Amarillo Bulls Main Camp less than two weeks away

AMARILLO, TX – In less than two weeks the seventh Amarillo Bulls Main Camp will hit the ice.

The past five years the camps have been in either Michigan or in Missouri, but this time around the Bulls will invade the Baierl Ice Complex in Warrendale, PA near Pittsburgh. Goaltenders report first on Thursday, July 27, and later that day the rest of the players will register. There could be many as eight teams participating in games with cuts being made on Friday, July 29 and again on Saturday, July 30. The first all-star game is later that Saturday night followed by the 2nd all star game Sunday morning.

Bulls Head Coach Matt Nicholson said the players are excited to get back on the ice.

“George Mika summed it up best by stating that he couldn’t wait to get back with the boys,” Nicholson said. “At the end of the season, I think we had some decent team chemistry, and that is one thing I look at will be even better this year.

“There is familiarity with the core group of veterans and even some of our tenders who have either played together or against one another.”

The Bulls had a rough 2015-16 North American Hockey League season and managed just 13 wins. Nicholson said the first year was a learning experience for the coaching staff.

“We had to learn the nuances of junior hockey,” he said. “The big difference for me between college and the junior ranks was with recruitment such as the Player Draft and Main Camp. The best part of Camp is the evaluation process, and seeing what is available in terms of free agents and how the tenders and returners will look.”

One of the area’s the Bulls were trying to address during the summer through Tenders and the Draft was depth in scoring. The Bulls were one of the lowest scoring teams in the NAHL averaging less than three goals per game. Nicholson said the middle part of the line-up looks much better than in the past.

“There is definitely depth with the middle order of our line-up but who those players end up being, we don’t know,” he said. “One of the things we continue to work on is the imports, as well as our top 3 and top 6 players.”

The Amarillo Bulls Coaching Staff addressed the goaltending situation during the summer as both Anton Martinsson and Brian Baker have moved on to NCAA hockey. Among the goaltenders fighting for spots include Draft Pick Nikita Babinsev, Tenders Kyle Mador and Cody Christofferson as well as returning Alex Cathcart.

“We feel we have made the right decisions to tender and draft those players,” he said. “This will be a chance for them to go out there and show what they were able to accomplish at the other levels.”

The Amarillo Bulls offer many affordable ways to watch games this season in the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center. Full Season Tickets give fans the same seat for all 28 home games as well as a variety of different benefits. Half Season tickets give fans a opportunity to chose what games they want to watch but still enjoy the same seat. Ten-Game Flex Packs are perfect for those fans who are not sure about their schedule.

For the latest information on prices, seat locations and various payment plans, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122 or visit 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building.

AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Bulls will have a new man handling the equipment this season.

The Bulls announced today (Thursday) that Chris Schornack has been hired as new Equipment Manager for the 2016-17 season replacing Bernie McDonnell who had been with the team the past six years.

Schornack spent last season with Adrian College (Division III) in Adrian, Michigan where he served as Head Equipment Manager. Chris, a native of Warren, Michigan, received his degree in Business Administration at Adrian College (located Southwest of Detroit). He has previously worked with the Detroit Tigers, the former Motor City Mechanics of the United Hockey League and Wayne State University in Detroit.

Schornack said he is thrilled to join the Amarillo Bulls organization.

“I’m excited to join the staff that helps to get the Bulls back on track in the NAHL,” he said. “With the great staff and Bernie’s help, it’s been a smooth transition in becoming a Bull. I am thankful for what Adam Krug, President Docking and Adrian College did for me during the past five years there. I’m excited for the next adventure.”

Amarillo Bulls Head Coach Matt Nicholson said when Bernie McDonnell notified the team that he wasn’t coming back, it was a big loss because of the impact he had on the organization.

“Bernie got along real well with our players, and we looked to him as an Assistant coach,” he said. “That was a big hole that we had to fill, and truthfully his role went beyond his Equipment Manager duties. We wish him well, and know he is still in town and probably will be at several of our games.”

Nicholson said he learned about Chris Schornak through his former school Adrian College.

“Hockey is a small world,” he said. “I was notified by Chris through Adam Krug who is the head coach at Adrian. Adam played for Adrian when I was there. He couldn’t have spoken more highly of Chris and those character references added to the thoughts and feelings that Rick and I had.”

Nicholson said he and Vice President General Manager Rick Matchett like Chris’ personality and work ethic.

“Chris is ambitious guy that knows what he wants to do with his future and that is to get to the NHL,” he said. “His passion for the position is infectious. His work ethic and attention to detail is excellent. I think our players will really enjoy is personality, as well as his passion for winning and do anything possible in his area of expertise to help them.”

The Amarillo Bulls continue preparations for the 7th season in the North American Hockey League Opening night is set for Saturday, Sept. 10 at 7 pm versus the Odessa Jackalopes at the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center. Full and Half Season Tickets as well as 10 Game Flex Packs are the best way to see the Bulls in their quest to move to the top of the South Division. For further information on Tickets, or Corporate Marketing Partnerships, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122 or visit 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building. 

AMARILLO, TX – Two Amarillo Bulls Alumni recently attended National Hockey League Development Camps.

This year offered another opportunity for dozens of NAHL and NAPHL alumni to go to these annual development/prospect camps across the NHL.  The majority of NHL teams have their development/prospect camps during the month of July.  

Goaltender Colin Delia, who will begin his junior season at Merrimack College, took part in the Anaheim Ducks work outs. Delia, a native of Rancho Cucamonga California played for the Ducks youth hockey program. In 26 games for Merrimack College, Delia posted a record of 8-12-6 and a 2.96 Goals Against Average.

Delia’s teammate forward Hampus Gustafsson worked out with the Ottawa Senators Development team. Gustafsson, who will be a senior this season, has 23 goals and 38 assists for 61 points in 110 career NCAA Games.  

Former NAHL and NAPHL players were once again a significant part of the mix as over 60 alumni were at camps in July.

            The Dallas Stars, who has four NAHL alumni in their camp, began their development/prospect camp this week, as did several other NHL teams.

            The numerous NAHL and NAPHL alumni at NHL development/prospect camps comes on the heels of a memorable NHL Draft for the NAHL and NAPHL, which saw five NAHL players and seven NAPHL alumni drafted a few weeks ago.

            The current 2016-17 Amarillo Bulls will be gearing up for Main Camp that takes place at the end of this month in Pittsburgh PA. The hopefuls will take part in several days of workouts and those who make the cuts will be invited to training camp in Amarillo near the end of August.

            The best way to watch your Amarillo Bulls and their 7th season in the North American Hockey League is by purchasing Full Season Tickets that come with get benefits and perks. Prices start at $296 for Silver; $390 for Red; $450 for Glass and $516 for Pit. Season Tickets for Children 12 and under are $220.

            Fans can also choose from Half Season Tickets as well as 10 Game Silver or Red Flex Tickets. For further information, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122 or visit 301South Polk in the Amarillo Building.  

AMARILLO, TX – Even though puck drop is still several months away, the Amarillo Bulls and its fans got a glimpse today (Thursday) of what the upcoming season will be looking like. The Amarillo Bulls and the North American Hockey League released its 2016-17 schedule.

The seventh season of the Bulls and the 21st consecutive year of Hockey in the Texas Panhandle faces off on Friday, Sept. 9 with a game against the defending South Division Champion Wichita Falls Wildcats at Kay Yeager Coliseum. The following night September 10, the Bulls face off their home schedule by taking on the Odessa Jackalopes at the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center.

In total, the Bulls will play 28 home and 28 away games plus four that will be at the North American Hockey League Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota in mid-September. The Showcase schedule will be released at a later date. Fans will notice some minor changes in the schedule this year with two Sunday games and one on Thursday. All home games will begin at 7:05 pm.

”We think we’ve got a great schedule and we’re excited about starting the year with our first home game on September 10th,” said Vice President and General Manager Rick Matchett. “I think the fans are going to enjoy how the games are placed during the season and now adding the Shreveport Mudbugs to the Division will make it even more exciting.  We’re looking forward to another great season and we can’t wait to get started.”

This year the Bulls and the South Division welcome the Shreveport Mudbugs for their debut in the NAHL. The Bulls and the Mudbugs face off a total of a total of 10 times including four at the newly renovated George’s Pond Hirsch Coliseum. The Odessa Jackalopes and the Wichita Falls Wildcats are two teams the Bulls will see the most a combined 22 times (12 Jackalopes, 10 Wildcats). As for the other divisional opponents, Amarillo takes on the Lone Star Brahmas, Corpus Christi IceRays and the Topeka RoadRunners 8 times each.

The Bulls will head to Corpus Christi for Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend to take on the IceRays at American Bank Center. New Year’s Eve hockey is back for a sixth consecutive year when the Amarillo Bulls host the Odessa Jackalopes.

The month of March is the busiest for the Bulls with a total of six on home ice and another six on the road. September and February each have the fewest amounts of home games with two. The longest home stand this season will see the Bulls in the Texas Panhandle for seven straight that also has an off weekend. The biggest stretch of road action begins at the North American Hockey League Showcase and sees the Bulls away from the Budweiser Bull Pen for a total of three straight weeks.

It’s not too late to purchase Full or Half Season Tickets and be a part of the excitement of the Amarillo Bulls. Choose from a variety of different seat locations including Silver Level end zone, Red Level down the sides, Glass and Pit. Fans can also select from a number of payment options that makes it easy on the budget. The Bulls also offer 10 Game Silver and Red Level Flex Packs for those fans needing ticket options that work around their schedule.

For further information on ticketing options, or Corporate Marketing Partnerships, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122 or drop by 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building.

 

 

Amarillo Bulls full 2016-17 schedule

(All Home Games in Bold – Start times at home are 7:05 pm)

 

Friday, Sept. 9 – Amarillo Bulls @ Wichita Falls Wildcats, Kay Yeager Coliseum, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Sept. 10 – Odessa Jackalopes @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm.

Saturday, Sept. 17 – Lone Star Brahmas at Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center 7:05 pm.

North American Hockey League Showcase at Blaine, Minnesota September 21 to September 25

Friday, Sept. 30 – Amarillo Bulls @ Topeka RoadRunners, Kansas Expo Center Landon Arena, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Oct. 1 – Amarillo Bulls @ Topeka RoadRunners, Kansas Expo Center Landon Arena, 7:05 pm

Friday, Oct. 7 – Amarillo Bulls @ Wichita Falls Wildcats, Kay Yeager Coliseum, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Oct. 8 – Amarillo Bulls at Lone Star Brahmas, NYTEX Sports Center North Richland Hills, TX, 7:30 pm

Friday, Oct. 14 – Lone Star Brahmas @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center. 7:05 pm

Saturday, Oct. 15 – Lone Star Brahmas @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Sunday, Oct. 16 – Lone Star Brahmas @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Oct. 28 – Wichita Falls Wildcats @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Oct. 29 – Wichita Falls Wildcats @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Nov. 4 – Corpus Christi IceRays @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Nov. 5 – Corpus Christi IceRays @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull  Pen Amarillo Cviic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Nov. 11 – Amarillo Bulls @ Wichita Falls Wildcats, Kay Yeager Coliseum, Wichita Falls, TX, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Nov. 12 – Amarillo Bulls @ Wichita Falls Wildcats, Kay Yeager Coliseum, Wichita Falls TX, 7:05 pm

Friday, Nov. 18 – Shreveport Mudbugs @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Nov. 19 – Shreveport Mudbugs @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Nov. 25 – Amarillo Bulls @ Corpus Christi IceRays, American Bank Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Nov. 26 – Amarillo Bulls @ Corpus Christi IceRays, American Bank Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Dec. 2 – Amarillo Bulls @ Shreveport Mudbugs, George’s Pond Hirsch Coliseum, 7:11 pm

Saturday, Dec. 3 – Amarillo Bulls @ Shreveport Mudbugs, George’s Pond Hirsch Coliseum, 7:11 pm

Friday, Dec. 9 – Topeka RoadRunners @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Dec. 10 – Topeka RoadRunners @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Dec. 16 – Amarillo Bulls @ Topeka RoadRunners, Kansas Expo Center Landon Arena, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Dec. 17 – Amarillo Bulls @ Topeka RoadRunners, Kansas Expo Center Landon Arena, 7:05 pm

Thursday, Dec. 29 – Amarillo Bulls @ Odessa Jackalopes, Ector County Coliseum, 7:05 pm

Friday, Dec. 30 – Amarillo Bulls @ Odessa Jackalopes, Ector County Coliseum, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Dec. 31 – Odessa Jackalopes @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Jan. 6 – Odessa Jackalopes @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Jan. 7 – Odessa Jackalopes @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Sunday, Jan. 8 – Shreveport Mudbugs @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Thursday, Jan. 12 – Amarillo Bulls @ Corpus Christi IceRays, American Bank Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Jan. 13 – Amarillo Bulls @ Corpus Christi IceRays, American Bank Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Jan. 20 – Corpus Christi IceRays @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Jan. 21 – Corpus Christi IceRays @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Tuesday, Jan. 31 – Amarillo Bulls @ Odessa Jackalopes, Ector County Coliseum, 7:05 pm

Friday, Feb. 10 – Wichita Falls Wildcats @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Feb. 11 – Wichita Falls Wildcats @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Feb. 24 – Amarillo Bulls @ Wichita Falls Wildcats, Kay Yeager Coliseum, Wichita Falls TX, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Feb. 25 – Amarillo Bulls @ Wichita Falls Wildcats, Kay Yeager Coliseum, Wichita Falls TX, 7:05 pm

Friday, Mar. 3 – Amarillo Bulls @ Lone Star Brahmas, NYTEX Sports Center, North Richland Hills TX, 7:30 pm

Saturday, Mar. 4 – Amarillo Bulls @ Lone Star Brahmas, NYTEX Sports Center, North Richland Hills, TX, 7:30 pm

Sunday, Mar. 5 – Amarillo Bulls @ Lone Star Brahmas, NYTEX Sports Center, North Richland Hills, TX, 4 pm

Thursday, Mar. 9 – Shreveport Mudbugs @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Mar. 10 – Shreveport Mudbugs @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Mar. 11 – Shreveport Mudbugs @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Mar. 17 – Amarillo Bulls @ Shreveport Mudbugs, George’s Pond Hirsch Coliseum, 7:11 pm

Saturday, Mar. 18 – Amarillo Bulls @ Shreveport Mudbugs, George’s Pond Hirsch Coliseum, 7:11 pm

Thursday, Mar. 23 – Amarillo Bulls @ Odessa Jackalopes, Ector County Coliseum, 7:05 pm

Friday, Mar. 24 – Odessa Jackalopes @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Mar. 25 – Odessa Jackalopes @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center,  7:05 pm

Friday, Mar. 31 – Topeka RoadRunners @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Apr. 1 – Topeka RoadRunners @ Amarillo Bulls, Budweiser Bull Pen Amarillo Civic Center, 7:05 pm

Friday, Apr. 7 – Amarillo Bulls @ Odessa Jackalopes, Ector County Coliseum, 7:05 pm

Saturday, Apr. 8 – Amarillo Bulls @ Odessa Jackalopes, Ector County Coliseum, 7:05 pm

REVISED – Geoff Fortman named one of six Atlantic Hockey Student Athletes of The Year

 

AMARILLO, TX – Editor’s note: There was one omission to the story, John Rey was listed as a member of Robert Morris University All Academic Hockey Team. 

Amarillo Bulls alumni certainly have not only excelled on the ice but as well off the ice this past season in Atlantic Hockey Conference.

          Defenseman Geoff Forman of Canisius College was named one of six Atlantic Hockey Student Athletes of the Year, while a total of 12 (Rvises number from 11 includes John Rey) Bulls Alumni were chosen All Academic for their respective teams. It was Fortman’s 2nd consecutive Student Athlete of the year honor.

To qualify for the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team, an individual must post a 3.0 GPA or better in all academic semesters in which his team was actively competing.

Each of the Atlantic Hockey’s teams and schools chose their own All-Academic teams and they include Brandon Lubin of AIC; Luke Jenkins, Joe Kozlak and Brendan McGuire of Army West Point, Tyler Deresky from Bentley; Geoff Fortman of Canisius College; Karl Beckman and Paul Berrafato of Holy Cross; Brady Ferguson and Timmy Moore from Robert Morris University.

 

2015-16 ATLANTIC HOCKEY STUDENT-ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Lucas Bombardier, AIC
Bryant Christian, AIC
Geoff Fortman, Canisius
Tyler Enns, Mercyhurst
Kyle Dutra, Mercyhurst
Alex Dagnal, Robert Morris
 
2015-16 ATLANTIC HOCKEY ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
Air Force: Chris Dylewski, Max Hartner, Johnny Hrabovsky, A.J. Reid, Dylan Abood, Erik Baskin, Jordan Himley, Ben Kucera, Tyler Ledford, Billy Christopoulos, Evan Feno, Kyle Haak, Matt Koch, Matt Serratore
 
AIC: Lucas Bombardier, Giovanni Bombini, Bryant Christian, Trevor Cope, Andrew DeBrincat, Travis Douglas, Marc Dubeau, Jackson Dudley, David Gandara, Carson Grolla, Derek Henderson, Hunter Leisner, Brandon Lubin, Johno May, Shawn McBride, Dan Mele, Bailey More, Johnny Mueller, Mitch Mueller, Alex Murray, Austin Orszulak, Ryan Polin, Chris Porter, Dom Racobaldo, Luke Rodgers, Wade Schools
 
Army West Point: Conor Andrle, Blake Box, Cole Bruns, Nick DeCenzo, Parker Gahagen,Tipper Higgins, Luke Jenkins, Joe Kozlak, Ian Mansfield, Brendan McGuire, Ian Murdoch,Ryan Nick, Matt Penta, Tyler Pham, C.J. Reuschlein, Joe Shecter
 
Bentley: Gabe Antoni, Jayson Argue, Derek Bacon, Mike Berry, Matt Blomquist, Jake Bryniarski, Chris Buchanan, Andy Chugg, Cody Depourcq, Tyler Deresky, Charlie Donners, Billy Eiserman, Max French, Andrew Gladiuk, Tanner Jago, Tyler Krause, Danny Kucerovy, Andrew McDonald, Ryan McMurphy, Kyle Schmidt, Matt Sieckhaus, Alexey Solovyev
 
Canisius: Mathew Backhouse, David Bennett, Cody Boyd, Shane Conacher, Ralph Cuddemi, Ian Edmondson, Geoff Fortman, Cameron Heath, Alex Jaeckle, Josh Kielich, Matt McLeod, Jeff Murray, David Parrottino, Ryan Schmelzer, Jack Stander, Reilly Turner
 
Holy Cross: Mike Barrett, Karl Beckman, Paul Berrafato, Mitch Collett, Tim Driscoll, Ryan Ferrill, Jack Kenney, Michael Laffin, Danny Lopez, Brett Lubanski, Jay Mackie, Joe McNamara, Brett Mulcahy, Tommy Muratore, Tommy Nixon, Scott Pooley, Matt Scarth, Logan Smith, Castan Sommer, Matt Vidal
 
Mercyhurst: Brandon Gotkin, Jack Riley, Wes Baker, Chris Makowski, Derek Barach, Jeremy Wu, Philippe Drouin, Patrick Piacentini, Bryan Sienerth, Nick Boyer, Zach Todd, Anthony Mastrodicasa, Stephen Hrehoriak, Mychal Monteith, Michael Verboom, Jonathan Charbonneau, Kyle Cook, Tyler Enns, Kyle Dutra, Tommaso Bucci, Brandon Wildung, Spencer Bacon, Josh Lammon
 
Niagara: Robert Angiolella, Devin Campbell, Matthew Chiarantano, Matthew Dineen, Nick Farmer, Keegan Harper, Sean King, Daniel Kolenda, Niko Kovachis, Ryan Kuhn, Tanner Lomsnes, Joe O'Brien, Kevin Patterson, Chris Paulin, Stephen Pietrobon, Sam Rennaker, Guillaume Therien
 
Robert Morris: Alex Bontje, Matt Cope, Alex Dagnal, Brandon Denham, Spencer Dorowicz, Brady Ferguson, David Friedmann, Elias Ghantous, Chase Golightly, Kyle Horsman, Eric Israel, Dalton Izyk, Daniel Leavens, Zac Lynch, Rob Mann, Evan Moore, Timmy Moore, Andrew Pikul, Rob Powers, John Rey, Ben Robillard, Alex Tonge, Brandon Watt, Tyson Wilson
 
RIT: Erik Brown, Alexander Kuqali, Mark Logan, Brady Norrish, Alex Perron-Fontaine, Myles Powell, Dan Schuler, Christian Short, Todd Skirving
 
Sacred Heart: Jackson Barliant, Jacob Brightbill, Jeff Carroll, Liam Clare, Michael Crocock, Justin Danforth, Zach De Concilys, Erich Doerksen, Connor Doherty, Spencer Graboski, Coltyn Hansen, Evan Jasper, Kory Kennedy, Zach Luczyk, Jake Lynes, Brett Magnus, Jordan Minello, Mitch Nylen, Nathan Perry, Joshua Phillips.

          The current Amarillo Bulls continue to build towards their seventh season in the North American Hockey League. Full and Half Season Tickets as well as 10-Game Flex Packs are available at various price points and locations including End Zones, Sides, Glass and Pit Seating. Fans can take advantage of several payment options that will make it easy on their budgets. There are also a number of Season Ticket perks that come, including never wasting a ticket, exclusive meet and greet opportunities and priority seating for the playoffs.

          For further information on ticketing options, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122 or visit 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building. 

AMARILLO, TX – Depth…

It’s been something the Amarillo Bulls Coaching staff has talked a lot about during the recruiting season and have stated the the team must get better at if they are going to be contenders again in the North American Hockey League and the South Division.

The Bulls went along way to fulfilling that goal with the selection of eight players today (Tuesday) during the 2016 North American Hockey League Draft. Six forwards, one defenseman and one goaltender were chosen by the team during the Draft proceedings.

With the first pick 7th overall, the Bulls chose goaltender Nikita Babintsev from the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U18 of the Tier I Elite League. Other players joining Babintsev are: Nolan Moyle 2nd Round-37th overall, (Forward, Detroit Victory Honda U18); Kendrick Frost 4th round-91st overall, (Forward, Omaha Jr. Lancers U16); Carson Pearce 4th Round-94th overall (defenseman, Lambton Shores Predators); Christian Sabin 5th Round-100th overall (forward, Detroit Victory Honda U18); Tyler Miknich 6th Round-124th overall (forward-Selects Academy 18U), Brenden Locke 7th Round-148th overall (Forward-Coburg Cougars); Alexander Gilmour 8th Round-172nd overall (Pembroke Jr. Lumberkings).

“Tony and I are pleased with the picks overall during the Draft,” said Bulls Head Coach Matt Nicholson. “You do your best to improve the overall talent of your team and add more depth to each position on the team. It was pretty consistent and spread out during the draft and they will go along to compliment the veterans we have protected plus those who were tendered by us.”

Nicholson said the next step is to speak to the drafted players as well as their parents and advisors, and make sure they are ready for Main Camp.

“We want the players to continue to prepare themselves for Pittsburgh and Main Cap,” he said. “One thing we think is a good problem to have is that there will be some real tough decisions to make not only at Camp, but in Amarillo for all the positions from goaltending to defense and forwards.”

“Now it’s about picking the best 23 players and laying the foundation for a good team and executing our plan.”

All NAHL teams participated in the Draft including the newest members Northeast Generals and the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. Eligible teams made selections in each round in reverse order of their finish during the 2015-16 NAHL regular season standings. The NAHL Draft consisted of the number of rounds necessary for each club’s protected list to reach 30 total players. The thirty players are made up of veteran players, tendered players and drafted ones. Each eligible NAHL club was entitled to one selection per round unless it had acquired or lost selections due to approved trades with other NAHL clubs.

Next up for the Amarillo Bulls will be Main Camp at the end of July in Pittsburgh, PA. Those players who have made it through that will advance to Amarillo in late August to begin Training Camp and prepare for the 2016-17 season.

Here is a synopsis of the Bulls Selections from the Draft along with a quote from Head Coach Matt Nicholson on each player

NIKITA BABINTSEV:

Position: Goaltender; Selected – 1st Round – 7th overall; Previous Team: Oakland Jr. Grizzlies.

“He is someone the fans will gravitate to in terms of his personality which was a big thing for us. He has all of the requisite intangibles to go along with some great skills in the crease.”

NOLAN MOYLE:

Position: Right Wing; Selected – 2nd Round – 37th overall: Previous Team: Detroit Victory Honda.

“He played for the Victory Honda U16 program which is under our scouting director Brian Burke. He’ s a big, right-shot forward that is committed to Michigan State and may be a young guy who adds size and skill should he be available after a USHL Camp.

KENDRICK FROST:

Position: Right Wing; Selected – 4th round – 91st overall; Previous Team: Omaha Jr. Lancers U16.

“He is a young player who is a converted forward that led the Omaha team in scoring with 52 points. Kendrick is an athletic kid with size that has a lot of potential. With Frost and Moyle we decided to go on the younger side with a look at what their potential might be. We are excited to see what Kendrick can do against players older than him.”

CARSON PEARCE:

Position: Defense; Selected 4th round—94th overall: Previous Team: Lambton Shores Predators.

“He’s a smooth skating left shot defenseman who was drafted by Saginaw in the OHL and is currently in the Fargo (USHL) Force Camp. Carson is a shutdown defenseman who has garnered a lot of interest from Division I schools.”

CHRISTIAN SABIN:

Position: Center; Selected – 5th Round-100th overall; Previous Team: Detroit Victory Honda U18).

“Because he was born in 1998, he has a chance to go back and play for his team again. Victory Honda won the state title and went to the National Championships. He has winning pedigree which I think is important. I saw him at a USHL Camp and he provides more depth for us because of his ability to player center and wing.”

TYLER MIKNICH

Position: Left Wing; Selected – 6th Round-124th overall; Previous Team: Selects Academy 18U.

“He played a long side two of our tenders, Steven Ipri and Brendan Walkom, and they spoke very highly of him. Tyler is a smaller player that excels on the penalty kill which is like our former Captain Joey DiBenedetto.”

BRENDEN LOCKE:

Position: Forward; Selected – 7th round-148th overall; Previous Team: Coburg Cougars.

“We have followed Brenden for quite some time. Brenden is committed to Cornell University for 2017 and has the ability to be a top two- line centerman. He has a 200-foot game and is good in the face-off circle. I think Brenden can add to the experience and the skill factor that we are trying to establish with our top six forwards.

          ALEXANDER GILMOUR:

          Position: Forward; Selected – 8th round-172nd overall; Previous Team: Pembroke Lumberkings.

“Alex has junior experience having played in the Ottawa league last season for a good program in Pembroke. He is a big, strong 6-4 forward that reminds me of Joe Thornton, who has a big body that can produce points.”  

AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Bulls originally didn’t have a first round pick heading into tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon’s North American Hockey League Draft. That all changed over the weekend.

The Bulls announced that they have acquired the 7th overall pick and a 4th round selection from the Minnesota Magicians in exchange for forward Zack Sarnowski, and two second round picks. Sarnowski who was selected in the 3rd round, 51st overall in last year’s Draft, had three goals and three assists for six points in 55 games for the Bulls.

It will mark the 3rd time in franchise history that the Bulls will have a top seven first round selection. The most noticeable high draft pick in Bulls history was in the 2011 when they selected forward Mike Davis who would help the team win a National Championship and later serve as Captain.

          Head Coach Matt Nicholson said the process is new for him and Assistant Coach Tony Attanucci.  

“There are a lot of different ways to look at the draft, but the end result is that you want to make sure you are picking quality people to add to your roster,” said Nicholson. “Some teams may focus on younger players and highly skilled forwards like Wichita Falls did last year in picking Ben Lown. Other clubs make take a flyer on a player that may be on the bubble or that has USHL experience in hopes of building their roster that way. I’m not sure that there is not a right way or a wrong way of doing things and it depends on the needs of the particular team.”

  The 2016 NAHL Entry Draft will take place tomorrow (Tuesday), at 1pm (central). The draft will be live on nahldraft.com and will be broadcast live on fasthockey.com. Amarillo Bulls’ fans will be able to keep track of the selections through social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. A full story will be available later on the team’s website (www.amarillobulls.com).

Amateur players less than 21 years of age on December 31, 2016 who are not listed on an NAHL team roster or are listed on an NAHL team roster but played less than (10) NAHL regular season and/or playoff games during the 2015-16 season and did not accept a tender from an NAHL team prior to the 2016 NAHL Entry Draft are eligible for selection in the draft.

The number of players each team is able to draft varies on that team's current roster (protected list) minus the number 30. Each team's roster is comprised of veteran players and signed tenders only. For example, if a team has 15 veterans rostered and 8 tenders (23 total), that team is allowed seven (7) draft picks. The Bulls could have approximately eight selections.

          Nicholson said the Draft can be a long process where coaches and scouts are constantly researching, making lists of players of interest, talking to other coaches and watching tape.

“It really all starts in the fall with the tendering process and those players who have not been tendered are draft eligible,” he said. “There are phone calls with the players, parents and even advisors. A draft scenario is much different that the tendering process or in College because in theory everyone is a free agent now. You may do a lot of homework on a player and they may get picked before you get a chance to get them.”

The Amarillo Bulls are preparing for their 7th season in the North American Hockey League and invite fans to purchase or renew Full Or Half Season Tickets as well as 10 Game Flex Packs. Those who do get involved in Full or Half Season Tickets will be automatically entered into the 30 Days Of Hockey Draw to win great prizes including a Dallas Stars Getaway.

For further information on ticket prices, seat options and payment plans, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122 or drop by 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building.

 

        AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Bulls have concluded their tender signings for the 2016-17 season by adding Canadian defenseman Aidan Girduckis (pronounced Gir-Duck-Iss).

          Girduckis, a native of Stirling, Ontario, Canada (West of Toronto) netted seven points in 47 games in his first season with the Wellington Dukes of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. At the U16 and U18 levels, the 6-3 195-pound defenseman earned 27 points in 47 games over the course of two seasons.

          Girduckis said that he is excited to get his junior career started.

          “I met Coach Nicholson initially when he was a scout at Robert Morris,” said Girduckis. “I was asked about the opportunity to go play for him and I thought it was an exciting opening for me. I had to jump at it.”

          Girduckis said his goal and dream is to be a Division I player just like his older brother Abbot who just concluded his first season at RIT.

          “Amarillo and the South Division are great places to get exposure to scouts,” he said. “You’ve got to go where you are wanted and Amarillo has shown interest in me for the past year. It’s a great program with lots of tradition, success and opportunity for development. It’s a really good chance to move on to the next level and I couldn’t pass it up.”

          Bulls Head Coach Matt Nicholson said he has known the Girduckis family for several years and believes that Aidan has plenty of potential and will be a right fit for the team.

          “I was involved in recruiting Abbott Girduckis when I was at Robert Morris,” he said.  “Although, Abbot did not end up signing at RMU I’ve continued to keep in touch with the family. In that time, I got to know Aidan and kept tabs on him. When an opportunity presented itself to get a player of Aidan’s caliber and potential, it was a no-brainer for our organization.”

Aiden Girduckis joins Hayden Broomhead, Kyle Madore, Cody Christofferson, Brendan Johns, Steven Ipri, Brendan Walkom, Eric Cooley, Sean Mallonee, Luke Edgerton, Justin and Brendan Mickhaelian as tenders for the 2015-16 season.

          Next up for the Amarillo Bulls is the 2016 North American Hockey League Draft that will take place on Tuesday at 1 pm. Fans can follow along with the Bulls picks via social media on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and then later a full report will be up on the website at www.amarillobulls.com.

          There is still time for fans to register for the 30 Days Of Hockey Draw and win daily prizes, including Merrick Pet Care Gift Basket, Logan’s Free Appetizer Card as well as the Grand Prize drawing for the trip to the Dallas Stars Game.

          To get involved with the draw purchase or renew Full or Half Season Tickets by setting up a payment plan, making a deposit or paying in full. For further information on Full or Half Season Ticket packages as well as 10 Game Flex Packs, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122 or visit 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building.

AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Bulls coaching staff has certainly made plenty of strides trying to improve the offence during the off season. Matt Nicholson and Tony Attanucci hope the latest tender signing will go a long way to continue to build in that area.

The Bulls announced today (Thursday) that they have tendered forward Hayden Broomhead who spent last season with the Stratford Cullitans of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. Broomhead, a native of Ilderton, Ontario (pronounced ill-der-ton) led the team in scoring with 34 goals and 44 assists for 78 points in 47 games.

Broomhead was also an offensive force in the post season firing 14 goals and added 10 helpers for 24 points in 21 games.  

The Cullitons are coached by Dave Williams, the Brother of former Amarillo Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams and it’s where the longtime bench boss and former Assistant Coach Mike Watt played their junior hockey.

Broomhead said he is excited to be coming to the Texas Panhandle.

“I’m thrilled with the opportunity to come and play for the Amarillo Bulls in the North American Hockey League,” said Broomhead. “I’ve heard nothing but good things about the program and know they have a great track record of moving players on the NCAA level.”

In the 2014-15 season, Broomhead had 17 goals and 24 assists for 41 points in 43 regular season games. During the 2015 playoffs, he added another 11 points in 15 games.

“I had a really good feeling after meeting with Coach Nicholson and felt Amarillo was a great fit for me,” he said. “It’s a very good team and league that has plenty of exposure to scouts which is exactly what I am looking for.”

Head Coach Matt Nicholson said Broomhead brings a high hockey IQ and scoring ability to the Bulls line-up.

“Our staff feels he will be a legitimate top three to top six forward in the NAHL, and his pedigree of scoring in U18 Hockey and with the Stratford Cullitans has helped solidify that opinion,” he said. “With the playoffs in the 15-16 season, Hayden had 102 points in 68 games. Obviously, it will be a step up playing in the NAHL but once again he has proven to be a point producer and a nose for the net throughout his young career thus far.”

Nicholson said Hayden comes from a good family and has a tremendous worth ethic and character which is important for the team’s off-ice component.

 Hayden Broomhead joins Kyle Madore, Cody Christofferson, Brendan Johns, Steven Ipri, Brendan Walkom, Eric Cooley, Sean Mallonee, Luke Edgerton, Justin and Brendan Mickhaelian as tenders for the 2015-16 season.

  One of the best ways to watch Amarillo Bulls hockey is by purchasing Season Tickets which gives fans the same seat for all 28 home games. There are many other incredible benefits that go along with being a Season Ticket holder including never wasting a ticket, exclusive meet and greet functions, and priority seating for the playoffs. If fans purchase or renew season tickets by either setting up a payment plan or paying in full, then they will be entered into the 30 Days Of Hockey Draw. The Grand Prize is a Dallas Stars Getaway including hotel, spending money and jerseys. For further information on Full or Half Season Ticket packages as well as 10 Game Flex Packs please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122 or visit 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building. 

AMARILLO, TX – The Amarillo Bulls have been adding plenty of championship and winning pedigree to its roster with its tender signings this season. That continued on Friday with the addition of goaltender Kyle Madore who backstopped the New Hampshire Monarchs to the Eastern Hockey League Championship.

Madore, native of Peter Township, PA, posted a record of 16-6-1 with a 2.42 Goals Against Average and a Save Percentage of .918 in 31 games. In the post season, Madore continued his strong play for the Monarchs as he was 9-1 with a 1.61 Goals Against Average and a .944 Save Percentage in leading his team to the title.

“I’m very excited to join the Amarillo Bulls this fall,” Madore said. “I wanted to play in the NAHL this past season but things just didn’t work out, so now I am ready to compete and work hard and do whatever it takes this season.”

Madore said it was the coaching staff of Matt Nicholson and Tony Attanucci that drew him to the Bulls organization.

“I was drafted last year and things happened so fast that I didn’t get a feel for the team that selected me,” he said. “The coaching staff talked to me for two months and never rushed me. They slowly told me what the city was about and their organization. Everything I have heard about the Bulls is that it’s really professional and they take care of their players. All of that attracted me along with the winning track record.”

Goaltending is in the Madore family has his oldest brother Rob currently plays in the ECHL and AHL levels, while his other Matt was a backstopper in the North American Hockey League for the former New Mexico Mustangs.

“I had two great mentors to look up to with Rob and Matt and they taught me well. My twin brother use to shoot on me during the summers,” he said. “They all gave me the tools to succeed.”

One of the areas the Bulls have had to rebuild during the off season is in net as both Anton Martinsson and Brian Baker have moved on to the collegiate level. Alex Cathart saw limited action for the Bulls late in the season. The team has already tendered Cody Christofferson from the Rocky Mountain Rough Riders.  

Amarillo Bulls Head Coach Matt Nicholson is thrilled about the addition of Madore to the team.

“Kyle turned not playing in the NAHL this past season to a great opportunity in New Hampshire by posting phenomenal numbers in the regular season and playoffs,” said Nicholson. “He is very mature for his age of 18. We are very happy to have Kyle as a member of the Bulls. We are adding more depth to each position and his addition creates more of that in goal.”

Nicholson said having a winning pedigree can’t be overlooked.

“He is similar to the other tenders that we signed at the U18 level who won a USA Hockey National Championship,” he said. “It always helps to have players who have made deep runs in their respective playoffs. I think Kyle will be able to draw upon his experience in the EHL and bring that same winning mentality to the Texas Panhandle.”

Kyle Madore joins Cody Christofferson, Steven Ipri, Brendan Walkom was well as Eric Cooley, Sean Mallonee, Luke Edgerton, Justin and Brendan Mickhaelian as tenders for the 2015-16 season.

The Amarillo Bulls are preparing for their 7th season in the North American Hockey League and invite fans to purchase or renew Full Or Half Season Tickets as well as 10 Game Flex Packs. Those who do get involved in Full or Half Season Tickets will be automatically entered into the 30 Days Of Hockey Draw to win great prizes including a Dallas Stars Getaway.

For further information on ticket prices, seat options and payment plans, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122 or drop by 301 South Polk in the Amarillo Building.