If you did, you can count yourself as one of the 71,000 people in Canada that did see the game that evening.
There were apparently 7839 people at the Ricoh Coliseum for the game (according to television reports I watched) and I found out that Rogers Sportsnet had 63,000 viewers tune into the programme across the country.
Now this might not seem like an absolutely great number, but when you consider they were going up against a Montreal/Boston game on TSN, Prison Break on Global, Ken Dryden's jersey retirement followed by Doctor Who on CBC and Corner Gas on CTV then suddenly that's a pretty respectable number on a Monday night.
Halak played the first and looked decent, allowing 2 goals. Kostitsyn had a few shots and was -2 I think. Whatever.
I don't like All-Star games. I think they are sort of silly and a waste of time, but I watched and can be counted in as one of he 63,000 viewers.
How about you?
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Game Recap: 1/27 Vs. Manitoba Moose (3-0 win)
Four in a row!
The Bulldogs have matched their season winning streak again and won their fourth of four in this homestand, all without the services of both Maxim Lapierre and Zach Stortini, who were called up to the Canadiens and Oilers respectively before game time.
The Bulldogs looked good this game. Really good. They dominated the Moose with their speed and, when called upon, goaltender Jarsolav Halak made some key saves to notch his league-leading sixth shutout of the year. He'd been on the bench for the past three games, all of which were wins for Yann Danis, but he looked great after sitting for the past week.
The often-frustrating Andrei Kostitsyn turned in a great performance. He assisted on the first goal, a nice power play goal by Andre Benoit, and scored the second goal of the game (which was a very pretty one indeed). The third goal of the game was a good rebounder by forward Matt D'Agostini.
It was a good game, a quick game and a surprising one as well. The Moose looked flat, no doubt partially because of all the scratches they had (I think six were announced before the game), but the win now puts the Bulldogs back into second place in the North Division, two points ahead of the Moose.
The All-Star game is this week in Toronto, so the Bulldogs don't play again until Friday in Philadelphia. There is a busload of Bulldogs fans that are part of The Growl fanclub going down for the game. I wish I could, but it's too expensive of a trip for me right now, so I hope they have a great time.
Happy birthday to our pal at the games Katherine Harris, who turns 39 sometime this week! Hopefully she doesn't get too crazy down there in Philly...
The Bulldogs have matched their season winning streak again and won their fourth of four in this homestand, all without the services of both Maxim Lapierre and Zach Stortini, who were called up to the Canadiens and Oilers respectively before game time.
The Bulldogs looked good this game. Really good. They dominated the Moose with their speed and, when called upon, goaltender Jarsolav Halak made some key saves to notch his league-leading sixth shutout of the year. He'd been on the bench for the past three games, all of which were wins for Yann Danis, but he looked great after sitting for the past week.
The often-frustrating Andrei Kostitsyn turned in a great performance. He assisted on the first goal, a nice power play goal by Andre Benoit, and scored the second goal of the game (which was a very pretty one indeed). The third goal of the game was a good rebounder by forward Matt D'Agostini.
It was a good game, a quick game and a surprising one as well. The Moose looked flat, no doubt partially because of all the scratches they had (I think six were announced before the game), but the win now puts the Bulldogs back into second place in the North Division, two points ahead of the Moose.
The All-Star game is this week in Toronto, so the Bulldogs don't play again until Friday in Philadelphia. There is a busload of Bulldogs fans that are part of The Growl fanclub going down for the game. I wish I could, but it's too expensive of a trip for me right now, so I hope they have a great time.
Happy birthday to our pal at the games Katherine Harris, who turns 39 sometime this week! Hopefully she doesn't get too crazy down there in Philly...
Game Recap: 1/26 VS San Antonio Rampage (3-2 win)
Friday night's game versus the visiting San Antonio Rampage was a bit of a strange one. After the Rampage didn't arrive at the arena until 7:20 for a 7:30 start(?), game time was pushed back until 8:19. The game was a charity event for McMaster Children's Hospital so the arena was filled with loads of young kids under the age of ten - we had four children sitting with us all under 6 as some friends brought their three children along for the charity event and, as always my three year old son Kieran was also there. Unsurprisingly, a lot of families were seen leaving at the end of the second, not wanting to stay till the end - not that you can blame them. Shame on the Rampage for being so incredibly stupid that they would not leave Toronto earlier than 5 PM on a Friday when there is bad weather.
When the game finally did start, the Bulldogs came out of the gate with all guns blazing. Taking advantage of the large amount of power play time that referee Morton allowed the Bulldogs in the first period, they scored three goals on their first three power plays to end the first period with a 3-0 score. I don't think I have ever seen the Bulldogs get three power play goals in a game, let alone in a period, so this was a bit of a treat.
After the high energy first period however, the Bulldogs really started to ease up. They played the rest of the game in a loosey goosey style and let the Rampage get within one for a 3-2 final.
Of the three Hamilton goals, the nicest was the second, scored by Duncan Milroy when he tipped a Danny Groulx point shot in front of the net. The goal was nilroy's 20th of the year, marking the first time he has reached that plateau. However, the nicest goal of the game came from the Rampage's Yanick Lehoux, who snapped a nice goal in from the face-off circle that beat Yann Danis.
That's three wins in a row. Here's hopeing they make it four against Manitoba tomorrow.
When the game finally did start, the Bulldogs came out of the gate with all guns blazing. Taking advantage of the large amount of power play time that referee Morton allowed the Bulldogs in the first period, they scored three goals on their first three power plays to end the first period with a 3-0 score. I don't think I have ever seen the Bulldogs get three power play goals in a game, let alone in a period, so this was a bit of a treat.
After the high energy first period however, the Bulldogs really started to ease up. They played the rest of the game in a loosey goosey style and let the Rampage get within one for a 3-2 final.
Of the three Hamilton goals, the nicest was the second, scored by Duncan Milroy when he tipped a Danny Groulx point shot in front of the net. The goal was nilroy's 20th of the year, marking the first time he has reached that plateau. However, the nicest goal of the game came from the Rampage's Yanick Lehoux, who snapped a nice goal in from the face-off circle that beat Yann Danis.
That's three wins in a row. Here's hopeing they make it four against Manitoba tomorrow.
VIEW Magazine article: 24 January 2007
My latest article in VIEW was published on January 24th, Back on Track
Unbeknowest to me until the day before publication, this article was only printed online and did not make it into the print version of VIEW due to a last minute decision to shorten this week's edition of the paper by four pages. So if you picked up VIEW looking for it and wondered where it was, my apologies but it's out of my hands.
However, if you'd like to let VIEW Magazine know you were disappointed by not seeing it in the paper, please call their rant line between now and Tuesday at 905-527-3343 ext 106 and ask them where the Hamilton Bulldogs Notebook was in the January 24th issue.
Unbeknowest to me until the day before publication, this article was only printed online and did not make it into the print version of VIEW due to a last minute decision to shorten this week's edition of the paper by four pages. So if you picked up VIEW looking for it and wondered where it was, my apologies but it's out of my hands.
However, if you'd like to let VIEW Magazine know you were disappointed by not seeing it in the paper, please call their rant line between now and Tuesday at 905-527-3343 ext 106 and ask them where the Hamilton Bulldogs Notebook was in the January 24th issue.
VIEW Magazine article: 18 January 2007
Here is the article published on Thursday, January 18th, Bounced Back
These articles always get filed on the Monday morning before, so I didn't get a chance to mention announcer Bill Stirrup's sudden passing on Tuesday, January 16th in the column.
His loss is a huge one to not only the Hamilton Bulldogs, but also to Hamilton sports in general. Mr. Stirrup was more or less the voice of all Hamilton sports and did it for the love of the game. He will be sadly missed at the Buldogs game, with his inspiring introduction to the team ever year and his precise annuniciation. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.
These articles always get filed on the Monday morning before, so I didn't get a chance to mention announcer Bill Stirrup's sudden passing on Tuesday, January 16th in the column.
His loss is a huge one to not only the Hamilton Bulldogs, but also to Hamilton sports in general. Mr. Stirrup was more or less the voice of all Hamilton sports and did it for the love of the game. He will be sadly missed at the Buldogs game, with his inspiring introduction to the team ever year and his precise annuniciation. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends and co-workers.
VIEW Magazine article: 11 January 2007
Here is a link to my January 11th article from VIEW, Lapierre Moves Up
The Bulldogs as caught in their early January losing streak.
The Bulldogs as caught in their early January losing streak.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Game Recap: 01/06 Vs Rochester Americans (Loss 4-1)
The impact of not having both Canadiens callup playing tonight (see last post) was evident on the ice during this loss to their division rivals. The 'Dogs played a good game, but again met some hot goaltending and faced a team that just had more tenacity than themselves.
Yann Danis played a good, solid game for Hamilton. He let in 3 goals but none of them were soft. In fact, the 2nd one shouldn't have even counted. The referee (who it should be noted STUNK in this game) was calling quick whistles on everything except for this goal, which the Amerks forward managed to bang in from under Danis, who had covered it for at least a good 4 seconds already. It was a shit goal and it ended up being the game winner. It was also a bit of an indication of how the game went for the Bulldogs.
Zach Stortini had the only Hamilton goal and looked pretty good out there. He got a bit of a rough deal in the 2nd period when he was speared behind the Rochester net. Right after it happened (with no call) Zach got a little angry and nearly beat the crap out of the Amerk player, who was cowering in fear undernear Stortini - probably begging for forgiveness.
Another quetionable call in the 3rd had Francis Lemeieux given 2 penalties for trying to get the puck out from underneath the Amerks goalie, who was smothering it right at the edge of his no-contact zone. Despite having soemthing like three Amerks players jump on him and start laying a beating, Lemieux was the only one given two penalties.
The officiating really sucked in this game. There were too many calls, and a bunch of them were borderline. I hate to sound like a whiny fan, but sometimes I wonder why Hamilton gets half the calls they do.
Of course, putting Corey Locke out on the power play doesn't help matters either. I know they are down some players, but the idea of putting someone who should be benched on the power play is ridiculous. I have never been a fan of this guy's play - and no, his size has nothing to do with it, only his lack of heart - but I think this is his most disappointing season with the Bulldogs yet. They had him on the point (!!??!!) with the goalie pulled in the 3rd and he coughed up the puck to an Amerks player, who notched the empty net goal to seal the outcome.
This is the kind of stuff Locke always seems to do - stupid little things that hurt the team. I don't care if he does score goals, I'd much rather see Eric Manlow sitting at the point in the same situation, regardless if he hasn't scored a goal all season.
Yann Danis played a good, solid game for Hamilton. He let in 3 goals but none of them were soft. In fact, the 2nd one shouldn't have even counted. The referee (who it should be noted STUNK in this game) was calling quick whistles on everything except for this goal, which the Amerks forward managed to bang in from under Danis, who had covered it for at least a good 4 seconds already. It was a shit goal and it ended up being the game winner. It was also a bit of an indication of how the game went for the Bulldogs.
Zach Stortini had the only Hamilton goal and looked pretty good out there. He got a bit of a rough deal in the 2nd period when he was speared behind the Rochester net. Right after it happened (with no call) Zach got a little angry and nearly beat the crap out of the Amerk player, who was cowering in fear undernear Stortini - probably begging for forgiveness.
Another quetionable call in the 3rd had Francis Lemeieux given 2 penalties for trying to get the puck out from underneath the Amerks goalie, who was smothering it right at the edge of his no-contact zone. Despite having soemthing like three Amerks players jump on him and start laying a beating, Lemieux was the only one given two penalties.
The officiating really sucked in this game. There were too many calls, and a bunch of them were borderline. I hate to sound like a whiny fan, but sometimes I wonder why Hamilton gets half the calls they do.
Of course, putting Corey Locke out on the power play doesn't help matters either. I know they are down some players, but the idea of putting someone who should be benched on the power play is ridiculous. I have never been a fan of this guy's play - and no, his size has nothing to do with it, only his lack of heart - but I think this is his most disappointing season with the Bulldogs yet. They had him on the point (!!??!!) with the goalie pulled in the 3rd and he coughed up the puck to an Amerks player, who notched the empty net goal to seal the outcome.
This is the kind of stuff Locke always seems to do - stupid little things that hurt the team. I don't care if he does score goals, I'd much rather see Eric Manlow sitting at the point in the same situation, regardless if he hasn't scored a goal all season.
Laperriere and Grabovski recalled to Canadiens
After scratching our heads at Friday's game wondering were these two talented forwards were, we learned after the game they were both recalled to Montreal late Friday. This is not going to help Hamilton's offence at all, especially the call up of Laperriere, who is a real motivator on the team even when he's not scoring. If you play on a line wih this kid, you have to keep your wheels motoring or else you're gonna look like a fool if you decide to dog it.
They could of used these guys against Rochester Saturday night. I'll get into that more next post.
They could of used these guys against Rochester Saturday night. I'll get into that more next post.
Game Recap: 01/05 Vs Iowa Stars (Loss 2-0)
Friday night's game can be summed up in one word: frustrating. In the Iowa Stars, the Bulldogs faced a team not necessarily as talented as their own, but one that got most of - if not all of the breaks this game. Their goaltender was shit hot and shut us out for only the 2nd time this year. Halak had a pretty good game in net for the 'Dogs, maybe one soft goal, but he's had a good year so far and letting in 2 goals in a game is nothing to sneeze at.
The most dominant player on the ice for the Bulldogs was easily Eric Manlow. A much-discussed free agent signing by the Bulldogs this summer, much has been made about the fact that he hasn't been able to score this year yet after netting 25 last season. Well, I can tell you this: it might not be showing up on the scoresheet, but this guy is playing some quality hockey right now and had at least five quality scoring opportunities this game. All of them were foiled by the Stars' goaltender, Manlow didn't flub them up.
I can imagine that Manlow's confidence must be blown after that one, but I wouldn't worry. I think he's gonna break the draught soon and the goals will start coming in.
The most dominant player on the ice for the Bulldogs was easily Eric Manlow. A much-discussed free agent signing by the Bulldogs this summer, much has been made about the fact that he hasn't been able to score this year yet after netting 25 last season. Well, I can tell you this: it might not be showing up on the scoresheet, but this guy is playing some quality hockey right now and had at least five quality scoring opportunities this game. All of them were foiled by the Stars' goaltender, Manlow didn't flub them up.
I can imagine that Manlow's confidence must be blown after that one, but I wouldn't worry. I think he's gonna break the draught soon and the goals will start coming in.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Mathieu Roy sent up to Edmonton
It seems that the Bulldogs defence will look a little bit different this weekend. Word has come down from Edmonton that Mathieu Roy is being recalled to the Oilers as of this afternoon. This is the second time he's been called up this season, although he didn't get any icetime with the big team last time around.
This should be good news for Andrew Archer and Andre Benoit, who have both been playing sporadically since coming back from injuries. Benoit has looked really good the past few games I thought, so I hope to see him getting more ice time to prove himself (again).
Tonight VS Iowa Stars, 7:30 PM. The grudge match. Should be a good tilt. I am sure the Stars have a little venom in their stomachs after losing in overtime after having two separate two-goal leads on Wednesday night. Don't miss it!
This should be good news for Andrew Archer and Andre Benoit, who have both been playing sporadically since coming back from injuries. Benoit has looked really good the past few games I thought, so I hope to see him getting more ice time to prove himself (again).
Tonight VS Iowa Stars, 7:30 PM. The grudge match. Should be a good tilt. I am sure the Stars have a little venom in their stomachs after losing in overtime after having two separate two-goal leads on Wednesday night. Don't miss it!
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
VIEW Magazine article: 4 January 2007
Here is a link to read my January 4th story on the Bulldogs: Alls Well That Ends On The Ice
Originally this was supposed to run in the December 28th issue and it got bumped. Not my fault, I am just the writer. I talk a little bit about the good and bad of the Bulldogs so far. I should have talked more about how much Corey Locke stinks though.
Originally this was supposed to run in the December 28th issue and it got bumped. Not my fault, I am just the writer. I talk a little bit about the good and bad of the Bulldogs so far. I should have talked more about how much Corey Locke stinks though.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Game Recap: 12/31 @ Peoria (Loss 3-2)
For the second year in a row, the Bulldogs visited Peoria for a New Year's Eve tilt with the Rivermen. And, for a second year straight, they were beat. However, this time was much closer than last year (which I think was 5-1 or something) and the team almost came back to tie it in the 3rd period. The final: 3-2 for Peoria.
Funny statistical point about this game - all of the goals scored were on the power play. So not only did the Bulldogs meandering (but improving) power play manage to notch two goals, but their far superior penalty kill gave up three goals. I think that's the first time they have given up more than one since the beginning of December. Yikes.
Since the P2P price of $6 a game to watch on the internet is too much for me (I'm cheap), I like to listen to away games on the radio. After tuning into the Bulldogs web feed at 5:40 to get the pre-game show, I soon realized there were problems over at 820 CHAM (who were still playing crappy commercial country music like they regularly do when it's not time for the Bulldogs). I soon found the Peoria feed for the game and tuned into it and all I can say about it is wow. Unbelieveable.
Did the Peoria radio station just find their announcers 10 minutes before the game? Had these guys ever watched a hockey game before doing their broadcast last night. They were BRUTAL, some of the worst sports broadcasting I have ever heard. Or maybe we're just spoiled here in Hamilton because the Bulldogs broadcast team is so good,
Funny statistical point about this game - all of the goals scored were on the power play. So not only did the Bulldogs meandering (but improving) power play manage to notch two goals, but their far superior penalty kill gave up three goals. I think that's the first time they have given up more than one since the beginning of December. Yikes.
Since the P2P price of $6 a game to watch on the internet is too much for me (I'm cheap), I like to listen to away games on the radio. After tuning into the Bulldogs web feed at 5:40 to get the pre-game show, I soon realized there were problems over at 820 CHAM (who were still playing crappy commercial country music like they regularly do when it's not time for the Bulldogs). I soon found the Peoria feed for the game and tuned into it and all I can say about it is wow. Unbelieveable.
Did the Peoria radio station just find their announcers 10 minutes before the game? Had these guys ever watched a hockey game before doing their broadcast last night. They were BRUTAL, some of the worst sports broadcasting I have ever heard. Or maybe we're just spoiled here in Hamilton because the Bulldogs broadcast team is so good,
Game Recap: 12/30 @ Grand Rapids (Loss 2-0)
This was a tough one to swallow. For the first time in almost 13 months the Bulldogs were shut out. They've been doing a good job of doing this to other teams but haven't had it happen to them in a long time. It still seems like the team is having a hard time building momentum.
They played in Grand Rapids last Dec 30th for a loss too. Blech.
They played in Grand Rapids last Dec 30th for a loss too. Blech.
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