I HAVE A FAVOR…

…to ask of Bulls fans.

The Bulls will be playing three games against the Alaska Aces, starting this Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Bobby Hughes of the Aces (no relation)

This means that Thursday all day and night they’ll be free. They may get a morning skate in and then a nap that afternoon and then have the evening free.

Nick Mazzolini of the Aces 

The team will probably want to see some of our fairly more touristy areas, so, because we are such an awesome city filled with friendly, warm, welcoming people (OK, I’m stretching it, but you get my point), if you San Francisco inhabitants happen to run into any visiting Aces players, invite them to the nearest Watering Hole and buy them a drink, or three. Don’t be shy or stingy, this is your DUTY as a Bulls fan to help out the Bulls!  

Do a few shots of Jaeger with them, I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. Set up some inviting Pedron glasses, who could resist? Consider your hangover on Friday as taking one of the team.

These three games are most likely going to be what the playoffs will be like, so it’s important for us to get whatever edge we can, seeing that our penalties can be wild and our offense tame.

(And yes, this was written tongue planted firmly in cheek so please take it as so.)

Wednesday is 2-for-1 hotdogs, so be there when the Bulls take on the Aces!

GO BULLS!!!

BULLS DROP TWO IN SIN CITY

Friday, March 1, 2013

The Bulls lost to the Wranglers 2-1. Penalties littered the Friday night game against the Las Vegas Wranglers like the morning after a hippie jam fest. It was ugly.  

True, Michael Tam was suspended for a questionable Boarding call. He was suspended through Sunday. From what I understand it was a terrible call.

Yanni Gourde scored the one Bulls goal in the First Period.

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Sunday March 3, 2013

The team seemed tired through this afternoon game and again, it was overloaded with penalties.

The Bulls lost 6-2 and couldn’t get any offense going until the Third Period, but by then it was too late. At least they made an effort, getting in two goals. Defensemen Dylan King and Simon Danis-Pepin scored the two Bulls’ goals.    

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If you see a pattern in the games the Bulls lose and the amount of penalties they receive in those lost games, you’re not alone. The more penalties they receive, the more likely they are to lose. This is because the Bulls have been hurting their own chances of winning with penalty-laden games as of late as much as any other opponent has beaten them.

Along with the penalties, sometimes it seems, as this weekend, that the Offense is tired. They need to pick up speed, to kick it into overdrive. The lines have been changed a lot recently. I think that the offense will find its’ energy after the team gets to know each other a bit more.  

I have written about the penalty problem on more than one occasion. The Bulls are a passionate and young team. Emotions can flare, it happens.

All is not lost. I’m not a doom and gloom person. Even if nothing is being said in public, even if nothing seems to be happening on the outside, I believe this is being worked on and will be taken care of by the Playoffs. I still have faith in the Bulls and know that great things are happening. We are a FIRST YEAR team and it will take time for all things to gel.

The Bulls come home to the Barn Wednesday (thank goodness!) to play the Alaska Aces for three games through Sunday. Be there!

GO BULLS!

A LOSS & A WIN IN THE MOUNTAINS

This week we’ve seen the Bulls play two games. Both have been exciting matches bringing out the best in the players.

The first was in Salt Lake City against the Utah Grizzlies. It was the team’s first view of former teammates Alex Tuckerman and Martin Lee. The Bulls lost to the Grizzlies 2-1, but it was a close game. Dean Ouellet scored with an assist from new player Yanni Gourde. It was Gourde’s first game and his first point.

This was also the first time we were able to hear from Tuckerman after being traded. Jason Lockhart interviewed him during the Second Intermission and I dare say my eyes were a little watery.

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The second game was in Loveland, Colorado versus the Colorado Eagles. In this game, every team member gave something, though there is no question that Goaltender Thomas Heemskerk was the Number One Star of the night. Without his 35 saves in regulation time and incredible effort during the shootout, the Bulls would not have won.

The Eagles scored first, but the Bulls tied it back up with a goal from Bryan Cameron. Unfortunately, Jordan Clendenning’s tripping penalty led to a Colorado goal that making it 2-1. Simon Danis-Pepin tied it back up (his third goal of the season). The Eagles took the lead once more, but Peter Sivak saved the day by tying it back up in the last four minutes of the game.

Neither team scored in the Overtime Period, so it went into a Shootout. Heemskerk was able to stop the five Colorado shot attempts. Dean Ouellet scored the only San Francisco one, which was enough for the Bulls to win the game 5-4 final score.

This win puts the Bulls eight points ahead of Bakersfield in the Playoffs run.

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Friday March 1^st and Sunday March 3^rd, the Bulls play the Las Vegas Wranglers in Las Vegas. Listen to both games online at knbr.com

The Bulls are back at the Barn next Wednesday, March 6^th versus the Alaska Aces.

GO BULLS!

GRIT, TALENT AND HARD WORK = KRIS BELAN

It was announced today that Kris Belan is headed to the AHL. To the Manchester Monarchs, to be exact. Kris was one of the first players to be added to the newly formed team back in the Fall, and he has never disappointed. When Belan (pronounced Bell-in according to Kris) is on the ice, things happen.

At the first Bulls Weekly

Kris can do nearly everything. He can score, he skates relatively quickly, though not with the lightning speed of Peter Sivak, but he can hold his own, he blocks and he fights. Oh yeah, Belan can fight. I remember him sporting a shiner last month, which, when I asked him about it, he smiled that crooked (and dare I say handsome?) grin of his.

Kris Belan at the SF Zoo 

When asked if his mother minded Kris’ fighting, he said she didn’t like it much, but she probably knows there’s not a lot she can do about it, Belan’s going to rumble. He had a total of 130 PIMs since the season started. But he’s a thoughtful fighter. He knows when to throw down and doesn’t get careless or commit many stupid penalties.

Kris Belan with Jordan Clendenning at Union Square, SF

At 26, he has a little more experience than many of the other Bulls players, and this is why he’s such a valuable member of any team he’s on. Last season he spent with the Toledo Walleyes, where he scored 10 goals with a total of 24 points. He’s done quite well with the Bulls, having 8 goals and 20 points.

Kris Belan with Jordan Morrison next to him

It is a shame losing him so close to the Playoffs; we could really use his muscle, however, the magical word to remember is PLAYOFFS. Coach Curcio is doing everything he can to make sure we have the best team possible as we move closer to April. If moves are made now, there’s still plenty of time for the new members to gel with the more experienced team members. Belan being called up to Manchester was out of the team's hands, but Curcio can handle it. 

I had questioned last week’s moves, I will refrain right now from questioning Curcio’s judgment; I believe he knows the best thing to do.

I will be very sad not seeing Kris in warm-ups, however. He always acknowledged my presence with a glance, his head deep in the game to come. I remember going to the first Bills Weekly (I have not missed one since they started) where he was Jason’s guest. There is not a more intelligent or selfless athlete to be found.

Kris, you have the greatest future at your doorstep. And even though we're losing you, this is a terrific promotion for you! Be your brilliant self and you’ll shine. We in San Francisco will miss you, of that you can be certain. Think about us from time to time, OK?

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Also released today was Colin Reddin. Colin is a terrific player and awesome guy. He came to the Bulls from the Southern Professional Hockey League, so I’m sure he’ll find another team to play with quickly. He’s a California native with an optimistic attitude and a great spirit. Go do amazing things, Colin!

Colin Reddin

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Moving down to the Bulls from Worcester is Yanni Gourde. This season, he had 7 goals with 10 points so far. He’s fast and will be a welcome addition to the team.

Yanni Gourde

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Bulls play the Utah Grizzlies in Salt Lake City tomorrow, Tuesday night. Listen at knbr.com as usual.

Next home game in March 6^th when the Bulls have a home stand of three games against the Alaska Aces. You need to check out at least one of these!

GO BULLS!

BULLS WIN SHOOTOUT THANKS TO THE NEW GUYS

I’ll admit it, I had doubts. If you read my last blog, you’ll know that I wondered if the latest big round of trades would work. Tonight, they did masterfully.

The Bulls not only kept up with the Idaho Steelheads, but beat them in a Shootout 4-3.

Three big factors contributed to this.

First, not enough can be said about Taylor Nelson’s goalkeeping. He was great tonight, one of his best efforts.

Second, the new players Bryan Cameron and Tristan King scored and helped a lot with the offensive effort. It made a huge difference.

But the third contribution and probably one that won’t be discussed, was the lack of penalties. Jordan Clendenning did get one tripping call, but fortunately, this didn’t lead to any scoring by Idaho.

Tonight we saw how great the team can be if they work together with the immense talent they have without all those nasty penalties that plagued them Friday night. Keep it up!

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The next game is in Utah against the Grizzlies this Tuesday, February 26^th.

GO BULLS!

BULLS BEAT THEMSELVES AND A BIRTHDAY WISH

This week had some major trades, see my last blog GONZO HOCKEY for an example of this. Alex Tuckerman was traded this past Tuesday, along with Martin Lee for Bryan Cameron. Then, as if that wasn’t enough to shake up the fanbase, the Bulls traded Rylan Galiardi for Tristan King.

Cameron has much better scoring numbers than Tuckerman, I get it. Tristan King's numbers are good, but  I’m still not so sure of him. He was recently arrested for having a “controlled substance” in Las Vegas. From a blogger for the Stars organization, it doesn’t sound like he’s welcomed back, so time will show us if this was a real problem for him. He could be a great member of the Bulls if this does work out.

Tonight’s game in Boise was the first on a six-game road trip. The Bulls lost 4-0. It was plagued with what is one of the Bulls biggest weaknesses. This problem is bigger than not scoring. It’s PENALTIES. One of the reasons why the Bulls lose so many games is that they get penalized so often. Tonight, one player was responsible for the most penalties and for the Steelheads scoring at least two goals. I certainly hope this player is benched for tomorrow night’s game.

To win future games, the penalties must be curtailed and soon. And by soon, I mean, yesterday.   

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Tomorrow, Saturday, is my birthday. I have a wish for my birthday.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the day to day stuff that doesn’t matter. Work, sports, they really aren't THAT important. 

My 11-year-old friend Matty is going through chemo today. This means he’s going to be very sick for a month. He won’t be able to eat or have any fun for days and days.

So, my Birthday Wish is for him and all other kids with cancer to feel better, even for a little while. I want them to feel better so they can be kids and do what children are supposed to do….laugh, play and enjoy life. They shouldn’t have to go through this. I know this is asking the impossible, so, for my birthday, if you can, send your prayers and positive thoughts to Matty, it would truly be appreciated.

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The Bulls are a new team. We’ll all get through this. It’s OK to be frustrated, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Go ahead and voice your frustration; none of us are going to like everything any team does. Just don’t give up on them, it will all work out.

The Bulls face Idaho tomorrow night at 6pm for a rematch and hopefully many less penalties.

GO BULLS!

GONZO HOCKEY

One of hardest things for hockey fans to get used to in the ECHL is the constant shuffling of players. As soon as you like a player, perhaps even meet them at a public function and admire the way they play the game, they’re traded for a known or even an unknown reason and the fan is left in the dust.

I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this feeling. My favorite player was traded by the Bulls today. The Bulls have a lot of outstanding players. Many fan favorites are Team Captain Scott Langdon, Peter Sivak or Dean Ouellet. All for great reasons. They’re great players and incredible guys.

Alex Tuckerman was my very favorite Bulls player. I remember him being a constant scratch at the beginning of the season, and working his way onto a regular spot in the lineup. When he broke into the top line, I was so happy and proud of him.

So it’s very disappointing to hear today that he was traded, along with Martin Lee, to the Utah Grizzlies for future consideration, Calgary Flames prospect Bryan Cameron.

(photo courtesy of the SF Bulls)

First, let me say I know the team has very good reasons for doing this and are doing it for the betterment of the team. I support the Bulls and I have faith that this will help them. But, that doesn’t mean I have to be happy about it.  

Some players have distinct styles of skating. Eastern Europeans tend to skate so cleanly, with such grace and agility, it looks as if they’re flying on the ice. Tuckerman’s skating is the exact opposite. He’s a very fast skater, but he charges the ice, and if you get in his way, too bad for you he’ll take you into the net with him! That’s why I named his skating style Gonzo Hockey. There’s no other way to describe it.   

With the Matadors Club, I had the chance of sharing a spot next to him at a dinner last November we held for the players and I’ve been able to chat with him a few times since. Alex has always been a terrific guy to fans and a great player.

This is only the first step in what I hope to be for him a long professional hockey career. There is much more for him to learn and many more horizons to meet. I wish him the very best in his hockey career and know that so much awaits him; I look forward to reading more about his play in the weeks and seasons to come.

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Next two games start Friday in Boise against the Idaho Steelheads. New player Cameron will join the team for these games. Let’s see what he can do.

GO BULLS!