FEEDING THE BULLS

The Matadors, the San Francisco booster club, had a potluck dinner for the Bulls players earlier tonight. It was a relaxed evening with lots of great food and beverages and plenty of perfect company. Here are some pictures. I'm sworn to secrecy about what we talked about!

Shelly's Signed Cows

Coach Curcio, Leeanne Ruegg & Dean Konto

Taylor Nelson, Asst Coach Kyle Paige & Simon Danis-Pepin

Mark Isherwood & Misty Wichman 

Jordan Morrison (in the back) Dean Ouellet, Simon Danis-Pepin & Christian Ouellet

The Guys Eating

Tommy Grant, Me & Mark Isherwood

I thank everyone on the Matadors who worked really hard to put this event together. You all RULE! I also want to thank the Bulls for being the best guests anyone could ask for. You are the GREATEST there are!
+++++

The Bulls are only two points away from clinching the last spot in the Western Conference portion of the Playoffs. They can do this if the Bakersfield Condors lose to the Las Vegas Wranglers tomorrow night. So, every Bulls fans should be rooting GO WRANGLERS! Tuesday night!

Bulls Weekly is this Wednesday night. I think I know who the guest is, but I'm not telling. Join us at Pedros!

Next home game is this Friday night when the Bulls take on the Stockton Thunder for two games through Saturday night. I hope to see you there!

GO BULLS!

SAN FRANCISCO LOSES IN A KNOCK-DOWN DRAG OUT

It was Star Wars Day at the Barn. The Bulls celebrated St, Patrick’s Day yesterday and saved today for Yoda, Luke and the rest of those wacky, space creatures to help raise money for Kristi Yamaguchi’s organization Always Dream Foundation.

Rawhide 

Many fans showed up in cool getups. I had a great time at the game, going with my friend who had never been to a hockey game before. But she’s one of my closest and oldest friends and we’ve gone to many SF Giants games together including a historic playoff game, so I owe her a few.

It was also our last chance to see the ex-Bulls players, including Alex Tuckerman and Jordan Clendenning.

Alex Tuckerman (photo: Dan Parks)

The game started off well. The Bulls scored first with Christian Ouellet’s goal. Then Christian scored again, making it 2-0. But that would be all that the Bulls chalked up that afternoon goal-wise. Maybe the team was tired. But The Grizzlies were probably even more tired. So, I’m not sure why the team lacked the energy of the night before.

Ian Schultz (photo Dan Parks)

Until Thomas Greiss, the San Jose Sharks backup Goalie, gets back to full health and we get Thomas Heemskerk back from the Worcester Sharks, Taylor Nelson is our only Goaltender. He wasn’t as sharp today as he was in Game One; he let a few cheap goals through. He's not going to be perfect all the time, and at least the team has a week to rest up after today. 

And the chirping that had started last night began again. It flared up in the Third Period, when the score was 4-2 Utah, soon to be 6-2. Tommy Grant was given a five-minute major for elbowing and both sides on the ice nearly erupted. This ended with half dozen Bulls players being tossed out of the game, including Tommy Grant, Dean Ouellet, Mikael Tam, Ian Schultz, Mark Isherwood and Tristan King. The Bulls bench was nearly empty!

Dylan King had gotten into a good fight and bloodied his nose and left the game a little earlier. Also hurt was Scott Langdon, but it was his throat and he should be good for Friday’s game.

Dylan King fighting (photo: Dan Parks)

There were a lot of families and many new fans at this afternoon’s game. I love seeing people experiencing the Bulls for the first time. I’m glad more people are discovering what a great team we have. I welcome all of you to the Barn and hope you enjoy yourselves.

I saw a small bunch of new fans in the Seats In Goal area trying to get The Wave going today. Please, this must be stopped! San Francisco, even outside of hockey has longstanding tradition of hating The Wave. We boo Wave-doers at San Francisco Giants games. Outside of LA, it’s unacceptable. So, please, friends don’t let friends do The Wave.

The outcome of the game was disappointing, but we’re only a few points from snagging that last spot in the Playoffs and we should do it this upcoming weekend. Be at the Barn for our battle with the Stockton Thunder.

And remember the cheer:

What’s the matter with Stockton?

It’s in Stockton!

GO BULLS!

SHOOT OUT WINS IT FOR SAN FRANCISCO & VISITS FROM OLD FRIENDS

The Bulls had a special Tailgate party for their multi-game ticket holders today before the game with the Utah Grizzlies. It was set up in an outdoors area between the Barn and the outer buildings. Lots of picnic tables were placed side-by-side, as well as a long line of food, including hot dogs, chips, beans, potato salad and pasta salad.

Team members came out and greeted us and took lots of pictures with us. There was also a raffle with many fun prizes. Some were quite imaginative and would have been a blast to win, including a few signed sticks, a signed jersey. One prize was even getting to sit next to Jason Lockhart for the Third Period of a game and another one was playing team gear assistant for a game. 

Tailgate Party

Dan & Scott Langdon

Mikael Tam, Myself & Christian Ouellet

 +++++

This game was also the Bulls pre-St. Patrick’s game. They gave out 2,000 green Bulls caps. This one is one of my favorite promotional caps. I think I’ll probably have Bulls caps in nearly every color after this season, one for every day of the week!   

Tonight was the first time the ex-Bulls members who had been traded a couple weeks ago have been back to San Francisco. Some of us were so excited to see them we waited impatiently in the visitor’s side of the rink for them to take to the ice during pre-game warm-ups. Smiles were exchanged between players and fans. Alex Tuckerman, Jordan Clendenning, Jonathan Lessard, Martin Lee, Cody Carlson and Sebastien Trudeau were back! I think some of their teammates were a little grumpy about the attention they were getting. I noticed their fellow Grizzly Tommy Maxwell snarling a little from us waving and smiling at the guys. Or, maybe Maxwell was just having a bad day, he seemed to be getting into a whole lot of chirping with a few Bulls players later in the game.

Alex Tuckerman

The Puck Alex Gave Me Tonight

It was a wild and high-scoring game, ending in a Shootout which the Bulls won 6-5! Utah scored first, but Peter Sivak answered later that First Period. Bryan Cameron scored the 2^nd goal in the Second Period, giving San Francisco the lead. The Grizzlies came back and tied, but Sivak scored again, giving the Bulls the lead once more. Utah tied it up once more. Jordan Morrison scored and SF lead again! But Utah would not give up and tied it yet again. Christian Ouellet gave the Bulls the lead for the last time. The Grizzlies tied it up where it would stay through the rest of the regular time and through Overtime.

Tuckerman, Jordan Clendenning & Dean Ouellet (Photo: Dan Parks)

Only one Utah player could score past Taylor Nelson, while Cameron and Dean Ouellet scored on Grizzlies Goalie Ben Meisner.

There was a great fight in the First Period between Captain Scott Langdon T.J. Battani. That really got the team and crowd into the game. No one has timing in their fights like our Captain! There was also plenty of chirping between Maxwell and Nick Tuzzolino of Utah and Mikael Tam, Rob Kwiet and Ian Schultz. I've never seen Kwiet bothered so much before, he's usually co calm on the ice.  

 Taylor Nelson made 31 saves and ruled the net. Dean Ouellet leads the league in six shootout goals. It was a superb team effort that paid off greatly in the end.

+++++

Tomorrow’s game versus Utah starts at 2:15pm. It’s Star Wars Day, so if you’re into that, wear your best outfit and even if you’re not, still go! A portion of the game's proceeds will go to the Always a Dream Foundation and Kristi Yamaguchi and Bret Hedican will be at the game. So be there, help out this great cause and root for the our Bulls!!! 

GO BULLS!

Bryan Cameron at Bulls Weekly

We had a great time at Pedro's tonight for the SF Bulls Weekly broadcast. Jason did his usual excellent job at bringing everyone in the audience or listening online up to speed. It was a pleasure hearing about last night's game, complete with recorded highlights.

Bryan Cameron & Jason Lockhart

Bryan Cameron was a terrific guest. He scored highest of all Bulls players in the quiz Jason gives the guys at the end of the hour. Taylor Nelson had held the best score, but Bryan came through with just a fraction of a point better. Of course, it's all in fun and Bryan handled it like a pro.

I believe the next Bulls Weekly is next Wednesday, but I can't confirm that.
+++++

This weekend is packed with two great games against the Utah Grizzlies and chances to see ex-Bulls players. Saturday is also the season ticket holders Tailgate Party, so I know I'll see many of you there.

Remember, the number of home games left is dwindling away, so don't wait to go see San Francisco hockey. It's a long time until next season.

GO BULLS!

A BARN BURNING IN STOCKTON

After the incredible win Sunday, us fans thought all had settled down for a bit, but no, there was to be another change for the Bulls. Yanni Gourde was quickly returned to Worcester. I knew it would go back to the Worcester Sharks, but I was hoping that he would last here even a couple more games, because the team was helped so much by his speed and shooting talents.

The Bulls weren’t left empty-handed, however. Worcester sent us Tommy Grant, who with the Sharks and Connecticut Whale had 21 points total this season in 48 games.

So, with this change, the team went to short distance to Stockton last night. What happened was amazing and gave a broad smile to every Bulls fan.

The Bulls trounced the Stockton Thunder 7-2. It was an old-fashioned stomping, helping the team’s win streak.

Stockton scored first, but then it was all San Francisco. Peter Sivak got two goals and unbelievably, two penalties. Newcomer Tommy Grant got one goal and two assists, Kory Falite scored a goal, Nick Walsh scored, Bryan Cameron also scored, and Tristan King got a goal that was one of the most beautiful goals I’ve seen.

Stockton was able to sneak past one more goal, but it didn’t matter, the game belonged to the Bulls.

This is a huge win and should help the team get wins over the Utah Grizzlies this weekend.

+++++

I often wonder why people post nasty comments in a team’s facebook page. The Bulls are very easy to contact, so if someone has a problem with something the team is doing, the best thing is to pick up the phone and call them.

Of course, this would mean the internet bullies wouldn’t get the attention they’re craving by doing this. This came to light recently with the Bulls upcoming You Can Play/LGBTQ Night March 23^rd. It was surprising how much hate this aroused. Obviously, those posting the hateful comments towards the Bulls and the night have no clue (nor do I think they care) what You Can Play is about. They’re too wrapped up in their own flag of bigotry to see anything.

The Bulls are a San Francisco professional sports team. They’re trying to be all-inclusive, as all pro sports teams in San Francisco should be. If this makes a few people uncomfortable, perhaps it’s time for some self-soul searching.

I don’t care what your politics are, I don’t care what your religion is; this is a matter of fairness. With this much seething hatred toward those who may be different than those spewing the poison, there is a lot of work to be done. Nowhere was this more apparent than the remarks of 49ers players Chris Culliver last season. I love the 49ers, but what he said was inexcusable and unfortunately, many still feel this way. Bigotry of any sort will not be tolerated by me or The Bulls Sheet.

Below is a great piece that brings the matter home. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

http://hockeyjoe2020.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/casual-homophobia-has-no-place-in-sports/

+++++

Tonight is Bulls Weekly. Jason’s guest is Bryan Cameron. Join us at Pedro’s Cantina for a fun evening!

Next games are Saturday and Sunday at the Barn versus Utah. It will be our chance to see a lot of ex-Bulls players as well.

GO BULLS!

SAN FRANCISCO BULLSEYES WRANGLERS

This was more than just a hockey game. It was a statement. It was a statement not only to the Las Vegas Wranglers, not only to the fans, but to the players themselves. And that statement is The Bulls are serious and they’re here to play AND win!

This was one of those games that will be remembered long after the season ends. Long after I’ve forgotten what the plonk of skates on ice is like, long after the chill of the inside of the Barn wears off. It was a momentous afternoon.

Taylor Nelson

Radio Disney blasted kid-type tunes to the awaiting smiles outside the doors and we made our way, sleepy eyed from turning our clocks ahead one hour. It’s amazing how much one hour makes a difference, but it does. I got a cup of the Barn’s coffee, which isn’t too terrible and that helped.

The Bulls beat the Wranglers 4-1. With the exception of the first half of the First Period, San Francisco dominated the entire game. Captain Scott Langdon got the Bulls in gear by engaging in a great fight between a Wranglers member early on during the First. Christian Ouellet scored the tying Bulls goal and from then on, it was Bulls all the way.

Bryan Cameron

Yanni Gourde, Peter Sivak and Tristan King scored the remaining goals for the Bulls. Taylor Nelson did a spectacular job at the net. He was brilliant the entire contest, as if he was cued in to just where the Wranglers were going to shoot the goal.

At one point, Dean Ouellet was so angry or broke his stick on the ice and damaged the door to the Bulls bench. Why he was angry is anyone’s guess. I’m thinking it was probably because the Wranglers were double-teaming him the entire game, or maybe because he’s been in a scoring slump, or maybe that he was slashed and it wasn’t called. Or it could be all of the above.  All this did was energize the Bulls even more. And then they played faster, better, more aggressive.

Yanni Gourde

Every team member played well. After talking to many fans, I’ve heard nothing but positives about all the Bulls players on the ice today. Simon Danis-Pepin is using his size more, Dylan King was a beast at defense as always, Kory Falite was awesome moving that puck up the ice and what can be said about our Roadrunner Yanni Gourde? He’s got the moves.

This was the prescription the doctor ordered. Thank you, Hockey Gods, you have been most merciful to the Bulls today.

Heads up to the music dude…you might want to think about switching the tunes around a little. You use the Stockton Thunder’s theme song AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” a bit too much. When the Thunder visit March 22 and 23, this song should not be used at all.

Next game the Bulls take on the Stockton Thunder in Stockton.  Listen at knbr.com

Also Bulls Weekly at Pedro’s is this Thursday. BE THERE!!!

Next home game is Saturday, March 16^th against the Utah Grizzlies. Sunday they’ll also play Utah. This will be a great time to see the recently traded Bulls members like Alex Tuckerman.

GO BULLS!

SAN FRANCISCO TOPPLED BY ALASKA

It’s hard being a fan sometimes. It’s even harder being a fan of a minor league team affiliated with a major league one. Things are made difficult because you never know when one of your best players will get called up leaving your team to do the best they can without him.

This is the case with the Bulls. Due to Thomas Greiss, backup Goalie of the San Jose Sharks’ injury, Alex Stalock of the Worcester Sharks flew to San Jose, which left Worcester without a backup. Thomas Heemskerk went to Worcester to fill in, leaving the Bulls with just one goalie. I wrote about this in yesterday’s blog. This is exciting for Heemer, the best thing that’s happened to him. However, it comes at the worst possible time for the Bulls as we need wins more than anything.

Bryan Cameron

The Bulls are only six points ahead of Bakersfield in the race for the eighth and final spot in the playoffs. Taylor Nelson is working hard. As the only goalie we have (we have a backup, but he’s more of the friend of one of the players there just in case), he’ll have to play every single game until Heemskerk comes back.

Word has it that both Heemskerk and Kris Belan will be back this week, which is great news for San Francisco. We’ll need them for the final push into the playoffs.

Until then, Alaska had control of the entire game last night, beating the Bulls 6-2. But don’t blame Nelson for all of it. This is his first year and he’s trying as hard as he can. San Francisco offense has to work a little harder and get more shots on goal. Power Plays have to be better than they have been lately.

Yanni Gourde & Kory Falite

Also, Ian Schultz was pulled due to a possible lower body problem he was having, but I was told this was a precautionary measure rather than an injury. I hope he’s OK, because he gives the team extra muscle, as well as being a good skating presence.

Interesting side note from last night: A few years ago I published an underground metal music magazine called BAST magazine. I printed it for 15 years. It was a big part of my life and loads of fun. I spent weeks each summer traveling to metalfests in the US and Europe while furiously trying to meet printing deadlines. I still have many friends in the music community worldwide because of it and people still remember the magazine. Last night, I ran into an old metalhead friend, Neil. It brought up some great memories and good experiences.  

Metalheads Neil & Myself

BAST magazine

+++++

This afternoon the team takes on the Las Vegas Wranglers. I’m hoping we can get some revenge for the beatings we took in the teams last two meet-ups. Game starts at 2:15pm. Be there!

GO BULLS!