Bulls Game Day Preview
San Francisco Bulls (17-21-1-4, seventh place (tied), Western Conference) at
Stockton Thunder (22-16-5-3), fourth place, Western Conference)

When: Wednesday, January 30 at 7:00 pm
Where: Stockton Arena
Listen: KNBR.com
Watch: Americaonesports.com

Tonight’s Matchup: The San Francisco Bulls (17-21-1-4) are back in action tonight when they take on their in-state rivals, the Stockton Thunder (22-16-5-3). This is the eighth of thirteen matchups between the two teams, with the Bulls leading the season series 5-2-0-0. The last time these two faced off, the Bulls ran away with the game, 5-2, propelled by their new acquisitions. Five different Bulls players scored at Stockton Arena; Rylan Galiardi, Peter Sivak, Sebastien Trudeau, Cody Carlson, and Jordan Morrison all contributed goals to the win. San Francisco also held Stockton to 1-for-7 on the power play.

This past weekend, the Bulls accomplished what only two other teams have done this season; they beat the Western Conference-leading Alaska Aces on their home ice. In fact, the Bulls were the first team to win a series in Alaska this season. San Francisco took two of three games in Anchorage. On Friday night, the Bulls edged Alaska 5-2, backed by two goals from Christian Ouellet. After a tough 2-1 loss on Saturday, the Bulls battled back from a third-period deficit on Sunday to stun the Aces with a 3-2 overtime win. Goals from Dean Ouellet and Peter Sivak took the game into overtime, and during extra time Sivak converted again for the game winner. Taylor Nelson continues to be stellar in net for the Bulls, saving 94 of the 100 shots he faced this weekend.

The Bulls return to California charged up to take on Stockton tonight, and Ontario tomorrow back at home. C. Ouellet was on fire this past weekend, totaling four points against Alaska, with three goals and one assist, and is riding a three game point streak. Peter Sivak continues to pace the Bulls with 20 goals and 40 total points. Rob Kwiet, who continues to provide the Bulls with a strong offensive boost from the back end, matches his 20 assists, tied for the team lead. On Tuesday, the Bulls announced that defenseman Joe Sova had been recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes, and reassigned to the Reading Royals.

Stockton sits in fourth place in the Western Conference with 52 points, despite losing four of their last five games. San Francisco is tied with the Utah Grizzlies for seventh place with 39 points. They are both two points behind the Las Vegas Wranglers.

San Francisco returns home to the Cow Palace tomorrow night, January 31, which is the last Thirsty Thursday of the season. The Bulls host the Ontario Reign at 7:15 pm. At select concessions, 12-ounce draft domestic beers are half off.

 

Bulls Leaders

Goals: Peter Sivak – 20

Assists: Peter Sivak, Rob Kwiet – 20

Points: Peter Sivak – 40

Plus/Minus: Scott Langdon – +16

PIM: Kris Belan – 107

Wins: Thomas Heemskerk – 11

GAA: Thomas Heemskerk – 3.26

Save %: Thomas Heemskerk – .899

Shutouts: N/A

 

Who’s Hot

Peter Sivak – 12 points (9g, 3a) in the past 10 games

Jordan Morrison – 10 points (2g, 8a) in the past 10 games

 

Recent Transactions

01/29/2013 Joe Sova (D) DEL Recalled from loan by Carolina (NHL)

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

 

Stockton Leaders

Goals: Harrison Reed – 18

Assists: Yannick Riendeau – 29

Points: Yannick Riendeau – 43

Plus/Minus: Eric Hunter – 6

PIM: Garet Hunt – 198

Wins: Cody Reichard – 11

GAA: Cody Reichard – 2.68

Save %: Cody Reichard – 0.911

Shutouts: Cody Reichard – 1

 

Recent Stockton Transactions

01/27/2013   Ryan Green (F)                ADD Activated from reserve

01/27/2013   Matt Ambroz (F)             DEL Placed on reserve

01/25/2013   Cameron Brodie (D) DEL Traded to South Carolina (ECHL)

01/24/2013   Maxime Boisclair (RW) ADD Signed to SPC

 

Who’s Hot

Yannick Riendeau – 9 points (6g, 3a) in the past 10 games

Justin Maylan – 8 points (3g, 5a) in the past 10 games