
Bulldogs Close to Clinching a Playoff Spot
February 17, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
The Hamilton Bulldogs are within five points of clinching a playoff spot for the sixth time in the franchise's seven year history. Any five point combination of Bulldogs' points earned and points not gained by the Albany River Rats, who are currently eleventh in the Eastern Conference and not in a playoff position, will guarantee Hamilton entry into the 2003 Calder Cup Playoffs. As well, the Bulldogs' magic point total to clinch the Canadian Division is eight.
The Bulldogs record currently stands at 41 wins, 9 losses, 5 ties and 4 overtime losses. Hamilton's 41 wins is the most recorded in franchise history. The previous mark of 40 was set back in the 1998-99 season.
Fans can listen to all the action on 820 CHAM-AM or on-line at www.hamiltonbulldogs.com. For all the most up-to-date information on the Hamilton Bulldogs please visit www.hamiltonbulldogs.com
âDOGS NOTES:
BULLDOGS LOOK TO SET ANOTHER FRANCHISE RECORD:
The Hamilton Bulldogs are within three points on tying the franchise record for most points in a season. Currently the Bulldogs have 91 points in just 59 games played this season. The old mark of 94 points was set back in the 1997-98 season.
JASON WARD CONTINUES TO LEAD CLOSE AHL SCORING RACE:
Bulldogs forward Jason Ward is currently the AHL scoring leader. Ward has earned 67 points on 28 goals and 39 assists, and is one point ahead of Houston's Jean-Guy Trudel, who has (24g-42a-66pts)
BEAUCHEMIN TOPS IN AHL PLUS/MINUS:
Francois Beauchemin leads the AHL in plus/minus with a +33 rating. Teammate Marc-Andre Bergeron is second with a +29 rating.
UPCOMING GAMES:
BULLDOGS BATTLE BONVIE AND THE SENATORS ... Tues., Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m. â Binghamton Senators at Bulldogs ... this contest marks the third of four meetings between these two clubs this season ... Hamilton has earned one win and one loss against the Senators this season ... the Senators Dennis Bonvie, a former Bulldogs' forward, currently has 2,891 penalty minutes in the AHL and is just eight minutes shy of Rob Murray's current AHL record ... Murray, a former Bulldog as well, currently plays with Springfield ... Senators goaltender Ray Emery, a Hamilton native and AHL All-Star, is second in AHL wins with 21 ... this game was originally scheduled to be played in the fall, but with the Queen's visit to Hamilton it was re-scheduled to Tuesday ... the Senators are in first place in the East Division with 66 points ... Next Meeting: April 4th at Binghamton
âDOGS MAKE FIRST EVER TRIP TO MILWAUKEE ... Fri., Feb. 21 at 8:12 p.m & Sat. Feb. 22 at 9:12 p.m. - Bulldogs at Milwaukee Admirals ... this weekend series marks the Bulldogs first ever trip to Milwaukee ... in two previous meetings this season the Bulldogs have earned one win and one overtime loss against Milwaukee ... the Admirals are led offensively by Milton native Darren Haydar, who in 54 games has earned 21g-33a-54pts ... Milwaukee currently sit fifth in the AHL's West Division with a record of (20-18-4-1) ... former Bulldogs goaltender Chris Madden has played in 14 games with the Admirals and has earned a 3.07 G.A.A. ... Next Meeting: Next Season/Playoffs
YOU MAKE THE CALL!
The Hamilton Bulldogs have announced as promised the opportunity for fans to weigh in on the name of Hamilton's professional AHL team. 'You Make The Call' also will allow fans the opportunity to choose the colour scheme their team will wear. Fans are encouraged to visit any Hamilton Tim Hortons franchise to fill in a ballot choosing one of the three names: 'Bulldogs', 'Canadiens', or 'Habs'; as well as the colour scheme that the team will wear: 'Blue, White, Red and Bronze' (current) or 'Red, White & Blue' (Montreal Canadiens). Fans will also have an opportunity to win two tickets to a select Bulldogs' game in weekly draws by just entering their ballot at Tim Hortons locations throughout the greater Hamilton area.
BULLDOGS ON 820 CHAM!
Hamilton Bulldogs fans can listen to all the Bulldogs home and road action this season on Hamilton's 820 CHAM-AM. Derek Wills provides all the play-by-play, while Hamilton radio personality Al Craig is the colour commentator for all home games and select road games.
BULLDOGS TICKETS:
For tickets to upcoming Bulldogs games contact the Bulldogs at (905) 529-8500 or by e-mail at tickets@hamiltonbulldogs.com.
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American Hockey League Stories from February 17, 2003
- Griffins hold off gritty Syracuse - OSC Original by Ed Gonser
- Williams Sets Record in 4-3 Win - Grand Rapids Griffins
- Healey Leads Monarchs over Maple Leafs - Manchester Monarchs
- Berenzweig Traded - Milwaukee Admirals
- Aeros Goalie Merry-Go-Round Continues; Cloutier Rejoins Aeros, Brady Released - Houston Aeros
- Saint John Flames Weekly - Saint John Flames
- Moose Continue Six-Game Homestand with Games against Houston and St. John's - Manitoba Moose
- Sports Carnival '03 raises over $30,000 - Manitoba Moose
- Checkers Close Season-High Seven-Game Homestand Tuesday - Charlotte Checkers
- Streaks End As Sound Tigers Open Busiest Stretch In Team History - Bridgeport Islanders
- Aeros Boast Successful Week - Houston Aeros
- Risidore Returns to Hamilton - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Bulldogs Close to Clinching a Playoff Spot - Hamilton Bulldogs
- Today's Penguins vs. Phantoms Game Postponed; Game Rescheduled to March 17th at 7:05 p.m. - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Phantoms game postponed - Adirondack Phantoms
- Rock Report - Toronto Marlies
- Toms named AHL Player of the Week - AHL
- Crunch Announce Details of Best Buy In-Store Challenge - Syracuse Crunch
- Norfolk Leads South Division by 10 Points - Norfolk Admirals
- Northern Conference Showdown Set for Peoria - Peoria Rivermen
- Leafs Weekend Wrapup - Toronto Marlies
- Maple Leafs Game Notes - Toronto Marlies
- Penguins Fall to Binghamton, 3-2, in Overtime - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
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