Bulls Renew Rivalry with the Thunder Tonight in Stockton

Published on January 18, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
San Francisco Bulls News Release


San Francisco Bulls (13-19-1-4, eighth place, Western Conference) at

Stockton Thunder (20-13-4-3), fourth place, Western Conference)

When: Friday, January 18 at 7:30 pm

Where: Stockton Arena

Listen: KNBR.com

Watch: Americaonesports.com

Tonight's Matchup: The San Francisco Bulls (13-19-1-4) kick off a three-game series against the Stockton Thunder (20-13-4-3) tonight at Stockton Arena. The triad continues tomorrow night back at the Cow Palace, and then back in Stockton on Sunday. Tonight is the fifth of 13 meetings between the two teams, with San Francisco leading the season series 3-1-0-0. The one loss came in their last matchup when the Bulls and the Thunder took to the ice at HP Pavilion in San Jose, home of the San Jose Sharks. Toni Rajala netted a hat trick, and Stockton came away with the win 6-4 in front of 12,881 hockey hungry fans.

Bulls Game Day Preview

San Francisco Bulls (13-19-1-4, eighth place, Western Conference) at

Stockton Thunder (20-13-4-3), fourth place, Western Conference)

When: Friday, January 18 at 7:30 pm

Where: Stockton Arena

Listen: KNBR.com

Watch: Americaonesports.com

Tonight's Matchup: The San Francisco Bulls (13-19-1-4) kick off a three-game series against the Stockton Thunder (20-13-4-3) tonight at Stockton Arena. The triad continues tomorrow night back at the Cow Palace, and then back in Stockton on Sunday. Tonight is the fifth of 13 meetings between the two teams, with San Francisco leading the season series 3-1-0-0. The one loss came in their last matchup when the Bulls and the Thunder took to the ice at HP Pavilion in San Jose, home of the San Jose Sharks. Toni Rajala netted a hat trick, and Stockton came away with the win 6-4 in front of 12,881 hockey hungry fans.

Last Sunday afternoon's game saw the Bulls edged by the Bakersfield Condors 4-2. After a scoreless first period, Bakersfield jumped on the board quickly in the second, scoring two goals just eleven seconds apart. Goals from Francis Verreault and Jacob Lagace sent Bulls netminder Taylor Nelson to the bench, and gave fans their first look at Bryan Hince. Bakersfield extended their lead to 3-0 on a shorthanded goal by Nicholas Tremblay at 4:34 in the second. Goals from Peter Sivak and Kris Belan reduced the deficit for the Bulls, but the Condors held on for their 11th win of the season.

The start of the NHL season is just around the corner, and its effects continue to be felt throughout the AHL and ECHL. Within the past week, the Bulls made a blockbuster trade that sent San Francisco's team captain, Justin Bowers, along with the rights to Sacha Guimond to the Gwinnett Gladiators for forwards Christian Ouellet, Rylan Galiardi, and defenseman Cody Carlson. Bowers was a steady force for the Bulls this season, ranking third on the team in points (29) and leading in assists (21). Guimond is currently tied for fourth among ECHL defensemen with 25 points (7 goals, 18 assists). Christian Ouellet has notched eight goals and four assists in 31 games with Gwinnett this season. Galiardi sat third among active players for Gwinnett with 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists) in 39 games. Carlson has recorded eight points (2 goals, 6 assists) in 18 games this season. On Thursday, the Bulls also announced the signing of right wing Sebastian Trudeau. Trudeau, 21, was fifth on his previous team, the Bloomington Blaze of the Central Hockey League, with 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 35 games. The new additions hope to add speed and depth to the Bulls line up.

All-star Dean Ouellet continues to produce strong numbers for the Bulls. Ouellet currently ranks third amongst ECHL rookies with 31 points, and ranks second in goals with 17. Ouellet has also been stellar on what has been a very strong Bulls power play unit this season, leading all rookies with six power play goals. The Bulls currently hold the fourth-best power play in the league, converting at a 21.3% clip. Of note for Friday's game in Stockton, the unit has been even better on the road, converting 22.6% of their chances, good for tops in the league.

Stockton currently sits in fourth place in the Western Conference with 47 points. The Thunder have a grueling schedule coming up, with three more games against the Bulls and three games in three days again next weekend against the Utah Grizzlies. San Francisco remains in eighth place with 31 points, now only six points ahead of ninth-place Bakersfield. The Bulls will face Stockton three more times this month, and will travel to Alaska for a three game series next weekend.

The Bulls return home tomorrow night to take on the Thunder once again at the Cow Palace at 7:15 pm. The first 2,000 fans, 13 and over, receive an Orange Bulls Hat, courtesy of Seton Medical Center.

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