Bulls Game Day Preview
San Francisco Bulls (15-20-1-4, seventh place (tied), Western Conference) at
Alaska Aces (31-10-0-2), first place, Western Conference)

By Emily Zahner

When: Friday, January 25 at 8:15 pm
Where: Sullivan Arena
Listen: KNBR.com
Watch: Americaonesports.com

Tonight’s Matchup: The San Francisco Bulls (15-20-1-4) fly into Anchorage this week to face the Alaska Aces (31-10-0-2) for a three-in-three game series. This is the fourth of nine matchups between the two this season. Alaska currently leads the season series 3-0-0-0, after taking three in a row back in October when the Bulls first visited Sullivan Arena.

San Francisco strives to carry their momentum into Alaska after back-to-back wins against the Stockton Thunder. Their latest game was a 5-2 win at Stockton last Sunday. Goals from five different players propelled the Bulls to their fifth win against Stockton this season. Rylan Galiardi, Sebastian Trudeau and Cody Carlson all netted their first goals in a Bulls uniforms. Peter Sivak added to the lead with his 18th goal of the season, extending his goal-scoring streak to a season-high six games. That is good for the longest active streak in the ECHL. Jordan Morrison also scored his 11th goal of the season. Bulls netminder Taylor Nelson put on a show, stopping 24 of 26 shots.

The recent additions of Trudeau, Galiardi, Carlson, and Christian Ouellet continue to assimilate well. The group collectively had five points against Stockton, and put on display the kind of depth, speed, and production that the Bulls were looking for from these newcomers. The puck-moving defenseman Carlson again stood out, leading the charge with a goal and an assist, posting a +2 on the night. San Francisco also just announced other transactions. On Monday, defenseman Joe Tolles was sent to Cincinnati to complete a trade made in October, and Thursday they sent forward Jesse Todd to the Trenton Titans for future considerations.

Dean Ouellet returns to the team after representing the Bulls in the ECHL All-Star game in Loveland, Colorado. Ouellet had a strong outing, posting a +3 for the All-Stars. The All-Stars defeated the host Colorado Eagles 7-3. Ouellet is currently tied with Peter Sivak for the team lead with18 goals. His 33 points are good for second most on the team. Sivak added to his team leading point tally of 37 on Sunday with a goal and an assist.

Alaska currently leads the Western Conference with 64 points, just three points ahead of the Ontario Reign. The Bulls remain in eighth place, tied with 35 points with the Utah Grizzlies, but keeping a steady seven point lead on the last place Bakersfield Condors.

The Bulls continue the weekend series tomorrow night against the Aces at 8:15 pm PT. When the Bulls return home next week, don’t miss the last thirsty Thursday of the season!  On Thursday, January 31, the Bulls host the Ontario Reign at 7:15 pm at the Cow Palace. At select concessions, 12-ounce draft domestic beers are half off.

Bulls Leaders

Goals: Peter Sivak, Dean Ouellet – 18

Assists: Peter Sivak, Rob Kwiet – 19

Points: Peter Sivak – 37

Plus/Minus: Scott Langdon – +14

PIM: Kris Belan – 105

Wins: Thomas Heemskerk – 11

GAA: Bryan Hince – 2.81

Save %: Bryan Hince – 0.916

Shutouts: Bryan Hince – 1

 

Who’s Hot

Peter Sivak – 12 points (8g, 4a) in the past 10 games

Jordan Morrison – 10 points (4g, 6a) in the past 10 games

 

Recent Transactions

01/25/2013 Martin Lee (D)                 ADD Signed SPC

01/24/2013 Jesse Todd (F)                  DEL Traded to Trenton

01/22/2013 Joe Tolles (D) DEL Traded to Cincinnati

01/18/2013 Sebastian Trudeau (F) ADD Signed to SPC

 

Alaska Leaders

Goals: Nick Mazzolini – 23

Assists: Alexandre Imbeault – 21

Points: Nick Mazzolini – 42

Plus/Minus: Kane Lafranchise, Corey Syvret – +10

PIM: Chris Clackson – 132

Wins: Mark Guggenberger – 16

GAA:  Mark Guggenberger – 2.26

Save %: Mark Guggenberger – 0.912

Shutouts: Mark Guggenberger – 3

 

Recent Alaska Transactions

01/21/2013   B.J. Crum (D) ADD Signed to SPC

01/18/2013   Mike Baran (D) ADD Signed to SPC

01/18/2013   Samson Mahbod (RW) ADD Signed to SPC

01/18/2013   Shawn Skelly (F) ADD Signed to SPC

01/15/2013   Alain Goulet (D) DEL Traded to Orlando

 

Who’s Hot

Bobby Hughes – 10 points (3g, 7a) in the past 10 games

Nick Mazzolini – 9 points (5g, 4a) in the past 11 games