Bulldogs Travel to Houston as Calder Cup Finals Continue
June 1, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Hamilton Bulldogs News Release
The Hamilton Bulldogs will play their first ever game in Texas as they take on the Aeros in Game #3 of the Calder Cup Finals on Wednesday, June 4th at the Compaq Center in Houston.
The Bulldogs evened up the best-of-seven series (1-1) on Friday, May 30th at Copps Coliseum by earning a 2-1 (4OT) victory over Houston in the longest game in the 67-year history of the AHL. Michael Ryder, who had both goals for the Bulldogs, scored the game-winning goal at the 14:56 mark of the fourth overtime to win the game for Hamilton. The Aeros' lone goal came off the stick of Hnat Domenichelli. In goal Hamilton's Ty Conklin and Houston's Johan Holmqvist made a combined 162 saves in the contest. Conklin, the game's first star, made 83 saves for the Bulldogs. The Aeros' Holmqvist stopped 79 shots. On special teams Hamilton was one for eight on the power play, while Houston converted on one of nine opportunities with the man-advantage.
Bulldogs fans can listen to Derek Wills and Al Craig call all the Calder Cup Finals action on Hamilton's 820 CHAM or on-line at www.hamiltonbulldogs.com
BULLDOGS VS. HOUSTON AEROS â CALDER CUP FINALS â Best-of-Seven Series
Series tied 1-1
Game #1: Wed., May 28 â HOUSTON 2 at HAMILTON 1
Game #2: Fri., May 30 â HOUSTON 1 at HAMILTON 2 (4OT)
Game #3: Wed., June 4 â Hamilton Bulldogs at Houston Aeros â 8:00 p.m.
Game #4: Fri., June 6 â Hamilton Bulldogs at Houston Aeros â 8:30 p.m.
*Game #5: Sat., June 7 â Hamilton Bulldogs at Houston Aeros â 8:30 p.m.
*Game #6: Mon., June 9 â Houston Aeros at Hamilton Bulldogs â 7:00 p.m.
*Game #7: Thurs., June 12 â Houston Aeros at Hamilton Bulldogs â 7:00 p.m.
*if necessary
BULLDOGS 2003 CALDER CUP PLAYOFF NOTES:
The Bulldogs have earned 12 wins in the 2003 Calder Cup Playoffs, which ties a franchise high set in 1997 ... Jason Ward continues to lead the AHL in playoff scoring with 17 points (9g-8a-17pts) ... Michael Ryder is tied with Grand Rapids forward Stacy Roest for most goals with 10 ... Benoit Gratton has an AHL playoff best 13 assists ... Game #3 of the Calder Cup Finals will mark the Bulldogs 99th game of the 2002-03 season ... the Bulldogs have had 12 different players score in their 12 all-time overtime playoff victories ... the Bulldogs had 10,419 fans witness Game #2 against Houston on Friday â that mark sets a Bulldogs' playoff record and a AHL high for the 2003 post-season
BULLDOGS PLAYOFF FRANCHISE RECORDS SET IN 2003:
· All-Time Goals â Jani Rita â 11 (PreviousâJoe Hulbig & Jeff Dawâ10)
· Single Post Season Goalsâ Michael Ryder-10, Jason Ward â 9 (PreviousâJani Rita, Chris Ferraro, Ralph Intranuovo-8)
· Single Post Season Assists â Benoit Gratton â13 (Previous-Dennis Bonvie, Alexandre Zhurik-11)
· All-time & Single Post Season GWG â Michael Ryder â 4 (Previous â Ralph Intravuovo â3)
· Most Saves in One Game â Ty Conklin â 83 (Previous â 53 at Albany-May 1/99)
· Most Shots in One Game â 81 (Previous â 51 at Manitoba-May 2/03)
· Most Shots Allowed in One Game â 84 (Previous â 55 at Albany-May 1/99)
· Longest GameâMay 30/03â2/Fâvs. HOUâ134:56 â (Previous-May 1/99 vs. ALB-97:55)
BULLDOGS VS. HOUSTON - 2002-03 REGULAR SEASON RESULTS
Hamilton and Houston did not meet in the regular season
BULLDOGS CALDER CUP FINAL TICKET PRICES:
Bulldogs fans can purchase Calder Cup Finals tickets at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling Ticketmaster at (905) 527-7666. Third round ticket prices are as follows: Adult - $28, Student/Senior - $23, Wheelchair $21 and Child $17.
BULLDOGS AT HOME IN THE PLAYOFFS ALL-TIME: All-time the Bulldogs have earned a record of 27 wins and 17 losses (.614) in 44 home playoff games.
BULLDOGS ON THE ROAD IN THE PLAYOFFS ALL-TIME:
All-time on the road the Bulldogs have posted 20 wins and 21 losses (.488) in 41 road playoff games.
BULLDOGS HISTORY IN CALDER CUP FINALS (1997-2002):
The Hamilton Bulldogs have reached the AHL Calder Cup Finals once in the seven-year history of the franchise. In 1996-97 the Bulldogs lost to the Hershey Bears 4-1.
BULLDOGS IN OVERTIME IN THE PLAYOFFS:
The Hamilton Bulldogs have played in 17 overtime playoff games since the club's inception into the AHL in 1996-97 and have earned a record of 12 wins and 5 losses (.706). The Bulldogs have won each of the three overtime games they have played in the 2003 post-seaso! n. During the 2002-03 regular season Hamilton earned a r! ecord of 0W-8T-4L.
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- Bulldogs Travel to Houston as Calder Cup Finals Continue - Hamilton Bulldogs
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