Bellingham Bulls
| Bellingham Bulls | |
|---|---|
| File:Bellingham bulls.JPG | |
| City | Bellingham, Washington |
| League | WHA Junior West Hockey League |
| Conference | N/A |
| Division | N/A |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Home arena | Bellingham Sportsplex |
| Colours | Blue, Red |
| General manager | TBD |
| Head coach | Dennis Sobchuk |
| Affiliate | TBD |
The Bellingham Bulls is a WHA Junior West Hockey League team based in Bellingham, Washington.
Franchise history
The Bellingham Bulls are the sole WHA Junior Hockey League's franchise in the United States of America for the 2006-2007 season, Washington State. The team was publicly announced on May 15, 2006 and team offices opened in July 2006. The Bulls are the fourth regional league team in Bellingham. The last regional league team in Bellingham, the Ice Hawks, was sold and moved to British Columbia in 1994.
While the WHA was never involved with hockey in Bellingham until 2006, the "Bulls" name was used by a previous local hockey team. In 1975, a team named the "Bulls" played fewer than a dozen pre-season games in Bellingham before the Pacific Northwest Hockey League folded.
The World Hockey Association had used the "Bulls" name for an earlier franchise in Birmingham, Alabama, which ended operations in 1981. The Bellingham Bulls' logo is a near-identical copy of the Birmingham Bulls' logo.
The Bulls first ever game did not go as planned. On September 22, 2006, the Bulls took on the Lumby Fighting Saints and were dropped by a score of 7-1. The next night, the Bulls returned the favour for their first ever victory, defeating the Saints 7-5.
The Bulls finished their first season in 5th place out of six teams. They entered the playoff round robin against the New Westminster Whalers and the Squamish Cougars. The Whalers won the round robin and moved on to the league final, as the Bulls finished in third and were eliminated.
Season-by-Season Results
| Season | GP | W | L | T | OTL | GF | GA | P | Results | Playoffs |
| 2006-07 | 34 | 14 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 122 | 139 | 28 | 5th WHA-West | Lost round robin |
Operations
Home office
The Bellingham Sportsplex is the home of the Bellingham Bulls office and is located at 1225 Civic Field Way in Bellingham. John Ayre is the team's Director of Business Operations.
Home ice
The Bellingham Bulls, will play all 24 regular season home games in the Bellingham Sportsplex. The Bulls will call the Sportsplex home for both regular season and any post season games. The Sportsplex is located at 1225 Civic Field Way in Bellingham
Coaches
The Bulls' head coach for the 2006-2007 season has been announced by WHA commissioner Bobby Hull as former NHLer Dennis Sobchuk, who began his major-league career in the original WHA with the Phoenix Roadrunners, Cincinnati Stingers and Edmonton Oilers. Jeff Gilbert is the assistant coach.
Roster
- 1 Tyler Zetting Goalie 1989 Lynden Wa
- 2 Jake Smith Defense 1989 Bellingham Wa
- 3 Aaron Hoffman Defense 1990 Lake Stevens Wa
- 4 Isaac Hurt Forward 1988 Bothell Wa
- 5 Nick Kolodychuk Defense 1990 Bellingham Wa
- 7 Chase Haubursin Forward 1987 California
- 8 Phillip Carron Forward 1988 Bellingham Wa
- 10 Moises Abarca Forward 1987 California
- 11 Kjell Sherman Defense 1989 Mercer Island Wa
- 12 Ryan Roberge Forward 1988 Bellingham Wa
- 14 Todd Coates Defense 1987 Bellingham Wa
- 15 Steven Braykovich Forward 1988 Bellingham Wa
- 17 Trent Hansen Forward 1988 Bellingham Wa
- 19 Jordan Hildebrand Forward 1988 Bellingham Wa
- 30 Travis Hall Goalie 1988 Carson City Nv
- 97 Alex Valenti Forward 1989 Bellingham Wa
Schedule
The first game in Bellingham Bulls history was played on Friday, September 22 2006 in Lumby, British Columbia versus the Lumby Fighting Saints, with Lumby prevaling by a score of 7-1. The Bulls rebounded with a 7-5 victory in their first home game the following night, Saturday, September 23 2006 also against the Lumby Fighting Saints. Their schedule is posted Here
Billeting
Some players on the Bulls are not from Washington State and require housing in the Bellingham area. Individuals or families living within the Bellingham School District can opt to provide housing, transportation, and other services to players during regular and post-season play. Individuals who are interested in provided billet housing are encouraged to contact the team directly.