Hamilton Bulldogs Weekly

Published on April 15, 2013 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release


THIS WEEK'S GAME SCHEDULE/BROADCASTS (All times EDT)

Friday, April 19 vs. St. John's IceCaps, Copps Coliseum, 7:30 p.m. - Funny 820 AM/Cable 14

Saturday, April 20 at Rochester Americans, Blue Cross Arena, 7:05 p.m. - Funny 820 AM

Sunday, April 21 vs. Rochester Americans, Copps Coliseum, 3 p.m. - Funny 820 AM/Cable 14

BULLDOGS AT A GLANCE

Record : 28-39-1-5, 62 points ' Home: 17-16-1-2, 37 points, Road: 11-23-0-3, 25 points ' Standings: 5th North Division ' 15th Western Conference ' Last 10 games: 3-7-0-0 ' Longest winning streak: 4 (Feb. 9-16) ' Longest losing streak: 5 (Dec. 16-26, Jan. 11-21) ' Leading scorers: C Michael Bournival (66 GP 10-19-29) ' RW Patrick Holland (69 GP 10-18-28) ' C Joey Tenute (37 GP 8-16-24) ' Goaltenders: Jacob Gervais-Chouinard (2 GP 0-1-0, 3.36 GAA, .898 Save % 0 SO) ' Robert Mayer (37 GP 15-17-3, 2.99 GAA, .906 Save %, 0 SO), Dustin Tokarski (47 GP 24-15-4, 2.33 GAA, .912 Save %, 6 SO) ' Power play - Home: 19-for-140, 13.6 percent, 25th AHL ' Road: 11-for-145, 7.6 percent 30th AHL ' Overall: 30-for-285, 10.5 percent, 30th AHL ' Penalty killing - Home: 18-for-150, 88 percent, 4th AHL ' Road: 39-for-178, 78.1 percent, 29th AHL ' Overall: 57-for-328, 82.6 percent, 17th AHL ' Goals for per game: 2.10, 30th AHL ' Goals against per game: 2.99, 24th AHL

OPPONENTS AT A GLANCE

ST. JOHN'S ICECAPS (Affiliation: Winnipeg Jets) - Head Coach: Keith McCambridge ' Record: 31-35-3-4, 69 points ' Home: 13-19-3-3, 32 points ' Road: 18-16-0-1, 37 points ' Standings: 5th Atlantic Division ' 14th Eastern Conference ' Leading scorer: C Eric O'Dell (56 GP 28-25-53) ' Leading goaltender: Eddie Pasquale (43 GP 15-23-4, 2.79 GAA, .907 Save %, 4 SO) ' Power play: 60-for-366, 16.4 percent, 18th AHL ' Penalty killing: 62-for-318, 80.5 percent, 28th AHL ' Goals for per game: 2.56, 21st AHL ' Goals against per game: 3.10, 27th AHL ' Last game: April 14 L 5-4 (OT) vs. Wilkes Barre/Scranton ' Last 10 games: 6-2-0-2 ' The IceCaps, who failed to qualify for the Calder Cup playoffs, will finish their season with two road games against the Toronto Marlies on Saturday and Sunday ' C Eric O'Dell is 18th among AHL scorers with 28 goals and 25 assists for 53 points. He has recorded 21 points, including 10 goals, in his last 14 games ' LW Jason Jaffray has contributed one goal and four assists for five points in his last four games. He has two goals and five assists for seven points in seven games against the Bulldogs this season ' LW Kael Mouillierat has registered 10 points, including three goals, over his last nine games ' C Ben Maxwell has four assists in his last three games ' The IceCaps have won five games in overtime. The Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins lead the AHL in that category with seven ' The IceCaps are 16th in the league in penalty minutes, averaging 16.12 per game ' The IceCaps power play is 10th in the league on the road with 31 goals in 183 opportunities (16.9 percent) ' The IceCaps have yet to lose a game in regulation in which they led through two periods having compiled 18 wins and three shootout losses in 21 such games ' The IceCaps are 20th in the AHL at penalty killing effectiveness on the road having allowed 28 goals in 156 shorthanded situations for a kill rate of 82.1 percent ' The IceCaps are 5-7-1-0 against North Division foes ' All-time series: 7-8-0-0 ' This season: Eighth of eight meetings. Teams split a two-game set at St. John's. IceCaps won the opener 3-1 on Nov. 20, the Bulldogs claimed a 2-1 win the following evening. IceCaps skated to a 2-1 win at Hamilton on Dec. 21 while the Bulldogs won 6-3 at home on Dec. 28. The Bulldogs skated to a 4-2 victory at Copps Coliseum on Feb. 26. The IceCaps swept the last two games, both at St. John's, winning 5-0 on March 15 and prevailing 4-3 the following night ' First-round NHL picks: None ' Connections: IceCaps D Ben Chiarot is a native of Hamilton ' IceCaps C Ben Maxwell played 177 games over three seasons for the Bulldogs from 2008 to 2011

ROCHESTER AMERICANS (Affiliation: Buffalo Sabres) - Head Coach: Chadd Cassidy ' Record: 41-28-3-1, 86 points ' Home: 21-14-0-1, 43 points ' Road: 20-14-3-0, 43 points ' Standings: 2nd North Division ' 6th Western Conference ' Leading scorer: RW Mark Mancari (73 GP 22-39-61) ' Leading goaltender: David Leggio (62 GP 37-23-1, 2.59 GAA, .923 Save %, 4 SO) ' Power play: 62-for-305, 20.3 percent, 4th AHL ' Penalty killing: 38-for-295, 87.1 percent, 2nd AHL ' Goals for per game: 3.07, 8th AHL ' Goals against per game: 2.78, 17th AHL ' Last game: April 14 W 3-2 at Albany ' Last 10 games: 7-3-0-0 ' The Americans visit the Toronto Marlies on Friday night before beginning their home-and-home set with the Bulldogs ' RW Mark Mancari is eighth in AHL scoring with 22 goals and 39 assists for 61 points. He leads the AHL with 272 shots on goals and is the only player to have skated in every Americans game this season ' G David Leggio leads the AHL in wins (37), minutes played (3680:51), saves (1893) and shootout wins (9). He has eight wins and one loss in nine starts against the Bulldogs this season ' C Johan Larrson is 12th among rookie scorers with 41 points, including 16 goals ' D Brayden McNabb ranks 12th among AHL blueliners in scoring with five goals and 31 assists for 36 points ' RW Evan Rankin has four goals and four assists for eight points in eight games against the Bulldogs this season ' The Americans' 10 shootout wins are tied with the Providence Bruins for the most in the league ' The Americans have won 31 of the 42 games in which they have scored first ' Rochester is 19-12-1-1 against North Division opponents ' The Americans have scored 13 shorthanded goals, six behind the Binghamton Senators who lead the league in that category ' The Americans are 22nd in the league in penalty minutes averaging 14.41 per game ' C Cody McCormick turns 30 on Thursday ' All-time series: 72-76-7-0-7 ' This season: Eleventh and twelfth of 12 meetings. Bulldogs lost the first two games, both at Rochester, falling 3-1 on Oct. 23 and 3-2 via shootout on Nov. 2. Bulldogs prevailed 4-3 at home on Nov. 3 and lost 4-1 to the visiting Americans on Nov. 14. Rochester posted a 2-0 win at home on Dec. 31 and beat the visiting Bulldogs 5-2 on Jan. 11. The Americans beat the visiting Bulldogs 6-3 on Jan. 21. The Americans posted a 2-0 win at Hamilton on Feb. 18 and the Bulldogs skated to a 3-2 win at the Bell Centre at Montreal on Feb. 22. The Americans skated to a 4-2 win at Copps Coliseum on March 30 ' First-round NHL picks: C Zemgus Girgensons (Buffalo, 2012) ' Connections: Bulldogs D Kyle Hagel played three games for the Americans in 2008-09 ' Rochester D Drew Schiestel is a Hamilton native who played two seasons in the OHL for the Niagara IceDogs

TRANSACTIONS

April 14 - RW Sebastian Collberg signed to Professional Tryout contract

April 15 - D Peter Merth released from Professional Tryout contract

April 15 - D Antoine Corbin recalled from San Franciso

INJURY REPORT

C Blake Geoffrion (depressed skull fracture, November 9th vs. Syracuse at Montreal) is out indefinitely ' C Joonas Nattinen (shoulder, Dec. 28 vs. St. John's) is out indefinitely

PRACTICE/MORNING SKATE SCHEDULE

Monday, April 15: Off Day

Tuesday, April 16: Practice - 11 am (Copps Coliseum)

Wednesday, April 17: Practice - 11 am (Copps Coliseum)

Thursday, April 18: Practice - 11 am (Copps Coliseum)

Friday, April 19: Morning Skate - 10 am (Copps Coliseum)

Saturday, April 20: Morning Skate - 11:15 a.m. (Blue Cross Arena)

LAST WEEK'S RESULTS

April 12: at Hamilton - Monsters 6, Bulldogs 2

The Monsters struck for four first-period goals on the way to a 6-2 win. John Negrin opened the scoring 46 seconds into the game and Luke Walker followed at 4:30. Andrew Agozzino's first goal of the game, at 7:23 made it 3-0 and Paul Carey sent Bulldogs starting goaltender Dustin Tokarski to the bench at 12:50. Tokarski, who faced five shots, was relieved by Jacob Gervais-Chouinard who made 17 saves the rest of the way in his professional debut. Agozzino and Dean Strong made it 6-0 before Kyle Hagel, with his second goal of the season at 5:57 of the third period, and Michael Bournival, with his ninth goal at 15:08, countered for the home side. Calvin Pickard faced 24 shots for the Monsters who were 0-for-3 on the power play. The Bulldogs were 0-for-2 before a crowd of 4,742.

April 13: at Cleveland - Monsters 3, Bulldogs 2

Paul Carey's power-play goal at 11:09 of the second period proved the winner as the Monsters held on for a 3-2 victory. Jamie MacQueen gave the home side a 1-0 lead at 15:08 of the first period and Tomas Vincour made it 2-0 at 16:27. Petteri Nokelainen scored on the power play at 14:17 of the second to cut the deficit to 3-1 and Michael Bournival's shorthanded goal at 16:57 got the Bulldogs within a goal, but that was as close as they would get. Robert Mayer made 18 saves for the Bulldogs who were 1-for-5 on the power play. Calvin Pickard faced 25 shots for the Monsters who were 1-for-6.

April 14: at Hamilton - Barons 4, Bulldogs 0

Yann Danis made 24 saves to record his first shutout of the season as the Barons skated to a 4-0 win before a crowd of 4,369 as well as a number of dogs on hand for the club's annual Pucks and Paws game. Phillippe Cornet, Mark Arcobello, Jonathan Cheechoo and Toni Rajala scored for the visitors, who were 1-for-3 with the man advantage. Jacob Gervais-Chouinard made 36 saves in his first professional start for the Bulldogs who went 0-for-1 on the power play.

TEAM NOTES

The Bulldogs are 18th in the league in attendance, averaging 5,305 fans per game through 36 home dates ' The Bulldogs' 4-0 loss to visiting Oklahoma City was their 11th shutout loss of the season. The Bulldogs' previous high in shutouts against was nine, set in 2007-08 ' The six goals the Bulldogs surrendered to visiting Lake Erie last Friday night tied for the most the team has allowed this season. The Bulldogs last gave up that many in a 6-3 road loss to the Rochester Americans on Jan. 21 ' The Bulldogs are ninth in the AHL in penalty minutes, averaging 19.08 per game ' The Bulldogs have scored six shorthanded goals this season with Michael Bournival and Gabriel Dumont having each scored two. The Bulldogs have also allowed six shorthanded goals ' The Bulldogs are 14-19-1-4 against North Division opponents and 22-30-1-5 against Western Conference foes ' The Bulldogs are 15-9-1-5 in one-goal games ' The Bulldogs, Albany Devils and Springfield Falcons are the only AHL teams yet to win a game in overtime this season. The Bulldogs have only played one game this season that ended in the extra period. They have played eight games settled in shootouts, winning three ' The Bulldogs are 16-5-0-1 when scoring first. They have opened the scoring in 22 games, fewest in the league ' The Bulldogs allow an average of 31.34 shots per game, 22nd in the AHL, while taking an average of 27.60 shots per game, 28th in the league ' The Bulldogs are 13-11-1-1 in games in which they outshoot the opposition ' The Bulldogs are fourth in the league at killing penalties at home having allowed 18 goals in 150 shorthanded situations for an efficiency rating of 88 percent.

PLAYER NEWS

C Michael Bournival has recorded four points, including two goals, in his last six games ' RW Sebastian Collberg was a second-round pick of the Montreal Canadiens in the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft. A 19-year-old from Mariestad, Sweden, Collberg skated in 35 games this season for Frolunda of the Swedish League scoring six goals and adding three assists for nine points ' G Jacob Gervais-Chouinard made his professional debut against visiting Lake Erie last Friday night stopping 17 shots in relief of Dustin Tokarski and faced 40 shots in his first pro start, a 4-0 loss to the visiting Oklahoma City Barons on Sunday ' LW Kyle Hagel has scored his two goals this season over the last seven games. He was announced last week as the Bulldogs' nominee for the AHL's Man of the Year Award ' LW Charles Hudon, an 18-year-old who is currently the youngest player in the AHL, has one goal and one assist for two points in his first six games ' RW Danny Kristo has three assists in is first six games ' D Peter Merth recorded one assist and eight penalty minutes in seven games ' RW Zack Stortini ranks fifth in the AHL with 222 penalty minutes ' C Brady Vail, 19, has registered four points, including one goal, in nine games.

BULLDOGS 2013-2014 SEASON TICKETS NOW ON SALE

2013-2014 Hamilton Bulldogs season tickets are on sale now! For as little as $10 per game, you can enjoy the many benefits of being a 'Dogs season ticket holder including reserved seating for all home games at Copps Coliseum, the option to redeem unused tickets for any regular season game, discounts on team merchandise and access to exclusive season ticket holder-only events with the team. As a special bonus, if you become a new season ticket holder by March 30th you'll get tickets to all four of the team's home games in April for free! For more information on how you can join our team by becoming a 'Dogs season ticket holder call 905-529-8500, 1-866-DOGS-TIX or e-mail ticketing@hamiltonbulldogs.com .

BULLDOGS 2013-2014 SEASON TICKET RENEWALS

Season ticket renewals have begun for the 2013-2014 season. To thank fans for supporting the Bulldogs during their first 17 seasons in Hamilton, fans renewing their season tickets by April 30th will be rewarded with two great gifts - a limited edition Hamilton Bulldogs commemorative stick signed by the whole team and a framed and matted team photo autographed by all of the 'Dogs' coaches and players. For more information, contact your account executive. Call 905-529-8500, 1-866-DOGS-TIX or e-mail ticketing@hamiltonbulldogs.com .

BRUISER'S BUDDIES KID'S CLUB

Do you have a young Bulldogs fan in your life who is also a big fan of Bruiser, the best mascot in the AHL? Then Bruiser's Kid's Club is for you.

Membership is $15 per child (ages 13 and under) and includes the following:

- An exclusive Bruiser's Buddies Kid's Club t-shirt

- One blue ticket to each of the Bulldogs' Kid's Club games:

- Sat. March 9 at 7 p.m. vs. Peoria Rivermen

- Fri. April 19 at 7:30 p.m. vs. St. John's IceCaps

- (Extra tickets for these games are available for $12 each)

- Official 2012-13 game puck

- Set of 2011-12 Bulldogs hockey cards

For more information or to register contact Brianne Whitty at 905-777-2368 or via email at brianne.whitty@hamiltonbulldogs.com

2013 BULLDOGS SUMMER HOCKEY CAMP

The Bulldogs will be running a summer hockey camp at the Mohawk 4 Ice Centre in Hamilton from July 29 to August 2. The full-day camp is for kids between the ages of 7-13 and will feature guest appearances by current members of the Bulldogs' coaching staff and current and former Bulldogs players.

For more information contact Brianne Whitty at 905-777-2368 or via email at brianne.whitty@hamiltonbulldogs.com

BULLDOGS MERCHANDISE

Fans can purchase Bulldogs merchandise during all home games at the "Dawg House" store located behind section 114 on the concourse level at Copps Coliseum. In the store, fans can find hats, t-shirts, jackets, replica jerseys, foam fingers, foam 'Bone Heads', and other select novelty items for sale. 2012 AHL Outdoor Classic gear will also be available for a limited time.

THE BULLDOGS ON THE AIR

Fans can listen to and watch all 'Dogs games on www.hamiltonbulldogs.com . Live coverage with the team of play-by-play broadcaster Derek Wills (all home and away games) and colour commentator Al Craig (all home and select away games) will begin with the Pioneer Pre-Game Show 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

FOLLOW THE BULLDOGS ON AHL LIVE

All Bulldogs games are broadcast on AHL Live where fans can take advantage of late-season pricing. Every AHL game, including archived games, is available for $99.99. All remaining Bulldogs home and away games are available with a team pass, which also includes archived games, for $49.99 and Bulldogs road games only are available with an away pass, which also includes archived games, for $29.99.

For more information visit www.AHLLive.com .

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE BULLDOGS

Fans can follow the Bulldogs online and watch game highlights, behind-the-scenes video and get breaking news and feature stories at HamiltonBulldogs.com. Fans can get the latest Bulldogs news and information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/bulldogsAHL and follow play-by-play broadcaster Derek Wills at www.twitter.com/dogsplaybyplay .

Fans can "Like" the Bulldogs' official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hamiltonbulldogs and see game highlights and other video features at the Bulldogs' official YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/bulldogstube .

Fans can become 'Dogs Insiders by texting "Dogs" to 360-360 for text message alerts and offers. The Bullodgs also run contests every home game, both on social media and at Copps Coliseum, where fans can text a keyword and be eligible to win tickets to an upcoming Bulldogs game!

Do you have a favourite song you'd like to hear at a 'Dogs game? Tweet your request during the third period to www.twitter.com/bulldogsAHL using the hashtag #DogsTrax.

Fans can also converse with Bulldogs staff via Twitter during the game. The 'Dogs will also be looking to connect with their fans with contests, challenges or questions!

TICKET INFORMATION

2013-2014 Hamilton Bulldogs season tickets are on sale now. For as little as $10 per game, you can enjoy the many benefits of being a "˜Dogs season ticket holder including reserved seating for all home games at Copps Coliseum, the option to redeem unused tickets for any regular season game, discounts on team merchandise and access to exclusive season ticket holder-only events with the team. Convenient payment plans are available.

For more information on how to join our team by becoming a Hamilton Bulldogs season ticket holder, or for more information on Pioneer Flex Pack tickets or group tickets, call 905-529-8500 or 1-866-DOGS-TIX, e-mail ticketing@hamiltonbulldogs.com or visit www.hamiltonbulldogs.com. "˜Dogs single-game tickets are available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, any Ticketmaster Outlet, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, or by calling 905-529-8500 or 1-866-DOGS-TIX.

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