THE END OF THE WORLD

or

Where Would YOU Rather Be When the World Ends?

December 22, 2012

Midnight

One of the many calendars the ancient Mayans kept ended on December 21, 2012. This led many conspiracy theorists and fringe denizens to believe that the world would end. This “theory” was picked up by many, if only as an excuse to throw a party. Most people didn’t take it seriously, of course, though there are those who use every bizarre clue they can as a guideline towards the apocalypse.

The Bulls held their own End of the World as We Know It game tonight. It was against the Ontario Reign. The Bulls lost 3-1, but it was a hard-fought game from beginning to end. Viedensky made the Bulls’ only goal. In the final seconds it appeared that Ouellet scored; the red light was lit, but no score was given, so he was robbed.  

The team looked better in many ways; they’re talking to one another more, moving around better, improving at working the ice. The passing was better tonight than in the last couple of games, but can still be improved upon. There was also good defense around Heemskerk, who did his usual great job at the net.

One moment that was scary was Viedensky getting hurt in the 3^rd Period. He skated off the ice into the dressing room, but I still don’t know how badly hurt he is.    

The Bulls have nothing to be ashamed of tonight; it was a good, close game.

Fans were encouraged to come in their best End of the World outfits, which some did, dressing as zombies and the like. 

And the world did not end.

This leads to the first question I asked….

Where Would YOU Rather Be When the World Ends?

I’m sitting here, eating a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios and almond milk at midnight thinking of all the games and fun times I’ve had watching the Bulls. I never realized how much FUN a hockey game could be until I went to see them play. Sure, there are fancier, shinier, much, much more expensive arenas. Ones that are gigantic, ones with lots of ushers in snazzy coats that nag at you if you lean too far forward. But most of the time, it’s impossible to relax in these enormities.  

It’s like a fancy, high-priced restaurant that’s nice once in a while compared to the neighborhood bar. I don’t mind eating fine dining on occasion, but not all the time. The Barn is like the Bulls’ fans neighborhood bar. So maybe it’s not good enough to those who would rather dine on caviar but for the rest of us, it’s perfect.  

Where else would I rather be when the world ends? If everything went away, I’d rather be watching my favorite sport with the greatest fans there are. Obviously!

The Bulls play rivals Ontario Reign again tomorrow night in Ontario. Listen online at www.knbr.com Let’s get a win!!!

GO BULLS!!!!

THURSDAY WITH THE BULLS

November 20, 2012

Thursday was a busy day for the team. First, the entire team participated in a candlelight vigil for the victims of Newtown. It was moving and emotional for everyone.

Newtown Memorial

A children's choir sang and the players took the ice as each victim's name was read. A good-sized crowd gathered, holding candles as the skaters help tribute to the children and adults lost.

Warming Up the Ice

Directly after the vigil was SF Bulls Live. Jason's guest was Alex Tuckerman. The crowd was the biggest yet at Pedro's Cantina. If you haven't joined us, Jason Lckhart, Voice of the SF Bulls, has an hour-long online show with one or two Bulls players, starting at 6pm, either on a Wednesday or Thursday. There are food and drink specials. It's a lot of fun to hang out with Jason and the players and your fellow Bulls fans.

Alex Tuckerman & Jason Lockhart

Great Crowd at Pedro's 

We had a great time with Alex, Jason and the Coach was there as well. I hope you can make it next week!



I'm very happy to announce that the Bulls FINALLY have their Upcoming Events Calendar up under the Community portion of their website. This is something I've been bugging them about for months. Now you can scan the area for public appearances and special events. There's a couple things coming up for help out the SF Zoo which I'll talk about in a future blog.


I hope to see you Friday night at the End of the World As We Know It Game. Come in your BEST End of the World Costume and you'll get two FREE tickets to the December 28th game against the Las Vegas Wranglers.

GO BULLS!!!

BULLS GAME AT HP PAVILION - Part 2

December 18, 2012

Continuing from today's earlier blog....

Yes, the Bulls lost 6-4. Stockton overpowered us on nearly every level. The Bulls tried to pull it out at the end, but ran out of time. The Bulls' weaknesses were in communication, passing, basic stuff really. The team needs to talk to one another. Time to hit the drills again, Guys.

Peter Sivak

The game was exciting and there were some good fights. Sharks fans aren't used to the hard-hitting style of the Bulls. I prefer this East-Coast style over the passive McLellan school of hockey. I like challenging, in your face ice. So, stop thinking the Bulls are Sharks Jr. Far from it. I think some of the Sharks fans were shocked and delighted by their aggressive playing as well, having put up with the passiveness of TMc for so long, maybe this was a nice change for them.

It was great to see so the Bulls Faithful at HP last night. That made me very happy. But during one moment last night I was extremely not happy. One Sharks fan decided he thought it would be funny to make fun of the Bulls. Here he and his friends went to a game FOR FREE. A Bulls game. FOR FREE. And what did he do afterwards, he made fun of the Bulls. As soon as I heard him, I told him to shut the f**k up. He did. Lucky for him. I will not put up with anyone badmouthing my Bulls.

Daniil Tarasov

I don't understand how any fan of a league who is NOT even playing this season (and who probably will NOT play at all this season) can have an attitude about a league who's working hard to give their fans great entertainment.

So, if you are not yet a Bulls fan, join us at a couple games. No, the Cow Palace is not all shiny and pretty. It's all fancy and the seats aren't all perfect. But, the fans are friendly, and we have a great time!

Rob Kwiet

SF Bulls Live happens this Thursday at Pedros Cantina at 6pm, just across the street from AT&T Park.

Friday, December 21st, the Bulls play the Ontario Reign in the End of the World Game. Where would YOU rather be when the world ends?

GO BULLS!

BULLS GAME AT HP PAVILION

PART 1:

December 18, 2012

When I first heard the news that the Bulls/Thunder game from January 16^th to HP Pavilion last night, I had mixed feelings. First and the very most important thing, I was happy for the Bulls players. This was an extremely rare and unique opportunity for these minor league athletes to get ice time on an NHL rink in a huge arena. There were over 12,000 people gathered, watching, most were watching anyway. More on that in a bit. So, for the players’ sakes, it was great.

As I have written previously, this was not the Bulls’ idea. Nope. This came from the Sharks management, and it certainly showed. Most people attending were Sharks fans, who would have probably been just as happy if two teams from Who Cares Where had been playing, to be honest. When the players were announced, more applause arose for Ryane Clowe than anyone else. To be expected, 80-90% Sharks fans, this was not a Bulls crowd.

When I got inside, I noticed just how few Bulls fans there were. A very small amount of hockey lovers percentage were dressed in orange, black and gold. This made me a little sad. Perhaps I was hoping for too much. I know that only a small percentage of tickets were given to Bulls fans after the majority of Sharks fans had their fill. What was left went to Ticketmaster. So, that’s my mistake for thinking otherwise.

I was seated at the Bulls end of the rink Goal side and up a ways. Disappointed in my seats, I looked around to see I was the only one in rows of people dressed in Bulls gear. However, Hans Benson was sitting behind me for two of the periods so I got the chance to chat with him a little bit. That was cool.

The lack of interest in the game by so many people in my area was really surprising to me. In fact, a couple sitting in front of me didn’t like that I shouted during the game and cheered and called out player’s names. Isn’t that what REAL fans do? If you don’t care about the game, or want something quiet to go to, I’m sure there’s a low cost ballet performance you can attend.

This was Bulls hockey!!! It wasn’t a Sharks game, but you could hardly convince the majority of people attending. Ask them the name of our mascot and I bet 90% of them couldn’t tell you. Fortunately, a few of them got into the game after a bit in my section. I talked with a nice group of Sharks fans who hopefully will go see a Bulls game or two.

I do hope even a handful of Sharks fans will become Bulls followers. I’m not saying to become fanatical like many of us Bulls Faithful, but give them a chance in their own house. Move out of your comfort zone. The NHL isn’t here for you, are they?

I want to thank the Bulls management and staff for working so hard putting this together at the last minute. You all have been working nonstop for days and it’s truly appreciated. I also really want to thank the Bulls for providing AMAZING transportation to each and every Bulls game. Caltrain SUCKS! The train back home was 30 minutes late and I did not even step through the door to my apartment until 1:15am. So the very fact that the Bulls have a FREE SHUTTLE to and from BART is awesome!

  

I’ll post pictures later today and do a follow up with things to come for the Bulls this week.

GO BULLS!

BULLS PULL OUT VICTORY THEIR WAY

November 14, 2012

Last night's Bulls win against the Stockton Thunder was a stunner and something the Bulls have done a few times in their short history. The game bounced back between the two teams with Peter Sivak slipping in a quick goal to win the game in Overtime 4-3.

Andrew Crescenzi 

If you've been paying attention all season, however, this come-from-behind win is nothing new. They've been doing it again and again. Sometimes, like last night, the Bulls can come back and rule the roost, while at other times, they fall short. But they never give up.

It's one of the things I love so much about this team. NEVER SAY DIE. I was reading a couple writers who expressed dismay that towards the end of the game, they thought the Bulls had lost the game, and then came back to win. Huh? Perhaps they don't know Our Beloved San Francisco Bulls. The Bulls Faithful have already seen them come back from a 4-1 deficit early in the year, as well as closer scores. It's that fighting spirit that's respected so much in the SF Bay Area. We're home to the original Forty-Niners, who came to California searching for wealth, as well as pioneers, immigrants and all who are looking for a better life. So a team with grit and fire that does not give up is well-respected quickly here.

The Bulls beat the Thunder in Overtime, and it was a nail-biter for most of the three periods. This is not to say there weren't mistakes. Lack of rebounds were costly to San Francisco. But Stockton's inadequate puck handling made up for a lot of it.

Dylan King, Peter Sivak & Rob Kwiet 

It was also the Bulls' first 50% off beers night, or 2-for-1. They're not allowed to say that though, because they can't advertise free beer, hence the 50% off advertising, but free beer is always a good and popular thing. The crowd got into the cheaper beers big time.

Tonight the Bulls play the Ontario Reign and tomorrow night the Bakersfield Condors. Then on Monday they once again play Stockton at HP Pavilion. Please, WEAR BULLS GEAR! This will NOT be a Sharks game, so leave your Sharks clothing at home. Be Bulls Proud and show off you Orange, Black & Gold!!!

GO BULLS!

THOUGHTS ON THE FREE GAME MONDAY NIGHT

December 12, 2012

There was a flurry of activity at Bulls HQ this week. The announcement of a free game between the Bulls and the Stockton Thunder at the Shark Tank in San Jose on Monday, December 17^th was followed by a tidal wave of of crazed Bay Area hockey fans.

It was a huge undertaking for the young team. First, understand it was the San Jose Sharks’ idea. The logistics to make it happen were Herculean-size and considering how little time the All-Pro staff had, they did a great job.

I’m thinking that because it was the Sharks’ idea, the NHL team also felt that their customers, ie:  Sharks season ticket holders, should get first crack at the tickets. OK, fair enough, I can understand that. Your league is so messed up right now, you have to do SOMETHING to make your customers happy. But at this point, the Bulls didn’t even know how many tickets the Sharks would give them. They were at the bigger team's mercy. Fortunately, there were enough tickets so everyone on ticket plans could get two with the rest sold this morning on Ticket Master.

Yes, there were glitches and a few problems. There are bound to be some in an operation this large thrown together so quickly. This was a LAST MINUTE deal, and out of the control of the Bulls. Keep this in mind if you are blaming everything on them. Some understanding will go a long ways.

And then there were the Stockton fans who were upset they did not get the chance to reserve tickets before they went to Ticket Master. To these Thunder fans: this is an AWAY GAME through an NHL team not affiliated with them. Yes, The Sharks were a PARTIAL affiliate in the past, sharing the Thunder with the Edmonton Oilers. So, even when the Sharks were affiliates of the Thunder, they were not the only affiliated team. Back to the present day… Stockton fans were very vocal about their feelings of entitlements, and I think it’s misplaced. They will be visitors Monday night, in an opposing team’s house, and they’d better get used to it.

Another thing to understand is that many of the ECHL players will never get the chance to play in an NHL venue ever again. This is a BIG DEAL to them! Sure, some of them are going on to big careers, but a lot are not. Just having one night to play in the Shark Tank is like a dream and one that many never be able to repeat.

Oh, and one last thing I nearly forgot. This is the first ECHL game played at an NHL venue for a long time, so, it's going to be cool to be a part of history, don't you think?

So before you’re ready to tear up your Bulls tickets and curse them out to your friends, they worked really hard at making this as good of a night as they can. Let’s all have a great time and support our guys and team, OK?

Jordan Clendenning & Jason Lockhart

I just got back from SF Bulls Live at Pedro’s Cantina. Jordan Clendenning was Jason’s guest tonight. It was a great interview and a lot of fun to hang out with the fans, Jason and Jordan. Next week it will be back at Pedro’s. I believe it will be on Wednesday the 19^th. It’s directly across from AT&T Park and starts at 6pm, so join us, will ya?

Rocky (Bulls Matador Club) & Jordan Clendenning 

Tomorrow night, Thursday, December 13^th the Bulls host the Thunder for 2-for-1 beers. Let’s get another win against our arch-rivals! Hope to see you there!

GO BULLS!!!    

RIVALS – WHICH TEAMS DO YOU HATE?

The Bulls played two games against the Colorado Eagles this weekend. They lost both, the first 5-1 and the second 3-1. The second game was a much better effort. The Boys fought hard and the offense was highly improved over Friday night.

In fact, Saturday night’s game was really exciting. I knew the Bulls were serious when they had more Shots on Goal (10) in the first five minutes of the First Period than they had in the whole First Period of Friday night’s game (2). Both the offense and defense were skate to skate with Colorado throughout the whole game. The big difference was Colorado’s Goaltender Kyle Jones. And even though they lost the game, the effort didn’t go unnoticed.

What also was observed was the Eagles love of cheap shops, sniping and all around bad sportsmanship. During both games, I have rarely seen a team with an attitude as poor as Colorado. Even when a Bulls player got close to the Eagles bench because pushed into by an Eagles; player, one of the Eagles would push him away or start sniping at him. It’s funny because when I mentioned some of this on Twitter a friend of mine from Kansas confirmed this from the Eagles’ days in the CHL (Central Hockey League), so they have a history of bad attitude.

This got me to thinking… the Bulls are a brand new team. We’re still setting things down, figuring out who our rivalries will be. I’d say within our own division, the biggest ones are with the Stockton Thunder and the Ontario Reign. Time will tell who will be the biggest one of these. But a new one emerged this weekend.

Even though they’re not in the Pacific Division, (they’re in the Mountain), with the nasty disposition they’ve had towards the Bulls in the three games the teams have played so far, the Eagles are well on their way to being rivals.

In both home games, the two teams had three fights in the first game and two fights in the second. In Friday night’s game, the fights were in the First Period, with Colorado nearly begging to fight. Not sure why this team has such a snarky attitude, but they do.

The worst Eagles’ offense came when one of their players, I think it was Collin Bowman #10, but I’m not certain, tripped #55, Marek Viedensky and hit him in the private area, causing him to fall in intense pain on the ice. We fans were outraged. Not only that, the Eagles player then had the nerve to argue with the Ref about the penalty!  Lucky for him it was at the end of the game or the Bulls would have had a thing or two to “discuss” with him on the ice later.

Eagles #10 Collin Bowman

I can’t wait for the Bulls to play Colorado again because I know that the next round, we’re going to beat these pigeons!

Mark your calendars for SF Bulls Live this Wednesday when it’s back at Pedro’s Cantina across the street from AT&T Park. Be there! It’s loads of fun and you get to hang out with Jason Lockhart and one or two Bulls players.

Next game is Thursday against the Stockton Thunder. It’s two-for-one beer night so let’s turn out and show those Stockton fans who’s house it is! They seem to mistakenly think it’s theirs whenever they show up!

GO BULLS!

Dean Ouellet, Rob Kwiet & Me