[SteelTown]

The Hamilton Bulldogs rode their underdog role all the way to their first Calder Cup Championship. Hamilton won the series 4-1, delivering the city's first pro hockey championship and Ontario's first pro hockey championship since the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup in 1967.

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MVP Player, Carey Price
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Bruiser jamming away next to me
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Score!
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Bruiser getting the crowd pumped up
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SCORE!
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We win!! pyrotechnics and explosions of streamers filled the air as 14,205 on hand celebrated
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GO DOGS GO!!
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[HockeyFan]

Thanks for the photos!

Was it as loud in there as it sounded on the XM radio broadcast?

Here's to Hamilton and the Bulldogs... :cheers:

[raisethehammer]

it was incredibly loud. best game I've ever attended.
The crowd was awesome.
it was awesome at the last long commercial break of the 3rd period - they played the entire song 'Good old hockey game' and the entire place sang along....the storyline in the song is exactly how our game went! it was like a big party for the last 10 minutes of the 3rd after that shorthanded goal. it was nerve-wracking, but I don't think anyone thought we'd lose after that.
Then when Hershey took those penalties in the final 2 minutes you knew that was it.
This city would go nuts for an NHL team.
Some of you may recall back in the Canada Cup days many of the players commented on how loud the place was. I'll always remember Steve Larmer saying it was the loudest place he'd ever been in....and he played in the old Chicago Arena...loudest arena in the NHL.

[chris]

Yes! Go habs go!

[raisethehammer]

you've got another (big surprise) great goalie coming up through the ranks to the Habs.
Montreal consistently scouts and develops the best young goalies in the NHL.
Price might be something special if he keeps it up.

[the dude]

yep, great game. one of the better games i've seen. i agree with the volume level: i've never heard anything that loud in my life! it was an awesome atmosphere and beats the hell outta any leaf game i've ever taken-in. let's hope we've got more to cheer about it the near future. i thought the crowd looked way bigger than 14,000. great number just the same.

[DC83]

yep, great game. one of the better games i've seen. i agree with the volume level: i've never heard anything that loud in my life! it was an awesome atmosphere and beats the hell outta any leaf game i've ever taken-in. let's hope we've got more to cheer about it the near future. i thought the crowd looked way bigger than 14,000. great number just the same.

I agree... I could not hear announcements for my life! But that's ok, b/c the electric atmosphere was way worth it!

I'm gonna say the crowd got bigger after 2nd intermission once everyone who smokes called their friends and told them to sneak in via the Jackson Square roof ;) ... since there were no gates / security outside the smoking area!
So maybe they sold 14,205 tix... but there were most like 16,000 ppl there ;)

[HockeyFan]

Imagine the noise level at Copps Coliseum in early October 2008 :)

[go_leafs_go02]

Imagine the noise level at Copps Coliseum in early October 2008 :)

Actually, it has been quite disappointing. I've been to 4 bulldogs games, and besides the home opener (which even drew a rather disappointing 10,000 fans for a banner raising ceremony)

I have found Copps to be empty, desolate, and very quiet. Several times I can hear my voice echo off the concrete in the arena. I expected at least 5-6,000 per game, even higher due to interest, but 3,000-4,000 is the norm.

Why is this? I don't know. Tickets are overpriced for sure, and it is set up where no matter where you sit, you pay the same. I am not paying $30 bucks (surcharges included) to watch a game in an empty arena where the hockey isn't that great, the atmosphere is blah. If they would discount seats or certain sections, the arena would be rocking I believe.

I know it could support an NHL team no problem, but an AHL Calder Cup championship team should do much much better.

[Rico Rommheim]

Look at all those canadiens! Go habs!

[DC83]

Actually, it has been quite disappointing. I've been to 4 bulldogs games, and besides the home opener (which even drew a rather disappointing 10,000 fans for a banner raising ceremony)

I have found Copps to be empty, desolate, and very quiet. Several times I can hear my voice echo off the concrete in the arena. I expected at least 5-6,000 per game, even higher due to interest, but 3,000-4,000 is the norm.

Why is this? I don't know. Tickets are overpriced for sure, and it is set up where no matter where you sit, you pay the same. I am not paying $30 bucks (surcharges included) to watch a game in an empty arena where the hockey isn't that great, the atmosphere is blah. If they would discount seats or certain sections, the arena would be rocking I believe.

I know it could support an NHL team no problem, but an AHL Calder Cup championship team should do much much better.

Hamiltonians have a strange obsession w/ Big League Events.
It takes a LOT of attract Hamiltonians to minor-league events. Most likely due to our proximity to Toronto: one can see a MLB, NHL or NBA (NFL coming soon) games 45 mins down the road. Why would one want to watch AHL hockey!?
(I was at several of the playoff games last year b/c I am a HABS fan).
Once we get our NHL team, that place will be just as pumpin as the ACC, Bell Centre & Scotiabank Place... trust!!

ALSO, another huge factor, is our lack of media attention. We have ONE TV outlet which is more concerned about how many babies Paris Hilton may or may not be popping out than any positivity in the city. It's pretty pathetic.
The Spec at least promotes local sports somewhat!

[go_leafs_go02]

Hamiltonians have a strange obsession w/ Big League Events.
It takes a LOT of attract Hamiltonians to minor-league events. Most likely due to our proximity to Toronto: one can see a MLB, NHL or NBA (NFL coming soon) games 45 mins down the road. Why would one want to watch AHL hockey!?
(I was at several of the playoff games last year b/c I am a HABS fan).
Once we get our NHL team, that place will be just as pumpin as the ACC, Bell Centre & Scotiabank Place... trust!!

ALSO, another huge factor, is our lack of media attention. We have ONE TV outlet which is more concerned about how many babies Paris Hilton may or may not be popping out than any positivity in the city. It's pretty pathetic.
The Spec at least promotes local sports somewhat!

that is true very much. going to sound like a broken record, but I'm from London, we have the Knights, who have done amazingly the past 5 years, and we sell out 9,000 plus seats in the JLC. (and Toronto/Detroit are both over 2 hours away, with traffic and border crossings) That's what I'm used to, and I kind of expected at least a full lower bowl at games i went to at Copps, not 4,000. I went to the Home Opener, that was fun, it was loud, and I felt right in the action there and thoroughly enjoyed it. Since then, I started to kind of dislike the Bulldogs, I can't get into the game (because I'm one to go and lose my voice screaming and yelling, but there, I feel completely out of place since it can be so quiet)

If the ticket prices were dropped to make it more affordable. Paying $30 isn't worth a ticket in my opinion. Charge 15-20 bucks per pop, have a few major promotions, and I think Copps would be a riot to go to. It works great as a bare-bones arena being concrete and quite utilitarian. It would be awesome with a great crowd there.

Oh yeah, one more thing that doesn't help. I'm a Leafs fan, and a HUGE one at that..:P...

[flar]

I fall asleep at the Bulldogs games

[LikeHamilton]

I attended last night’s game. Not a bad crowd for a mid week, mid Christmas New Year’s week. They won 3 – 1 over the Manitoba Moose and it was a good game with some exciting scraps. Jaroslav Halak was in goal.

The next home game is on Saturday against the Toronto Marlies. They have sold over 6000 tickets to the game as of yesterday. Everyone should go. I will be there.

January’s home games are:

Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Grand Rapids Griffins, Friday January 4, 7:30PM

Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Binghamton Senators, Wednesday January 9, 7:30PM

Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Syracuse Crunch, Friday January 11, 7:30PM

Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Rochester Americans, Saturday January 12, 7:00PM

Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Peoria Rivermen, Tuesday January 15, 7:30PM

Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Lake Erie Monsters Wednesday, January 23, 7:30PM

Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Quad City Flames, Friday January 25, 7:30PM

Hamilton Bulldogs vs. Syracuse Crunch, Saturday January 26, 7:30PM

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[go_leafs_go02]

I attended last night’s game. Not a bad crowd for a mid week, mid Christmas New Year’s week. They won 3 – 1 over the Manitoba Moose and it was a good game with some exciting scraps. Jaroslav Halak was in goal.

The next home game is on Saturday against the Toronto Marlies. They have sold over 6000 tickets to the game as of yesterday. Everyone should go. I will be there.

I checked the attendance. 3,600.

Is that acceptable for you think for the defending champions? For a time like this, where alot of people have time off and can go to a game.

3,600 is not good either in my opinion.

[matt602]

Actually that is a pretty good attendance considering before last year's win, the place struggled for 3000 people.

[chris k]

Went to the game last night and must say great hockey and good fans too. the game had everything including huge brawls. I was surprised the bench didnt jump in after the hit on price. Of course, also added is the fact that they won 5-2. One of the best games ive been to of!(of course besides game 7 when they lost in 03 and when they won last season)
:cheers:

[DC83]

Went to the game last night and must say great hockey and good fans too. the game had everything including huge brawls. I was surprised the bench didnt jump in after the hit on price. Of course, also added is the fact that they won 5-2. One of the best games ive been to of!(of course besides game 7 when they lost in 03 and when they won last season)
:cheers:

Ya, I was down at the movies last night and the area was crazy busy even for a bulldogs game night. Well I guess that combined w/ the fact that it was Sat night... good times in the Core regarldess!

[chris k]

I just read on the AHL site that Halak was player of the week before he got called up to the Canadiens. Good news for him and seems like the Bulldogs will have a good goalie regardless of them shifting between ahl/nhl.

Yeah i guess it would have been a bit busier at the Saturday night game. the spec didnt announce the attendance yet but they lost so im going to say the Friday game was better.

BTW, anyone plan on attending a playoff game if they make it. I know il be there for a couple.
:cheers:

[LikeHamilton]

Satuday nights Attendance: 5,060

[chris k]

Thats great I hope we can get inbetween 4 and 5 thousand every game next year. Its a good attainable goal. How to do it?

-Lower Prices
-More Free Merchandise
-Establishment of a supporters group or union(like european soccer clubs have)One with a bulldog-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bad_Blue_Boys
-Better Endorsements by local media


Heres an idea i had when i went to a sabres earlier this season. They had two rival high schools hockey teams battle it out in a shootout inbetween 1 and 2nd period. I think this would be a great idea for Hamilton as we have some fierce High school rivalries an I think these games will bring out all the young crazy hockey fans.

Just some of the things i would like done next season:cheers:

[go_leafs_go02]

Friday, January 11, 2008 - 11:45PM

HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Bulldogs announced today that fans can email a tribute or memories of former public address announcer and long-time CHML radio broadcaster, Bill Sturrup, to tickets@hamiltonbulldogs.com to receive two free tickets to the game on Tuesday, January 15th, 2008 when the ‘Dogs take on the Peoria Rivermen at Copps Coliseum.

Fans must include their name, email address, phone number, and their tribute or memories of Bill Sturrup in the email, and two tickets will be left at Will Call under their name for the game. The deadline for this promotion is Tuesday, January 15th at 12:00 p.m.

All tributes and memories will be forwarded to the Sturrup family, and the best stories and thoughts will be shared at the game.

The defending Calder Cup Champion Hamilton Bulldogs return to action tonight (Friday, January 11th) at 7:30 p.m. when they host the Syracuse Crunch at Copps Coliseum. Tickets for all ‘Dogs home games are available at the Copps Coliseum Box Office, any Ticketmaster outlet, online at www.ticketmaster.ca, or through charge-by-phone at 905-527-7666. For more information or to purchase season tickets call 905-529-8500, e-mail tickets@hamiltonbulldogs.com or visit www.hamiltonbulldogs.com.

Fans can listen to every Bulldogs game on the flagship station of the Hamilton Bulldogs Hockey Network, 820 CHAM. Fans can also listen or watch at www.hamiltonbulldogs.com by clicking on the ‘B2 Networks’ or ‘820 CHAM’ icon on the ‘Dogs website. All regular-season radio and online broadcasts will begin with a pre-game show 20 minutes prior to each scheduled game-time.

[LikeHamilton]

-Establishment of a supporters group or union(like european soccer clubs have)One with a bulldog.

They have one. They are call the "Growl". They have been around since 1996. They are located on the main concourse level behind section 107 and have a booth called the "Growl Booth". They are taking new members. Here is their web site.

http://www.thegrowl.ca/


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[go_leafs_go02]

i went to the game last night, and left very disappointed, actually left before the 2nd period was over, just overly disgusted by the game, the team, and the atmosphere.

I actually wrote an email to the Bulldogs Customer relations staff. Here is the majority of what i wrote.

I am a huge hockey fan. I love going to games. So far I have been to 5 Hamilton Bulldogs games this year. Unfortunately, I have been extremely disappointed the game experience so far, and have decided not to attend any more games this season.

The games I have attended included the Home Opener, along with 4 other games, 2 being on Friday night, one on a saturday night, one on Wednesday night, and last night's game against Peoria, which was a Tuesday night.

As much as I try to enjoy the games, watching them is very discouraging. I find ticket prices to be extremely high, and the experience given in return is not worth the cost of admission. Paying upwards of $30 a ticket if purchased online for an adult is far too high in my opinion. I know making a profit is the goal for a hockey club, but the return attendance is disappointing. I think the cost of concessions is a fair price, and I believe if one was to drop the price by say by several dollars (I'm thinking somewhere in the 10 dollar range), then attendance would jump significantly, and one does not make money off empty seats, and the return by selling many more tickets would probably increase profits. I'm in an engineering program at Mohawk, and not in business in any way.

I am the type of person who is attracted to hype. I went to the Home Opener, which was a great experience. Great crowd, 10,000+ plus, lively atmosphere, fans sitting in every single seat of the lower bowl. It was a great enjoyment. Since then, the largest crowd has been 4,000, and the empty seats are everywhere and at times, I hear my voice echo across Copps Coliseum, and I find that very disheartening for a team that is the present league champions, and celebrates its fans this year by devoting it to them.

I come from London, where I am used to watching the OHL's London Knights play to capacity in front of a very lively crowd of 9,000 plus day in, day out. It's enjoyable very much so.
I don't expect numbers that high, but I think attaining crowds of well over 6,000 per night would improve the atmosphere in many ways.

My last complaint is about the mascot. Bruiser. I was sickened to my stomach last night when there was a rather dirty hit, and a Peoria Riverman player was lying on the ice in a great amount of pain for several minutes. Bruiser is taunting the player and gesturing him to get up when it was obvious that the injury was serious at the time. That is one of the reasons I left before the second period ended last night. It left such a terrible taste in my mouth, and the image of that event last night still bothers me greatly.

I don't want to be overly negative, because I believe the Bulldogs can have a great amount of success in Hamilton. It is just that 4 out of the 5 games I've been to this year, have been quite disappointing to me personally in the general atmosphere. It also does not help that the Bulldogs record is 0-4-1 in games I have went to as well.

Thank you.

[the dude]

fair enough. semi-pro and junior hockey have been a tough sell since copps was built: it's not appropriate for that level of hockey. if you don't like the atmosphere, etc., then i'd recommend a real mccoys' game in dundas. always worth the price of admission.

oh ya, and let's not forget that there was a time when the knights drew flies. a great team and a beautiful arena helps.

[SteelTown]

'Creative thinking'
HECFI, Dogs show interest in pursuing outdoors game idea

January 31, 2008
Garry McKay
The Hamilton Spectator
(Jan 31, 2008)

The idea of an American Hockey League all-star game played outdoors at Ivor Wynne Stadium is definitely worth pursuing. That's the opinion of Duncan Gillespie, chief executive officer of Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc.

"It certainly fits into the creative thinking that we're trying to incubate here at HECFI," Gillespie said. "An event like that at Ivor Wynne is something that we would certainly want to take a look at and explore to determine whether it's something that's a good thing to do."

Dave Andrews, president of the AHL, floated the idea of an outdoor game during his state of the league news conference at the league's annual showcase event Monday in Binghamton, N.Y.

He said there was nothing concrete in place but that a number of the league's governors were kicking around the idea. Since the concept is only in its infancy, Andrews said they weren't sure whether it should be a regular season game or possibly even the all-star game.

Bulldogs' president and governor Glenn Stanford said they were certainly interested in exploring the concept, but felt that if they were going to do it it should be the all-star game because that makes it an event and the Steel City is known as an event market.

Both Stanford and Gillespie agree that any move to go forward with the concept would have to wait until HECFI and the Bulldogs finish their negotiations for HECFI to take over marketing, ticket sales and advertising sales for the hockey club. Those discussions are ongoing.

"I think we're in the final stages of consummating that deal," Gillespie explained. "I think there is a desire by both parties to do this and it's a mutually beneficial arrangement. We're right in the final stages of our due diligence.

"If this deal with the Bulldogs goes through, it (an outdoor game) would still be a partnership with the Bulldogs and I think Glenn said it best ... it would become an event ... and everyone, including Tourism Hamilton, would have to be involved."

[DC83]

The last outdoor game at IW was terrible.
It rained, the ice was slush, fans left or didn't show up at all... I don't think it would fly in the Hammer for an AHL team, sadly.

If they had the Habs vs Leafs, however... could be a different story.

[SteelTown]

Bulldogs/HECFI Enter New Partnership

HAMILTON (AM900 CHML) - A major operational change involving the Hamilton Bulldogs.

The hockey club has signed an agreement with the operator of Copps Coliseum, which sees H-E-C-F-I take over the responsibility for Bulldog ticket sales, advertising and sponsorship.

Bulldog's majority owner Michael Andlauer says it's a big step beyond their previous landlord-tenant relationship. He's hopeful it will lead to some venue improvements, including a better sound system.

HECFI's Duncan Gillespie feels they can be more creative in packaging deals, by selling the Bulldogs in conjunction with other products like Disney On Ice.