Bulls Announce First Player Signing and Partnership with Kristi Yamaguchi's 'Always Dream' Foundatio
Published on June 26, 2012 under ECHL (ECHL)
San Francisco Bulls News Release
The San Francisco Bulls Professional Hockey team announced today the first player signing in franchise history. Forward Peter Sivak joins the team after completing a career year in the Extraliga, Slovakia's top professional ice hockey league. Olympic gold medal figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi and Stanley Cup winner Bret Hedican were on hand to welcome Peter to San Francisco and to announce the SF Bulls' partnership with Yamaguchi's Always Dream Foundation.
"We're extremely excited to have our first signing, and start with such a key piece to the roster," said Bulls President/Head Coach Pat Curcio. "Peter brings invaluable experience and loads of talent. He will be one of our top gunners that fans will enjoy watching every night."
The Slovakian native set the league record for fastest goal from the start of a game, scoring 4.08 seconds into the first period on January 18, 2012 with MsHK Zilina against HK Poprad. Over 13 seasons, Sivak has recorded 232 points (110 goals, 122 assists) in 576 career games in the Slovakian and Czech Extraligas.
"I'm very happy to sign with the San Francisco Bulls," said Sivak. "It's a great opportunity for me to play my first year in North America."
Coach Curcio announced the team's partnership with the Always Dream Foundation at the press conference. The Foundation, whose goal is to empower children to reach their dreams through education and inspiration, will be the recipient of an upcoming fundraising event as part of the Bulls' upcoming inaugural season.
"We are thrilled to be a part of the welcoming committee bringing professional hockey back into San Francisco," said two-time Olympian and NHL All-Star defenseman Bret Hedican. Hedican's wife, gold medalist and world champion figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi concurred, saying "the fact that this new team is willing to get on board with the Always Dream Foundation and help us improve the lives of young people shows their commitment to the community, one that I am proud to serve."
Sivak, 30, ranked tied for sixth with 51 points (21 goals, 30 assists) in the Extraliga in 2011-12. Among the five players ranked ahead of him in scoring were former NHL All-Stars Zigmund Palffy and Miroslav Satan. Sivak ranked first on his team, MsHK Zilina, in assists and points, and second in goals. He was also second on the team in plus/minus rating with a +18.
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