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!

BULLS BEATEN BY STOCKTON BUT WELCOME DOGS TO THE BARN

In the 60s, The Big Valley put Stockton on the map. More recently, Sons of Anarchy has done the same thing. Not in a positive way, like the Big Valley, but in a violent, nasty, murderous way. It’s a great show, I do watch it, but it certainly does not show the San Joaquin Valley in the best light. The Stockton Thunder even use a modified version of the SofA logo in their game introduction. I have no idea why they would want to associate themselves with a television show about a drug dealing, murdering biker gang, but there you have it.

Downtown Stockton

The Stockton Thunder have been around as a team for eight years. They started in 2005 and according to the team’s website, didn’t even win a game for the first two weeks. . ("Two weeks later, Stockton got another landmark: its first win in team history.") http://www.stocktonthunder.com/history-of-the-thunder/ Also during that first season, they didn't make the playoffs. So, right off the bat the Bulls are off to a much better start than the Thunder. I say this because some Thunder fans have the tendency to be quite arrogant when it comes to how great their team is compared to the Bulls. OK, Stockton has a better record this season, true, but this is the Bulls first year and we're doing better than the Thunder did. So just wait, Valley fans, just wait...

(Photo: Ray Ahner)

Stockton swept the Bulls in a two-game series this weekend. They were ugly nasty, fight-filled games. At least the first one was.

The first game took place in Stockton and ended with a 10-man brawl where a whole line from each team was ejected from the game. The Thunder won the game 4-0. It was such an ugly game; I'll leave it at that, not much to say expect it was as ugly as a junk yard in Stockton.

Pucks & Paws (Photo: Ray Ahner)

Yesterday was Pucks and Paws day at the Barn. Fans could bring their dog to the game if they had one. This is a popular event in not only minor league hockey but baseball. The San Francisco Giants do this as well. It worked out great. Both the dogs and owners had a great time. The only glitch I noticed was one very vocal dog barked the entire game. 

(Photo: Ray Ahner)

The game itself was exciting, even though the Bulls lost 3-1. Through the 1st Period there was no score. Lots of action and the team kept it tight. But the Thunder scored first. Heemskerk did a really good job on the net, but in spite of that, couldn't stop Stockton from scoring to win the game. Jordan Morrison got one goal in the 3rd Period and San Francisco tried to make a comeback but it fell short. The Thunder scored one empty netter and the lid was closed.

Thomas Heemskerk (Photo: Ray Ahner)

Even with the loss it was a fun game. I thank my friend Ray Ahner for joining me at the game. Many years ago, I published an underground metal magazine called BAST magazine for 15 years until I couldn't afford to any longer. It never made money, but I had a blast doing it. Ray did lots of photographs for it. He can usually be found in the nearest concert photopit. This was his first hockey shoot but I know it won't be his last. Thanks for the great pics! Check out his website at: www.raymondahner.com

The Bulls go on a long road trip starting February 22nd with two games in Boise, Idaho. If you remember, they beat the Steelheads the last time these two teams played, so hopefully, they'll do it again!

GO BULLS!

BULLS PRIVATE IDAHO

It’s 639 miles from San Francisco to Boise, Idaho. At 60 miles per hour, it’s about a 10½ ride. Given that there will probably be a stop or two and if you’re riding a fully loaded bus with your teammates, once that big bus hits the mountainous elevation, it will slow down a bit, so let’s say about 12 hours. That’s a long time to spend on a bus. You get to know your mates really well on a trip like that. You get to know who has holes in their socks, who’s a chocolate fiend and who snores the loudest. But you also become closer as a group, especially if the ride back includes an amazing come-from-behind-win.

Boise, Idaho

The Bulls played two games against the Idaho Steelheads. Idaho is a great team. They are fast, talented and capable. At 69 points, they have the third best record in the Western Conference behind Ontario and Alaska.

The first game was a loss, 3-2, though the Bulls tried their hardest to overcome throughout the game.  New Captain Scott Langdon lead the team with the first goal of the game, but a few seconds later, Idaho scored to even it up. Then the Steelheads got another goal and were up 3-1. Jordan Morrison in the last five minutes of the game, but San Francisco wasn’t able to tie it up.

In the second game, The Steelheads scored first.  They actually scored twice, taking a 2-0 lead. But then, 59 seconds after Idaho’s second goal, Alex Tuckerman scored San Francisco’s first, making it 2-1. It was Tuckerman’s trademarked Gonzo Hockey style, fighting to get the puck past the goalie and into the net. It’s not artistic, but effective.

Idaho scored once more, but Peter Sivak also scored, making it 3-2, with the Steelheads still in the lead. In the third period, Rob Kwiet scored, tying the game. The Kwiet scored again, allowing the Bulls to lead for the first time in the game. Kris Belan snagged the puck into the net and the game was 5-3. Sivak, after a few tries, hammered the nail in the proverbial coffin with an empty-net goal, making the final score 6-3.

It was a long, tiring ride home for the team, but a happy one. Captain Langdon brought his guitar and tunes wafted from the back of the bus keeping sleepy heads positive all the way back to California.

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Michael Tam & Jason Lockhart

Because the team’s bus arrived from Boise early in the morning, it prompted a last minute Bulls Weekly at Pedro’s Cantina this evening. Jason’s guest was defenseman Michael Tam. This was a great chance to hear from a player who has spent time in both the ECHL and AHL.

I urge all of you Bulls fans to go to Bulls Weekly at Pedro’s, even if it’s only once. They’re a lot of fun. You get to listen to Jason’s broadcast and a hear from a Bulls player, as well as meet them and hang out with other Bulls fans. Plus, the food and drinks are great.    

Marlon Mendieta, Michael Tam & Arlene Empleo & the kids! 

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Next home game is Sunday, February 17th. It's also Pucks & Paws Day, where fans bring their dogs, so it should make for an interesting evening.

GO BULLS!