BULLS TIE UP SERIES AND LOTS MORE!!!

I have lots to cover in today’s blog so keep reading until the very end, you won’t regret it!

Saturday’s playoff Game #2 against the Alaska Aces was a Must Win. It would have been fatal to allow the Aces to get ahead in the series by two games. Because of the Bulls determination, skill and hard, hard work, they SHUT OUT Alaska 1-0. That’s right! Not only was this the team’s FIRST SHUTOUT, but they shutout Alaska on their home ice!

Please take a breath and realize how HUGE of a victory this is for the Bulls. Before Saturday night, only Idaho had been able to shutout Alaska in their home arena. The game was the perfect example of how great things can be if the basics are followed: aggressive offense, tight defense and thoughtful play.

Victory at Park 77

There were several moments when the team could have lost their cool, especially when penalties were not called on Aces players like Chris Clackson. To me, he’s Public Enemy Number One for his goonish behavior on the ice. I will boo and boo LOUDLY (!!) whenever his name is announced at the barn. And Alaska took to diving, a lot. But hey, if this hockey thing doesn’t work out, the Alaska Aces can always join the Olympic Diving Team.

Park 77 with Ian Schultz & the Bulls Crew

A large group of us fans watched the game in the outside garden of Park 77. I want to thank Tom and the club’s most gracious hospitality for making us feel right at home. He had already scheduled a large birthday party months earlier, but for the Bulls, he created space at the last minute. And all the hard work he did to make us feel welcomed was most appreciated.

HORNS OF THE GAME: Even though Falite scored the one and only goal of the game, it was Thomas Heemskerk’s goaltending that won the game for the Bulls. He stopped all 32 shots the Aces fired at him. They were relentless but so was Heemers. So, for this victory in the Second Game of the playoff series, Heemskerk gets the Horns of the Game.

Thomas Heemskerk wins Horns of the Game

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On the way back to San Francisco, the team took overnight flights home Sunday morning, arriving back at the barn, bleary eyed and disheveled. The Matadors Club had a Welcome Home Breakfast of coffee, bagels, pastries and fruit for them if they wanted something before passing out. It was a very thoughtful thing to do for the guys and most appreciated by the team.

Simon Danis Pepin

Taylor Nelson & Christian Ouellet

Kris Belan

 Welcome Home!!! We love you Bulls!!!

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Now I want to recap all of the First Round EHCL series.

Western Conference:

#2 Ontario Reign vs #7 Utah Grizzlies – Ontario swept the series 4-0. Two of the games went into overtime, but in the end, Ontario was the dominant team. Ontario moves on to the Second Round.

#8 San Francisco Bulls vs #1 Alaska Aces – games are tied up at 1-1. They now move to San Francisco for three games starting April 11.

#3 Idaho Steelheads vs #6 Colorado Eagles – Idaho leads series 2-1 games. Games 4 & 5 are Sunday, April 7 and Tuesday, April 9 in Colorado.

#4 Stockton Thunder vs #5 Las Vegas Wranglers – Stockton are ahead in this series 2-0 games. Game three is Monday, April 8 in Las Vegas.

Eastern Conference:

#1 Reading Royals vs #8 Greenville Road Warriors – Reading is leading this series 2-0. Game three is Wednesday April 10 in Greenville.

#2 Cincinnati Cyclones vs Toledo Walleye – Cincinnati leads Toledo 2-0 games. Third game is Wednesday April 10 in Cincinnati.

#3 Gwinnett Gladiators vs South Carolina Stingrays – Gwinnett leads series 2-0 games. Wednesday April 10 is the next game in South Carolina.

#5 Elmira Jackals vs Florida Everblades – Series tied 1-1. Game three is Wednesday in Elmira.

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Game three of the Bulls playoff series against the Alaska Aces is Thursday, April 11. I hope many of you will be there. And if you’re going to the game, WEAR YOUR ORANGE!

BULLieve!

GO BULLS!

TIME TO GET YOUR BIG BOY HOCKEY PANTS ON

The small crowd at Park 77 grew slowly at first but by the end of the Bulls first playoff game, shown straight from Alaska, the bar was filled with orange-clad fans. It was quieter than it should have been, but the Bulls had just been beat 5 to 1 by the Aces in this first meeting in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

Park 77

Rawhide, Nicole and lots of Bulls folks were there. They gave away prizes to the crowd and cheered on the team. Ian Schultz was there as well, nursing his broken ankle. It was great seeing so many rallying for the Bulls.  

Park 77

Alaska has lots of experience in the playoffs including winning the Kelly Cup and they were amped and ready for the game. They were forceful and controlled the game from the first few minutes. The Bulls never challenged this control. They were slow on the ice and by the way they played, it didn’t even feel like a playoff game. There was no urgency within the team, with the exception of Captain Scott Langdon who was upset when a couple Aces ran into Goalie Thomas Heemskerk. That was a highlight in the game, but it didn’t get the rest of the team going.

And sure, there were bad calls and a lack of calls, however, that’s not what lost the Bulls the game. They needed to treat this game as THE MOST IMPORTANT GAME THEY’VE EVER PLAYED and they didn’t rise to that level.

Second game is Saturday night, which by the time I write and publish this blog will be later today. I have no doubt the Bulls can come back and win.

These are the Bulls Sheet’s 3 Keys to the Game:

1 – Aggressive Offense

Alaska had 40 shots to San Francisco’s 21 in Friday’s game. This needs to change if the Bulls have any chance of winning the second game. The Bulls must push and push hard on the Aces. Alaska is a very aggressive team and will continue to run San Francisco over if the Bulls do not run over them first. Both times the Bulls beat the Aces they scored first.  

2 – Tighter Defense

There was much of the first game when Heemskerk was alone at the net. He needs more help. If he’s by himself then this leaves his weak spot, anywhere near his legs when he’s horizontal stopping the puck, wide open. This happened twice in tonight’s game. 

3 – Play Smarter

Kris Belan scored the lone goal for San Francisco. However, he also committed a blatant crosscheck right in front of the ref earlier in the game, leaving the team shorthanded, leading the Aces to another goal.  Even if emotions start to rise, they have to settle down and play with their heads not their tempers, because the Aces will be doing so and if the Bulls allow their emotions to guide them they will not win.

As underdogs, the Bulls are on a sharp uphill, made even steeper by this first loss. They will need to pick it up and take that hill like they own it. Because I know they CAN own it if they believe in themselves.

Regardless of how this first playoff series turns out, I love the Bulls and support them! If you’re in The City later tonight, stop by Park 77 and watch the game with us!

GO BULLS!!!

A LOOK AT THE KELLY CUP PLAYOFFS

I know I’m a bit late getting this to you, but we can catch up now and be ready to jump into the ECHL Playoff picture.

The playoffs started Monday and Tuesday nights with the Western Conference. The Ontario Reign hosted the Utah Grizzlies. They won both games at home against the Grizzlies 5-2 and 7-2. I thought Ontario would take this series but I also thought Utah would give more of a fight. There’s still more games to be played and the Grizzlies aren’t out of it yet. They now go back to Utah to battle on the Grizzlies’ home ice.

Idaho defeated the Eagles in overtime in Boise Wednesday night 4-2 in their first series’ game. The two teams play again tonight, Thursday, in the Steelheads home arena. I’ll give Idaho the edge; they’re a little tougher and stronger than Colorado.

All the other matchups start Friday night, including the San Francisco Bulls game against the Alaska Aces. Set in the Aces’ home arena in Anchorage, the Bulls are true underdogs. Nothing about this series will be easy for the Bulls. The Aces are experienced at post-season play and have won the Kelly Cup many times previously. However, San Francisco’s unwillingness to ever give up may help them go far and could bring an upset.

The Stockton Thunder take on the Las Vegas Wrangler in Stockton. I’ll take Las Vegas for this one. They have the experience and went to the finals last year, losing to the Florida Everblades.

In the Eastern Conference, the Reading Royals host the Greenville Road Warriors. As much as I’d love to see an upset for the lowly Road Warriors, I see the Royals taking this series.

Number two seeded Cincinnati Cyclones play the Toledo Walleye. Something tells me if there is an upset in the Eastern Conference, it would be in this matchup. If you compare the numbers of these two teams, Toledo has a good chance of winning this series.

The South is well represented with the Gwinnett Gladiators versus the South Carolina Stingrays. I’ll take Gwinnett on this one. The strength of their players will be too much for South Carolina.

And finally, the Florida Everblades host the Elmira Jackals. Florida will win these games and go far in the playoffs. They won the Kelly last year and could be favorites again this season.

My picks for the finals: As much as I would love it to see the Bulls winning it all, I don’t think that’s likely in their first year. So, realistically, I see Florida vs Ontario in the Finals with Florida winning.

So, now it’s time to sit back and see what happens. And root for your favorite team!

GO BULLS!  

BULLS WEEKLY WITH TOMMY GRANT!

It's the start of baseball season and even though the San Francisco Giants are starting the season down in LaLa Land at Dodger Stadium, the Giants opened up AT&T Park for fans this afternoon to watch the game for free from their big screen. That's pretty cool.

In traditional form, the Giants lost this first game of the season, (as they have for a few years now), and when Bulls Weekly started at Pedro's across from AT&T Park, Giants fans were well on their way drinking off the loss.

Tommy Grant

That didn't slow us down at all. We welcomed the disappointed and tipsy Giants fans to watch the broadcast and have fun with us. Some stuck around and probably had a bit too much fun. Not that they'll remember it in the morning...

The Front Office Crew

Tommy Grant was Jason Lockhart's guest tonight. He was the perfect guest to have tonight with the Playoffs coming up and the team heading to Alaska Wednesday. Tommy spent a few years going to college and playing hockey in Anchorage, so he knows the area well. He shared some secrets about living up north and being on a college hockey team.

Misty, Rocky & Shelly

Jason gave away lots of goodies to the crowd and the good-sized crowd had a blast.

With the Giants schedule coming up, Jason's not sure when the next broadcast will be, but I'll let you know as soon as I find out.

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The FIRST Playoff game is this Friday from Anchorage, AK at 8:00pm Pacific time.  The SECOND game is Saturday, also at 8pm.

The Playoff games at home start Thursday, April 11th! BE THERE!!!

BULLieve! GO BULLS!

A LOOK BACK IN PICTURES

First, congratulations for the Bulls ending their regular season with a big win over Bakersfield, 5-1. It was a nice way to put a capper on what has been a banner year for the young team. Mikael Tam earned the HORNS OF THE GAME Award, our first ever recipient! He earns this by scoring two goals and by his excellent defensive work.

Horns of the Game Award to Mikael Tam

Now the team can settle in and work on their Playoff strategies.

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Happy Easter everyone! Later this week I'll post my write up about the upcoming Playoffs. But, because today is Easter, I'm sharing with you many pictures I've taken throughout the season. Some have been posted, some have not.

Monday night Jason returns with BULLS WEEKLY at Pedro's Cantina. It will be his special Playoffs edition. So BE THERE!

GO BULLS!!!

LAST HOME GAME A BOMB BUT FANS HAVE FUN ANYWAY

The last home game was Fan Appreciation Day and the Bulls did it in style. Nope, I’m not talking about the game itself. I’ll skip over that as quickly as possible. The Bulls were shut out by the Idaho Steelheads 5-0. The team didn’t seem to have any energy as Taylor Nelson was lit up and replaced by backup goalie Travis Fullerton. The Ref seemed to not be there as well, refusing to call many obvious penalties. But, that’s the way it goes sometimes.

Kris Belan

There were plenty of raffle prizes, including an SF Giants relief pitcher Sergio Romo-signed stick, lots of ticket package giveaways and merchandise gift certificates.

There was a slight melancholy feeling in the air as well, as we all know that the season is winding down. The playoffs are coming up, but soon it will all end until the 2013-2014 season.

Jordan Morrison & Tommy Grant

Merchandise was on sale at great prices as the crowds lined up to take advantage of the discounts.

The Bulls’ booster club the Matadors was out in force signing up people to join the Matadors/Stampede. If you’re interested in signing up and helping support the players next season, you can fill out the questionnaire at: sfbullsstampede.com or check out the Facebook page at: facebook.com/BullsMatadors

Awards Ceremony 

After the end of the game, the Player Awards were given out. Captain Scott Langdon received Fan Favorite and Defensive Player of the Year, Dylan King Most Improved Player, Kris Belan Rookie of the Year, Peter Sivak Offensive Player of the Year and Dean Ouellet MVP. I was one of the presenters. It was fun to step out on the ice. I thought it would be more slippery, but after all the skating there was plenty of ice dusted up to make it safe to walk on it street shoes.

Coach Curcio and Val during Awards Ceremony (photo: Dan Parks)

After the awards, the entire team signed autographs in the North Hall. This was especially awesome because they had a bus to catch to Bakersfield afterwards for tonight’s last regular season game.

Dylan King & Kory Falite signing autographs

Be sure to listen in tonight on knbr.com or watch online through AmericanOneSports.com

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It’s been an amazing season. I’ll write my complete year write-up after the playoffs. Next week, however, I’ll be posting a lot of pictures that never made it into my blogs.

Monday night is Bulls Weekly with Jason Lockhart. I don’t know who his guest is, but BE THERE!!!

Playoffs start for the Bulls in Alaska on April 5^th and 6^th. Then they move back to the Barn on April 10^th and 11^th. Be sure and order your tickets!

GO BULLS!!!

A CLOSE BATTLE LOST BUT A WIN FOR FANS

Life is filled with battles. It’s up to us to choose what in our lives is worth standing up for and what is not. The Bulls battled through three scoreless periods, not giving the Idaho Steelheads any quarter. Unfortunately, San Francisco lost in Overtime 1-0, but it’s not something the team should feel badly about; they kept up the fight all the way through.

This was Travis Fullerton’s debut as Goaltender. He did a stellar job. He stopped 25 of 26 shots and helped us Bulls fans breath a bit easier knowing that the team has a good backup goalie now.

Scott Langdon & Travis Fullerton

Kris Belan is also back with the team. I’ve missed him!!! He got a roughing penalty within the first few minutes of the game, just because that’s how he rolls, so we all knew things were getting back to normal. I talked to him after the game and he told me how strange it is to be back in San Francisco and not know hardly any of the players anymore. He was very happy to be here with the San Francisco fans and weather, however and looked extremely happy to see us familiar fans’ faces. He is well loved by Bulls fans.

Kris Belan (Dan Parks)

Also back on the ice was Ian Schultz. He had his energy and speed as well. He’s so fun to watch skate; he never stops with the aggression either. If he can stir it up, he will. He did so in the Third Period, taunting the Steelheads, throwing the bull horns on the way to the box. Since he played at Utah before the Bulls, I have to think that there’s a lot of history and bad blood between him and Idaho.

Ian Schultz

One of the “firsts” by the Bulls is having an Ice Bar at one end of the rink. It’s been a huge success, so the team wanted to enlarge it. There’s also a big area behind the home and visitor’s benches where no one sits because the site line to the game is blocked. The Ice Bar was moved to this area and just opened last night. There is also a row of glass seats that need to be kept separate from the bar area by a fire lane.

There was one problem, though. There was no access to watching the Bulls players warm ups at that side of the ice. The only way one could now get close to the players warming up was to go all the way to the other side of the Barn to a small area. No one was letting us into the glass seat area like we had in the past. That was fine for a weekday night when there aren’t a whole lot of people, but what about a weekend game, or the playoffs when the crowds will be much larger?

New Ice Bar Area

When, in my dismay, I pointed out the access problem for fans, the top rate Bulls staff brainstormed and by the end of the night they decided to open up the entire area to everyone until game time when the Ice Bar becomes Over 21 and the glass seats are closed off for everyone except ticketholders. Which is as it should be.  Even at the top NHL arenas fans are allowed to take pictures of their favorite players warming up, and then when the warm-ups are over, they go back to their seats.

I don’t say this flippantly or lightly. In a world where it seems that no one cares about us, when it seems that we don’t mean much to anyone, this team, the San Francisco Bulls, goes out of their way to make sure us fans get the very best experience they can. THEY DO CARE.

So, thank you, Angela, Marlena, Stephanie, Andrea and everyone else I talked to last night for working with me and making the Bulls Fan Experience an even better time!

The last regular season home game of the year is tomorrow night, Friday! We play the Steelheads again. There will be plenty of raffles for fans, awards for players and fun stuff! You should BE THERE!

We play an away game in Bakersfield Saturday night and then it’s off to the Playoffs!  I’ll write a review of the Playoffs in a couple days, be on the lookout for that!

GO BULLS!