2007-2008 Hamilton Bulldogs: Season Review
April 14, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
The Hamilton Bulldogs (American Hockey League affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens) wrapped up their 12th season yesterday and cleaned out their lockers this afternoon at Copps Coliseum. The 'Dogs, who failed to qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs for only the third time in franchise history, finished fourth place in the AHL's North Division with a 36-34-3-7 record and 82 points in 80 games. The San Antonio Rampage (42-28-3-7), who finished in fifth place in the West Division with 92 points, crossed over to the North Division's fourth seed and will take on the first-place Toronto Marlies in the 1st round of the 2008 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Last week, the Bulldogs posted a 2-2-0-0 record in four games to cap off the season. On Wednesday, April 9th, Hamilton routed the Rochester Americans (AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres and Florida Panthers) by an 8-4 score at Copps Coliseum, before dropping a 3-2 decision in their final home game of the campaign on Friday, April 11th to the Toronto Marlies (AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs). The 'Dogs then travelled to the Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday, April 12th and defeated the Lake Erie Monsters (AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche) 4-1. In their final game of the year on Sunday, April 13th, the Bulldogs lost 7-1 to the Syracuse Crunch (AHL affiliate of the Columbus Blue Jackets) at the Onondaga County War Memorial at Oncenter.
WEEK IN REVIEW:
Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 - ROCHESTER AMERICANS 4 @ HAMILTON BULLDOGS 8
Copps Coliseum - Hamilton, ON
Hamilton Goals: Corey Locke-3 (28), Jonathan Ferland-2 (15), Ajay Baines (6), Mathieu Biron (6), Brett Engelhardt (13)
Rochester Goals: Jordan Henry (2), Stefan Meyer (21), Martin Lojek (6), Clarke MacArthur (14)
Goaltending: Hamilton - Cedrick Desjardins (W - 23 shots, 19 saves) / Rochester - Adam Dennis (L - 26 shots, 19 saves)
Power Play: Hamilton 2-6 / Rochester 2-3
Attendance: 6,629
Friday, April 11th, 2008 - TORONTO MARLIES 3 @ HAMILTON BULLDOGS 2
Copps Coliseum - Hamilton, ON
Hamilton Goals: Matt D'Agostini (22), Pavel Valentenko (1)
Toronto Goals: Ben Ondrus (14), Brent Aubin (10), Jiri Tlusty (6)
Goaltending: Hamilton - Yann Danis (L - 28 shots, 25 saves) / Toronto - Scott Clemmensen (W - 23 shots, 21 saves)
Power Play: Hamilton 1-3 / Toronto 0-2
Attendance: 9,003
Saturday, April 12th, 2008 - HAMILTON BULLDOGS 4 @ LAKE ERIE MONSTERS 1
Quicken Loans Arena - Cleveland, OH
Hamilton Goals: Corey Locke-2 (30), Matt D'Agostini (23), Kyle Chipchura (10)
Lake Erie Goals: Wyatt Smith (17)
Goaltending: Hamilton - Cedrick Desjardins (W - 38 shots, 37 saves) / Lake Erie - Mike Wall (L - 32 shots, 29 saves)
Power Play: Hamilton 1-2 / Lake Erie 1-8
Attendance: 15,408
Sunday, April 13th, 2008 - HAMILTON BULLDOGS 1 @ SYRACUSE CRUNCH 7
Onondaga County War Memorial at Oncenter - Syracuse, NY
Hamilton Goals: Jonathan Ferland (16)
Syracuse Goals: Derek MacKenzie (25), Duvie Westcott (4), Clay Wilson (14), Gilbert Brule (5), Zenon Konopka-2 (24), Derick Brassard (15)
Goaltending: Hamilton - Yann Danis (L - 30 shots, 23 saves) / Syracuse - Karl Goehring (W - 26 shots, 25 saves)
Power Play: Hamilton 0-6 / Syracuse 3-9
Attendance: 5,871
FINAL AHL STANDINGS
FRANCHISE RECORDS SET IN 2007-2008:
- On Nov. 2/07 against Syracuse, C Maxim Lapierre scored two goals in 10 seconds to set a franchise record for the fastest two goals by one player, surpassing Michel Riesen who scored two goals in 35 seconds on Feb. 21/01 at Hershey
- C Corey Locke (63-117-180) became Hamilton's all-time leading scorer with a goal on Dec. 29/07 versus Toronto, surpassing Brain Swanson (71-108-179). Less than 24 hours after accomplishing the feat, Locke was recalled by the Montreal Canadians (NHL) for the first time in his career on Dec. 30/07
- The Bulldogs had a franchise-long goalless drought of 199:55 from Jan. 23-to-Feb. 1. Hamilton previously went 190:39 without a goal from Nov. 12-to-19 during the 2004-2005 campaign. The 'Dogs, who have been shutout in back-to-back games four times in franchise history, have never gone three consecutive games without a goal, but came within 52 seconds of that mark this season
- C Corey Locke had a goal and an assist to set and tie two major franchise-scoring records in Winnipeg on Feb. 2/08 against Manitoba. With the goal, scored into an empty-net, Locke became Hamilton's all-time franchise leader in goals with 72, surpassing Brian Swanson and Tomas Plekanec who each had 71 tallies as a Bulldog. With the helper, Locke tied Peter Sarno as Hamilton's all-time leader with 123 assists
- On Feb. 2/08 in Manitoba, Don Lever became the longest serving head coach in franchise history. The game was Lever's 206th contest behind the Bulldogs bench, surpassing former 'Dogs bench boss Claude Julien who coached 205 games from 2000-2003
- The Bulldogs had a franchise-long home goalless drought of 151:55 from Jan. 23-to-Feb. 6. The Bulldogs' previous franchise-long span without a goal at home was 138:55 from Nov. 12-to-26 during the 2004-2005 season
- C Corey Locke posted his 124th career assist on Feb. 8/08 in San Antonio to become Hamilton's all-time leader in assists, surpassing Peter Sarno who registered 123 helpers as a Bulldog
- On Feb. 24/08 at Toronto, Hamilton tied a franchise record by allowing only one shot on goal in the second period of its 3-1 win, while surrendering a season-low 15 shots overall in the game. (The club also allowed only one shot in the first period in Hershey on Feb. 6/02)
- With a point in a 3-2 overtime loss to Toronto on Mar. 21/08, Hamilton snapped a franchise-long seven-game pointless streak (Mar. 2-to-19). The Bulldogs had lost six-straight games in regulation three times prior to this year (Oct. 8-to-22 in the 1999-2000 season, Oct. 22-to-Nov. 8 in the 2000-2001 season, and Nov. 15-to-25 during the 2005-2006 campaign)
- With a win over Philadelphia on Mar. 30/08, the Bulldogs snapped their franchise-long losing and winless streaks at 12 games (Mar. 2-to-29). The 'Dogs previous franchise-long losing streak was eight games (Nov. 6-to-21 in the 2004-2005 season) and their previous franchise-long winless skid was 10 contests (Oct. 8-to-31 during the 1999-2000 campaign)
- With a goal just 11 seconds into the game on Mar. 28/08 in Wilkes-Barre, RW Matt D'Agostini set a Bulldogs' franchise record for the fastest goal to start a game. Former 'Dog Gavin Morgan scored 12 seconds into a game back on Oct. 30/04 in Syracuse
- C Corey Locke tied a franchise record with six points (3-3-6) on Apr. 9/08 against Rochester. Chad Hinz originally set the record with a goal and five assists on Dec. 8/02 in a 15-1 win over the Cleveland Barons. It was also the first time in Locke's hockey career (Junior and Professional) that he posted six points in a game
- Hamilton's 208 goals for during the 2007-2008 season sets a franchise low previously established in the club's inaugural campaign in 1996-1997 (220 goals for)
BULLDOGS ALL-TIME SCORING LEADERS:
PLAYER GP G A P
1 Corey Locke 313 85 144 229
T-2 Duncan Milroy 346 75 104 179
T-2 Brian Swanson 183 71 108 179
4 Tomas Plekanec 231 71 105 176
5 Peter Sarno 230 42 123 165
HAMILTON BULLDOGS 2007-2008 INDIVIDUAL AWARD WINNERS:
The Hamilton Spectator Most Valuable Player Award:
*As voted by the Hamilton Bulldogs players
Winner: #30 Jaroslav Halak
Previous Winners: Steve Passmore (1998-99), Daniel Cleary (1999-00), Paul Healey & Brian Swanson (2000-01), Brian Swanson (2001-02), Jason Ward (2002-03), Benoit Gratton (2003-04), Chris Higgins (2004-05), Marc-Antoine Pouliot (2005-06), Jaroslav Halak (2006-07)
The Hamilton Bulldogs Leading Scorer Award:
*Awarded to the Bulldogs Leading Scorer during the regular season
Winner: #84 Corey Locke
Previous Winners: Tomas Plekanec (2004-05), Corey Locke (2005-06), Duncan Milroy (2006-07)
The Tim Horton's Top Defenceman Award:
*As voted on by the local media
Winner: #12 Jean-Philippe Cote
Previous Winners: Todd Reirden (1998-99), Alex Zhurik (1999-00), Rory Fitzpatrick (2001-02), Sven Butenschon (2001-02), Marc-Andre Bergeron (2002-03), Francois Beauchemin & Patrick Traverse (2003-04), Dan Jancevski (2004-05), Dan Smith (2005-06), Dan Jancevski (2006-07)
The Swiss Chalet Top Rookie Award:
*As voted on by the Hamilton Bulldogs Radio Broadcast Team
Winner: #25 Pavel Valentenko
Previous Winners: Yann Danis (2004-05), Marc-Antoine Pouliot (2005-06), Jaroslav Halak (2006-07)
The Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc. (H.E.C.F.I.) Community Leadership Award:
*As voted on by the staff of the Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Club
Winner: #32 Ajay Baines
Previous Winners: Jeff Daw (1998-99), Mike Minard (1999-00), Ryan Risidore (2000-01), Alain Nasreddine (2001-02), Jason Ward (2003-03), Duncan Milroy (2003-04), Duncan Milroy (2004-05), Corey Locke (2005-06), Corey Locke (2006-07)
The Bill Sturrup Trophy Presented by the Growl (Formerly the Hamilton Bulldogs Fans' Choice Award):
*As voted on by The Growl - the Hamilton Bulldogs' Booster Club
Winner: #32 Ajay Baines
Previous Winners: Chris Ferraro (1998-99), Mike Minard (1999-00), Jason Chimera (2000-01), Brian Swanson (2001-02), Marc-Andre Bergeron (2002-03), Duncan Milroy (2003-04), Corey Locke (2004-05), J.J. Hunter, Jean-Francois Jacques (2005-06), Duncan Milroy (2006-07)
The Molson Cup:
*As voted on by the media at each game throughout the season (Three Stars of the Game)
Winner: #84 Corey Locke
Previous Winners: Steve Passmore (1998-99), Daniel Cleary (1999-00), Paul Healey (2000-01), Brian Swanson (2001-02), Jason Ward (2002-03), Jozef Balej (2003-04), Yann Danis (2004-05), Jean-Francois Jacques (2005-06), Duncan Milroy (2006-07)
The Flamboro Downs Workhorse of the Year: (Hardest Working Bulldogs Player)
*As voted on by the local media at each home game and by the Hamilton Bulldogs Radio Broadcast Team after each road game throughout the season.
Winner: #21 Jonathan Ferland
Previous Winners: Steve Potvin (1998-99), Brian Swanson (1999-00), Chad Hinz (2000-01), Jason Chimera (2001-02), Tony Salmelainen & Jarret Stoll (2002-03), Jozef Balej (2003-04), Steve Ott (2004-05), Maxim Lapierre (2005-06), Kyle Chipchura (2006-07)
ALUMNI WATCH - SEASON REVIEW:
Here is a list of ex-'Dogs who have competed at the NHL-level for at least parts of two seasons or more, and who have either tied or set personal-bests in the following categories this season:
- GOALS: Montreal C Tomas Plekanec (29), Montreal LW Chris Higgins (27), Dallas C Mike Ribeiro (27), Montreal LW Andrei Kostitsyn (26), Detroit RW Daniel Cleary (20), Dallas RW Antti Miettinen (15), Dallas C Steve Ott (11), Edmonton C Marty Reasoner (11), Montreal C Maxim Lapierre (7), Dallas D Trevor Daley (5), Montreal D Mike Komisarek (4), Edmonton RW Zack Stortini (3), Montreal C Mikhail Grabovski (3)
- ASSISTS: Dallas C Mike Ribeiro (56), Montreal C Tomas Plekanec (40), Montreal LW Andrei Kostitsyn (27), Montreal LW Chris Higgins (25), Detroit RW Daniel Cleary (22), Dallas D Trevor Daley (19), Columbus D Jan Hejda (13), Montreal C Maxim Lapierre (11), Edmonton RW Zack Stortini (9), Montreal C Mikhail Grabovski (6)
- POINTS: Dallas C Mike Ribeiro (83), Montreal C Tomas Plekanec (69), Montreal LW Andrei Kostitsyn (53), Montreal LW Chris Higgins (52), Detroit RW Daniel Cleary (42), Dallas RW Antti Miettinen (34), Dallas D Trevor Daley (24), Montreal C Maxim Lapierre (18), Columbus D Jan Hejda (13), Edmonton RW Zack Stortini (12), Montreal C Mikhail Grabovski (9)
- WINS: Washington G Cristobal Huet (32), Pittsburgh G Ty Conklin (18)
- GOALS-AGAINST: Montreal G Jaroslav Halak (2.11), Boston G Tim Thomas (2.44)
- SAVE PERCENTAGE: Montreal G Jaroslav Halak (.934), Boston G Tim Thomas (.921)
- SHUTOUTS: Edmonton G Mathieu Garon (4), Boston G Tim Thomas (3)
ALUMNI WATCH - 2008 STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS:
There are over 60 former Bulldogs who have graduated to the National Hockey League. Over 60 percent of all former 'Dogs have played in at least one NHL game. Here are a few highlights and accomplishments of ex-'Dogs from this past week in the 2008 NHL Playoffs:
- Dallas C Steve Ott scored the game-winning goal in Game 1 vs. Anaheim (April 10) in a 4-0 win
- Dallas C Mike Ribeiro picked up five points (1-4-5) in the first two games vs. Anaheim including: a pair of assists in a 4-0 Game 1 win (April 10) while being named the game's first star, and a goal and two assists in a 5-2 Game 2 win (April 12) while being named the game's third star
- Pittsburgh RW Georges Laraque assisted on the game-winning goal of Game 1 vs. Ottawa (April 9) in a 4-0 win
- Washington G Cristobal Huet registered a victory with 18 saves in Game 1 vs. Philadelphia (April 11) in a 5-4 win and was his 10th consecutive victory in net
- Boston G Tim Thomas made 27 saves and was named the game's third star in Game 3 vs. Montreal (April 13) in a 2-1 overtime win
- Montreal LW Sergei Kostitsyn had a goal in each of the first two games vs. Boston including a 4-1 win (April 10), and a 3-2 overtime win (April 12)
- Montreal LW Andrei Kostitsyn scored the game-winning goal, while C Maxim Lapierre and D Mike Komisarek each had an assist in Game 1 vs. Boston (April 10) in a 4-1 win
- Montreal C Tomas Plekanec assisted on the game-winning goal of Game 1 vs. Boston (April 10) in a 4-1 win, and also registered an assist in Game 2 vs. Boston (April 12) in a 3-2 overtime win
- Montreal LW Steve Begin registered an assist in Game 2 vs. Boston (April 12) in a 3-2 overtime win
- Montreal G Carey Price stopped 17 shots in Game 1 vs. Boston (April 10) in a 4-1 win, and made 38 saves while being named the game's first star in Game 2 vs. Boston (April 12) in a 3-2 overtime win
MOLSON CUP - THREE STAR LEADERS:
(1st Star - 5pts, 2nd Star - 3pts, 3rd Star - 1pt)
Player: Points:
1. Corey Locke 62
2. Matt D'Agostini 44
3. Jaroslav Halak 40
4. Mikhail Grabovski 25
5. Duncan Milroy 23
6. Jonathan Ferland 20
7. Maxim Lapierre 16
8. Janne Lahti 14
9. Marvin Degon 13
T-10. Carey Price 9
T-10. Daniel Corso 9
T-12. Sergei Kostitsyn 8
T-12. Yann Danis 8
14. Mathieu Carle 7
T-15. Kyle Chipchura 6
T-15. Eric Manlow 6
17. Mathieu Biron 5
18. Cedrick Desjardins 4
T-19. Ryan Russell 3
T-19. Pavel Valentenko 3
T-19. Mathieu Aubin 3
22. Brett Engelhardt 2
T-23. Jean-Phillippe Cote 1
T-23. Brock Trotter 1
FLAMBORO DOWNS WORKHORSE OF THE GAME LEADERS:
(10 pts. - Hardest working Hamilton Bulldogs player)
Player: Points:
1. Jonathan Ferland 90
T-2. Greg Stewart 70
T-2. Corey Locke 70
T-4. Yann Danis 40
T-4. Eric Manlow 40
T-4. Matt D'Agostini 40
T-4. Kyle Chipchura 40
T-8. Maxim Lapierre 30
T-8. Francis Lemieux 30
T-8. Duncan Milroy 30
T-8. Ryan O'Byrne 30
T-8. Marvin Degon 30
T-8. Mathieu Carle 30
T-14. Pavel Valentenko 20
T-14. Joel Bouchard 20
T-14. Andrew Archer 20
T-14. Mathieu Biron 20
T-14. Jean-Philippe Cote 20
T-14. Conrad Martin 20
T-20. Cory Urquhart 10
T-20. Cedrick Desjardins 10
T-20. Mathieu Aubin 10
T-20. Jon Gleed 10
T-20. Ajay Baines 10
T-20. Carey Price 10
T-20. Daniel Corso 10
T-20. Brock Trotter 10
T-20. Mikhail Grabovski 10
T-20. Janne Lahti 10
T-20. Brett Engelhardt 10
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