Bulldogs tied for first place overall in AHL
December 9, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
The Hamilton Bulldogs enter this week's action in a three-way tie with Grand Rapids, Bridgeport and Hershey for first place overall in the AHL.
The Bulldogs will look to build upon their 34 points as they host a pair of North Division rivals this weekend. Hamilton will take on the Cleveland Barons on Friday, December 12th (7:00 p.m.) at Copps Coliseum. The Bulldogs will return to action on 'Stuffed Animal Day' - Sunday, December 14th (4:00 p.m.) as the Manitoba Moose make their first visit to Hamilton. Bulldogs fans are encouraged to bring stuffed animals to Sunday's game and throw them on the ice after Hamilton's first goal. All stuffed animals will then be donated to selected Hamilton area charities.
Bulldogs fans can listen to Derek Wills call all the action live 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.
BULLDOGS CONTINUE TO LEAD NORTH DIVISION:
The Hamilton Bulldogs continue their lead on the AHL's North Division. The Bulldogs, who have 34 points, lead the second place Rochester Americans by eight points.
GRATTON TIED FOR AHL SCORING LEAD:
Hamilton Bulldogs captain Benoit Gratton is currently tied with Manchester's Pavel Rosa for the AHL scoring lead. Despite missing recent games due to injury, Gratton has still managed to score 30 points (13-17-30) in just 22 games played.
BALEJ AHEAD OF LAST YEAR'S PACE:
Bulldogs forward Jozef Balej has been one of the Bulldogs top point producers this season. In 27 games, Balej has earned a career-high 24 points (10-14-24), surpassing his total of 20 points (5-15-20) he tallied last season.
HOME-SWEET-HOME:
The Bulldogs are tied with the Manchester Monarchs for most home wins in the AHL with 10. Through 15 home games the Bulldogs earned 10 wins, 4 losses, 0 ties and 1 overtime loss (.700 winning percentage).
SPECIAL TEAMS:
The Hamilton Bulldogs special teams have increased their success rate over recent games. The Bulldogs power play is now rated 10th overall in the AHL, as they have scored on 15.8% (18 - 114) of their opportunities. When shorthanded the Bulldogs have prevented the opposition from scoring on 86.8% (112 - 129) of their opportunities (12th in AHL)
JOE CAHILL HOSTS 'DOGBITES WEELY RADIO SHOW on 820 CHAM
Legendary radio personality Joe Cahill will host 'DOGBITES - a weekly half-hour Hamilton Bulldogs radio show on Hamilton's 820 CHAM. Bulldogs play-by-play announcer Derek Wills will join Joe Cahill. The weekly show will feature Bulldogs interviews, highlights from the past week and much more.
BULLDOGS FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES:
The Hamilton Bulldogs 2003 Food Drive is well underway and it will continue throughout December. All fans donating non-perishable food items will receive a coupon, which will allow them to receive one free Bulldogs ticket with the purchase of an adult Bulldogs ticket for select December games. The coupon will be valid for the following games:
Friday, December 12th vs. Cleveland Barons - 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 17th vs. Cincinnati Mighty Ducks - 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 23rd vs. Philadelphia Phantoms - 7:00 p.m.
Bulldogs fans can drop off their non-perishable food items during the month of December at the Bulldogs office at 101 York Boulevard during business hours (Monday to Friday - 9am to 5 pm) and at the Copps Coliseum Box Office prior to Bulldogs' home games. The non-perishable food items will be stored in a 53 foot Bulldogs 'ATS Transportation' trailer, which is parked on the side York Boulevard. The non-perishable food items will be donated to Children's Aid Society, Martha House, Mission Services and Salvation Army.
UPCOMING GAMES:
Cleveland Barons at Hamilton Bulldogs - Friday, December 12 - 7:00 p.m.
The Bulldogs have played four games versus the Barons this season earning a record of 3 wins and 1 losses ... Jozef Balej has led the Bulldogs offensively versus the Barons with 6 points (2-4-6) in just four games ... the Barons currently have a winning road record of (5-1-2-2) ... Barons forward Miroslav Zalesak has averaged a point-per-game this season with 22 points (8-14-22) in 22 games played ... Next Meeting: January 9th at Copps Coliseum.
Manitoba Moose at Hamilton Bulldogs - Sunday, December 14- 4:00 p.m.
This game marks the third game between Hamilton and Manitoba this season ... the Bulldogs won the first two games in Winnipeg (2-1 W, Oct. 22) & (5-0 W, Oct. 24) ... Manitoba carries a record of 5-4-1-0 in their last ten games ... Fedor Fedorov, the brother of NHL star Sergei Federov, leads the Moose in scoring with 15 points (9-6-15) in 22 games played ... Next Meeting: January 10th at Copps Coliseum
BULLDOGS ON 820 CHAM!
Hamilton Bulldogs fans can listen to all Bulldogs home and road action 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 SEASON TICKETS:
Bulldogs Season Tickets are on sale now! To purchase season tickets or for more information contact the Bulldogs at (905) 529-8500 or by e-mail at tickets@hamiltonbulldogs.com.
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