GP 11-25-36), F T.J. Hensick (41 GP 10-22-32), F Gabriel Dumont (38 GP 9-14-23) … Goaltenders: Mike Condon (23 GP 11-9-3, 2.20 GAA, .928 Save %, 1 SO), Joey MacDonald (16 GP 6-7-3, 2.96 GAA, .902 Save %, 0 SO) … Power play – Home: 12-for-96, 12.5 per cent, 24th AHL … Road: 8-for-67, 11.9 per cent, 24th AHL … Overall: 20-for-163, 12.3 per cent, 29th AHL … Penalty killing – Home: 72-for-85, 84.7 per cent, 12th AHL … Road: 62-for-71, 87.3 per cent, 9th AHL … Overall: 134-for-156, 85.9 per cent, 9th AHL … Goals for per game: 2.56, T-22nd AHL … Goals against per game: 2.66, T-11th AHL
OPPONENTS AT A GLANCE
TORONTO MARLIES (Affiliation: Toronto Maple Leafs) – Head Coach: Gord Dineen … Record: 17-16-6-0, 40 points … Home: 9-7-3-0, 21 points … Road: 8-9-3-0, 19 points … Standings: 4th North Division, 11th Western Conference … Leading scorer: F Connor Brown (39 GP 11-20-31) … Leading goaltender: Antoine Bibeau (16 GP 8-6-2, 2.44 GAA, .919 Save %, 4 SO) … Power play: 18-for-145, 12.4 per cent, T-27th AHL … Penalty killing: 144-for-180, 80.0 per cent, 28th AHL … Goals for per game: 2.26, 28th AHL … Goals against per game: 2.67, 13th AHL … Last 10 games: 7-1-2-0 … All-time series: 53-44-8-8 … Last season: 6-6-0-0 … This season: 4-2-1-0 … First-round NHL picks: F Carter Ashton (Tampa Bay Lightning, 2009), F Tyler Biggs (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2011), F William Nylander (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2014), D Stuart Percy (Toronto Maple Leafs, 2011) … Ontario-born players: F Greg McKegg (St. Thomas), F Spencer Abbott (Hamilton), F Josh Leivo (Innisfil), F Ryan Rupert (Grand Bend), F Patrick Watling (Sault Ste. Marie), F Jamie Devane (Mississauga), F Connor Brown (Toronto), F Denver Manderson (Fergus), D Matt Finn (Toronto), D Stuart Percy (Oakville)
TRANSACTIONS
Jan. 18 – D Dalton Thrower re-assigned by Montreal Canadiens to Hamilton Bulldogs from Brampton Beast
Jan. 18 – D David Makowski recalled by Hamilton Bulldogs from Wheeling Nailers
Jan. 18 – F Shane Bakker signed by Hamilton Bulldogs to professional try out contract
Jan. 18 – G Joey MacDonald assigned by Montreal Canadiens to Hamilton Bulldogs
Jan. 18 – G Frank Palazzese assigned by Hamilton Bulldogs to Wheeling Nailers
Jan. 17 – F Sahir Gill signed by Hamilton Bulldogs to professional try out contract
Jan. 17 – D David Makowski assigned by Hamilton Bulldogs to Wheeling Nailers
Jan. 17 – F Shane Bakker released by Hamilton Bulldogs from professional try out contract
Jan. 16 – G Joey MacDonald recalled by Montreal Canadiens from Hamilton Bulldogs
Jan. 16 – G Frank Palazzese recalled by Hamilton Bulldogs from Wheeling Nailers
Jan. 13 – F Stefan Fournier re-assigned by Montreal Canadiens to Hamilton Bulldogs from Wheeling Nailers
INJURY REPORT
F Drayson Bowman – Illness (Day-to-day)
F Connor Crisp – Upper body (Day-to-day)
F Jack Nevins – Upper body (4-6 weeks)
D Magnus Nygren – Concussion (Out indefinitely)
F Eric Tangradi – Upper body (Day-to-day)
PRACTICE / MORNING SKATE SCHEDULE (Subject to change)
Tuesday, Jan. 20: Off day
Wednesday, Jan. 21: Practice – 10 a.m. – FirstOntario Centre
Thursday, Jan. 22: Practice – 10 a.m. – FirstOntario Centre
Friday, Jan. 23: Morning skate – 10 a.m. – FirstOntario Centre
Saturday, Jan. 24: No morning skate
Sunday, Jan. 25: All-Star Break
Monday, Jan. 26: All-Star Break
Tuesday, Jan. 27: All-Star Break
Note: Practices and morning skates are closed to the public, unless otherwise specified.
WEEK-IN-REVIEW (Jan. 12-18)
Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2015 – MILWAUKEE 4 @ HAMILTON 1
FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton, Ont.
Milwaukee Goals: Triston Grant, Austin Watson*, Zach Budish, Pontus Aberg
Hamilton Goals: Daniel Carr
Goaltending: Milwaukee: Magnus Hellberg (1 GA, 21 SV) / Hamilton: Mike Condon (3 GA, 21 SV)
Power Play: Milwaukee: 2-for-2 / Hamilton: 0-for-3
* – Game-winning goal
Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 – GRAND RAPIDS 1 @ HAMILTON 2
FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton, Ont.
Grand Rapids Goals: Mark Zengerle
Hamilton Goals: Gabriel Dumont (2)*
Goaltending: Grand Rapids: Jared Coreau (2 GA, 32 SV) / Hamilton: Mike Condon (1 GA, 20 SV)
Power Play: Grand Rapids: 0-for-3 / Hamilton: 1-for-3
* – Game-winning goal
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 – GRAND RAPIDS 2 @ HAMILTON 5
FirstOntario Centre, Hamilton, Ont.
Grand Rapids Goals: Mitch Callahan, Landon Ferraro
Hamilton Goals: Nick Sorkin, Davis Drewiske, Jacob de la Rose*, Daniel Carr, T.J. Hensick
Goaltending: Grand Rapids: Jared Coreau (5 GA, 22 SV), Pat Nagle (0 GA, 5 SV) / Hamilton: Mike Condon (2 GA, 19 SV)
Power Play: Grand Rapids: 0-for-3 / Hamilton: 1-for-7
* – Game-winning goal
MOLSON CUP – THREE STARS LEADERS
(1st Star – 5 pts, 2nd Star – 3 pts, 3rd Star – 1 pt)
Player
Points
1. Mike Condon
31
2. Charles Hudon
22
3. Sven Andrighetto
20
T4. Daniel Carr
18
T4. Gabriel Dumont
18
6. T.J. Hensick
13
7. Christian Thomas
8
T8. Mac Bennett
5
T8. Jake Dowell
5
T8. Joey MacDonald
5
T8. Davis Drewiske
5
T12. Michael Bournival
4
T12. Darren Dietz
4
T12. Nick Sorkin
4
T15. Eric Tangradi
3
T15. Greg Pateryn
3
T17. Nathan Beaulieu
2
T17. Maxime Macenauer
2
THE DAN LAWRIE INSURANCE PREMIUM PLAYER OF THE GAME (Hardest–working Hamilton Bulldogs player)
Player
Selections
1. Charles Hudon
8
2. Gabriel Dumont
4
3. Mac Bennett
3
T4. Eric Tangradi
2
T4. Mike Condon
2
T4. Davis Drewiske
2
T4. Greg Pateryn
2
T4. Christian Thomas
2
T4. Drayson Bowman
2
T4. Jarred Tinordi
2
T11. Joey MacDonald
1
T11. Jack Nevins
1
T11. Darren Dietz
1
T11. Sven Andrighetto
1
T11. Maxime Macenauer
1
T11. Magnus Nygren
1
T11. Nick Sorkin
1
T11. Michael Bournival
1
T11. Dustin Tokarski
1
T11. T.J. Hensick
1
T11. Jacob de la Rose
1
T11. Daniel Carr
1
TICKET INFORMATION
Bulldogs flex tickets, group tickets and single-game tickets are on sale now. For more information, call 1-866-DOGS-TIX or visit hamiltonbulldogs.com.
FIRST RESPONDERS’ NIGHT – FRIDAY, JAN. 23
The Hamilton Bulldogs will pay tribute to the region’s police, fire and ambulance services with First Responders’ Night on Friday, Jan. 23 when the ‘Dogs take on the Toronto Marlies at FirstOntario Centre at 7:30 p.m. Fans at the game will get the chance to see first responders vehicles up close and there will also be a pre-game aerial stunt!
Attendees will also receive a free fries coupon for Stonewalls Restaurant upon exit from the game.
BUFFALO WILD WINGS AUTOGRAPH SIGNING – WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21
Join Hamilton Bulldogs defenceman Greg Pateryn and forward Eric Tangradi at Buffalo Wild Wings Stoney Creek (524 Centennial Parkway N) on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 6-8 p.m. where the players will be on hand to meet fans and sign autographs.
MOM OF THE YEAR CONTEST
Do you think your mom is the best? Tell us why and show her how much you care! In 100-200 words, tell us why your mom is the best and she will receive:
– A complimentary ticket for the Bulldogs’ Pink in the Rink Game (Friday, Feb. 13 vs. Toronto Marlies, 7:30 p.m.)
– 1,000 Shoppers Optimum Points courtesy of Shoppers Drug Mart
– A chance to win the overall grand prize: a gift basket plus 200,000 Shoppers Optimum Points from Shoppers Drug Mart
Shoppers Drug Mart will also donate $1 to Juravinski Cancer Centre’s Breast Assessment Centre for each complete application submitted prior to Feb. 1.
WEEKEND PROMOS
Every weekend Bulldogs game offers a great promotion! Every Friday home game is Y108 $3 Beer Night, with $3 beers until puck drop and live music in the Molson Canadian Hockey House. Saturdays will once again be Family Night, featuring special meal offers courtesy of Maple Lodge Farms. And every Sunday will be the Kids’ Game, with post-game autographs and skate for children aged 14 and under.
WINNING WEEKDAYS
If the Bulldogs win on a weekday night (Monday to Thursday) at home, everyone in attendance at that game will receive a free ticket voucher to the next weekday night game. If the ‘Dogs win their last weekday game of the season, everyone in attendance can redeem their voucher on Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, April 18.
BULLDOGS MERCHANDISE
Fans can get all their Bulldogs merchandise at shop.hamiltonbulldogs.com or during home games at the “Dawg House” store, located behind section 114 on the concourse level at FirstOntario Centre. There are several great items fans can purchase to show off their Bulldogs pride, including hats, t-shirts, jackets, replica jerseys, foam fingers and other select novelty items.
WATCH LIVE ON AHL LIVE
Watch the Bulldogs while they’re on the road with AHL Live! Now you can watch all the best hockey action from wherever you are…live on your computer or smartphone. AHL Live online is the only place where you can catch every game, from every AHL team, all season long! Visit www.ahllive.com for more information.
CATCH THE ‘DOGS ON HAMILTON’S CABLE 14
Watch 16 Bulldogs games this season live in high definition on Hamilton’s Cable 14, including every single Friday night home game! Cable 14 will also carry Sunday afternoon road games on Jan. 24 and March 28 when the ‘Dogs visit the Toronto Marlies at Ricoh Coliseum. For more information, visit www.cable14.com.
LISTEN LIVE ON HAMILTON’S AM900 CHML
Listen to all Bulldogs regular season and post-season games live on Hamilton’s AM900 CHML or on www.900chml.com. Play-by-play announcer Matt Holmes calls the action for all regular season and post-season games and is joined by colour commentator Al Craig for home games. AM900 CHML broadcasts feature a pre-game show hosted by Rick Zamperin and post-game show hosted by Anthony Urciuoli.
