NAHL Amarillo Bulls

Bulls Win Home Opener Beat Jackalopes 5-1

Published on September 30, 2012 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Amarillo Bulls News Release


AMARILLO, TX - A quick striking offense was the Amarillo Bulls' tonic in a win in their home opener on Saturday night at the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center.

Two goals in the first 90 seconds of the game, and another at the start of the second period propelled the Bulls past the Odessa Jackalopes 5-1. It was Amarillo's third win of the season and second in a row.

"I thought it was a great game," said Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams. "The team came out hard and scored in the first 1:20 of the game. I think their energy level was high after the ceremony that we had. It was a typical Bulls type of game firing 35 shots at the net and only giving up under 25. I felt we competed and battled hard for a full 60 minutes. We had a great week of practice heading into this game, and got a victory heading into next weekend versus Wichita Falls."

Prior to the game, there was a ceremony to honor the team success of the 2011-2012. Three banners were lowered for the NAHL Overall Regular Season Title, the South Division Regular Season and Playoff Champions and the second straight trip to the Robertson Cup Championship. Opening night festivities also included a large tailgate party where fans enjoyed free barbecue, refreshments and live music.

When the puck dropped, it didn't get the Bulls long to get into the swing of things. Tyler Deresky scored just 53 seconds into the game off a great pass from Conor O'Neil. Geoff Fortman also added an assist on the goal.

Twenty three seconds later the Bulls struck again, and this time it was Michael Davis who tipped home a shot from Sam Johnson. Odessa cut the gap to 2-1 with a goal at the six minute mark.

It was another strong start to the period for the Bulls in the second. Gage Christianson scored from Ryan Cole and Connor Frey at the 41 second mark. The Bulls dominated the second period, outshooting Odessa 14-5.

Late in the third period, the Bulls rounded out the scoring with two more goals. Tyler Deresky notched his second of the game from Sam Johnson. Clint Carlisle rounded out the scoring from Brady Ferguson and Joe Grabowski.

The Amarillo Bulls outshot the Odessa Jackalopes 39-23. Each team had three power plays with neither being able to score.

Saturday's game was the first for either team in nearly two weeks. The layoff didn't appear to bother either team early on. Williams said it wasn't an easy two weeks for his charges.

"Obviously we were not happy with our 2-1-1 record at the Showcase," he said. "But our guys worked hard in practice. We have said it all along that our scouts do a great job. They go out there and find the guys that want to buy into our program and work hard. I thought we grinded out our opponent and were able to get pucks deep."

Next up for the Amarillo Bulls is a visit to Wichita Falls to face the Wildcats next Friday Oct. 5 and Saturday, Oct. 6 at Kay Yeager Coliseum. The face-off for both games is 7:15 pm. Fans can tune into the action live on ESPN1440 and www.amarillobulls.com beginning with pre-game coverage at 6:55 pm with Denis J. Puska.

Hockey is back at the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center on Thursday, Oct. 11 and Friday, Oct. 12 when the Odessa Jackalopes make a return visit. Both games begin at 7 pm. Tickets are available at the Bulls Office located at 301 South Polk, Civic Center Box Office and all Panhandle Ticket Outlets including United Supermarkets.

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North American Hockey League Stories from September 30, 2012


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