Haven't we met before?
October 15, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
COPPS COLISEUM - If the American Hockey League had a homecoming game during the 2003-04 regular season, then the Toronto Roadrunners and Hamilton Bulldogs game at Copps Coliseum on Thanksgiving Monday would've been a nice fit.
Hockey fans in Hamilton had been waiting for this game for months. A meeting between their beloved Bulldogs and the Roadrunners, the farm team of the Edmonton Oilers, who once called the Steel City their home.
Eight Roadrunner players who helped guide the Dogs to the Calder Cup finals a year ago laced up the skates against their ex-mates inside their former home, not to give thanks, but to reminisce about the season past and to usher in a new rivalry.
On the other side, Hamilton had seven members from last year's club in uniform which included captain Benoit Gratton, forwards Jozef Balej, Benjamin Carpentier, Sylvain Blouin, Tomas Plekanec, defenceman Francois Beauchemin and net minder Eric Fichaud.
Chad Hinz spent a number of seasons in Hamilton, experiencing good times and bad times during his tenure. For him, this clash against him former team was extra special.
"I've played here for the better part of four years, and it's different coming in here and playing from the wrong bench and dressing in the visitors dressing room," says Hinz. "But that's hockey. I'm thankful for the four years that I spent here. I had a great time in Hamilton."
"It was pretty fun. Since I got sent down from Edmonton after their training camp I've had this game penciled down on the calendar," said Roadrunners captain Bobby Allen.
"I had some fond memories from when I played in Hamilton. We really enjoyed playing in this city and we enjoyed the fans here."
A trio of ex-Dogs on the visiting side got in on the scoring act as Jani Rita scored twice while Nate DiCasmiro and Tony Salmelainen each added singles to lead Toronto past Hamilton 5-3, giving the Roadrunners their first win in franchise history.
DiCasmiro's goal in the second period helped settle down his nerves.
"I was a little nervous and excited coming down to the arena," he said. Walking down near the old dressing room and seeing the guys working on their sticks - you don't want to talk to them too much. But hey, it was fun."
The pre-game ceremony included getting all the players from both sides who were apart of the team last year together at center ice for a reunion. Soon after everyone watched as three banners, regular season champions, Canadian Division champions and Eastern Conference champions, were slowly raised to the rafters of the Dog Pound.
"I was looking at the banners and it felt great," said Hamilton forward Balej. "It was weird at the beginning when we were standing at center ice and we didn't know what to say. That was kind of funny."
"We know that we're not friends with them (Roadrunners) on the ice but we can be friends off it."
"The banner raising was special," added Hinz. "It was a great year and it would've been nice to win game 7 against Houston."
"When you look back you realize what a great year it was and we're going to remember that for a long time."
Players from both sides were hesitant to engage in conversation when they huddled at center ice. You would see the odd wink and nod, and a tap on the shin guards, but that was it. They were careful not to get too friendly out there. Better to save it for after the battle.
More than 40 different players put on the Bulldogs jersey last season, and only 15 of them met again in their first meeting of the season. The ex-mates won't miss each other too much over the campaign as the two teams will face-off 11 more times. And there's a chance they could meet in the playoffs, and take Hamilton fans on another wild, post-season journey.
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American Hockey League Stories from October 15, 2003
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- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
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