Dogs Win AHL's Longest Game
Published on May 31, 2003 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
The Hamilton Bulldogs are right back in the Calder Cup Final series against the Houston Aeros. Michael Ryder put an end to the longest game in American Hockey League history when he scored at 14:56 of the 7th overtime period as the Dogs evened up the best of seven series 1-1.
Fans didn't shy away from Copps for Game 2. The crowd of 10,419 at Copps was the largest single game gathering in the 2003 Calder Cup playoffs for the AHL. It also set a single game, Bulldogs playoff record for attendance.
Jason Ward nearly ended the game in the first overtime but was robbed by Aeros goalie Johan Holmqvist. Tony Salmelainen was denied on a partial breakaway, when Ward arrived on the scene but couldn't finish off the game as the netminder made an outstanding glove save with his back-side on the goal-line.
Chad Hinz looked at an open net as Holmqvist was out of position but hit the side of the net in the 4th extra frame.
Both sides had many great chances to score in all four overtime period.
Hamilton goalie Ty Conklin made 83 saves and was named the games first star. His counterpart, Holmqvist turned aside 79 shots.
Ryder continued his solid play in the post-season as he opened the goal scoring at 3:32 of the first period. Ryder scored his 9th of the playoffs by roofing a backhander on a power play. Jarret Stoll and Marc-Andre Bergeron drew assists on the marker.
Mike Bishai had two great scoring chances for the Bulldogs in the second period. He rang a shot off the post while on a odd man rush with Jason Ward. Later on in the period, the Edmonton, Alberta native failed to knock in a loose puck while all alone in front of the Houston net.
Houston's Hnat Domenichelli scored on a 5-on-3 power play near the half-way mark of the first period.
Dogs captain Benoit Gratton was missing in action. Jozef Balej, wearing #57 was inserted in the lineup for the first time in these playoffs.
Forwards Nate DiCasmiro and Sylvain Blouin, and defenseman Benjamin Carpentier were other regulars who did not dress for Hamilton.
The Dogs were on the losing end of a 2-1 score in Game 1 on Wednesday. Rookie defenseman Mike Komisarek supplied the only offense for Hamilton on the night, as he scored his first of the playoffs in the opening period.
Stephane Veilleux and Jean-Guy Trudel scored for Houston.
Hamilton finished six points ahead of the Aeros during the regular season. The Dogs were atop the AHL overall standings and Houston stood ahead of four other teams in the West Division.
Both teams have played 18 games in these playoffs.
The Dogs will travel to Houston, Texas for Game #3 on Wednesday, June 4 at 8 p.m. Hamilton time. You can listen to all the action with Derek Wills and Al Craig on Hamilton's 820 CHAM-AM.
American Hockey League Stories from May 31, 2003
- Charlotte Welcomes ECHL Annual Meetings - Charlotte Checkers
- Bulldogs, Aeros in Calder Cup classic - AHL
- Dogs Win AHL's Longest Game - Hamilton Bulldogs
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