Bellingham Continues to Dominate

The Bellingham Blazers handed the visiting Tri-Cites Outlaws a loss and marked their fifteenth win of the season Friday, November 29th at the Sportsplex. The Blazers dictated the tempo from the opening drop, out-shooting the Outlaws with 60-28 shots-on-goal. Their relentless barrage wore the Tri-Cites goalie down as Bellingham scored four goals alone in the third period. Final score: 5-1. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Victorious Over Generals

The Bellingham Blazers added their ninth win Saturday November 2nd at the Sportsplex as they hosted the Eugene Generals. The Bellingham fans were a bit nervous as Eugene jumped out with a two-goal lead in the first period. But the Blazers would not falter, scoring the next three goals, they took command of the game. Dominating the shots on goal with 50 to Eugene's 21, Bellingham relentlessly attacked the Generals' net. Final score: 5-4. This game marks the beginning of a seven-game road trip. The Blazers are now 9-3 on the season and are second in the NPHL standings to the West Sound Warriors. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Lose in Final Seconds

The Tri-Cities Outlaws hand a heartbreaking loss to the Bellingham Blazers Friday, October 25^th at the Sportsplex. The game started fast, both teams trying to use speed to their advantage. Bellingham doubled their shots on goal to Tri-Citites' shots but both teams ended the first period scoreless. The second saw the same story with the Blazers shooting twice as many pucks toward the Outlaws goalie but Tri-Cities would be the ones to hit the back of the net. The third echoed the first two, but the Blazers finally found net, scoring their only goal of the night tying the game. Yet with 16.2 seconds left in regulation, the Outlaws score once more and hand the Blazers their third loss on the season. Final score: 1-2. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers out muscle Warriors

The Bellingham Blazers hosted their Northern Pacific Hockey League rival the West Sound Warriors Sunday Oct. 20^th at the Sportsplex. Defense dominated both ends of the ice as each team traded hard hits and physical play throughout the first period. Frustration boiled over early and after a scoreless first the flood gates opened in the second. Shots on goal flew at a fever pitch as each team matched goal for goal, tying the game at three all heading into the third. West Sound could not stop the Bellingham charge as two more scores late in the third sealed the win for the Blazers. Final score: 5-3. Click here to view photos of the game.

Bellingham Continues Winning Ways

The Bellingham Blazers follow their win Friday night with another dominating performance by beating the visiting Eugene Generals Sunday, October 13^th at the Sportsplex. The teams seemed evenly matched throughout the first and second periods. Trading shots and goals, Bellingham lead 2 to 1 at the end of the second. The gloves came off in the third as the Blazers turned up the heat, blasting the Generals for six goals. Eight different Blazers scored a goal in the win. Final score: 8-2. Click here to view photos of the game.

Blazers Shutout Vipers at Home

The Bellingham Blazers break their two-game losing skid with a 17-point drumming of the visiting Vancouver Vipers. The Blazers bullied the Vipers from the first drop. Dominating shots on goal with 86 while Vancouver could only muster 15. Bellingham also capitalized on 8 of 12 power play opportunities while the Vipers did not find the net for any of their 9 power plays. Eleven Blazers scored goals and six of the players had two goals each. Final score 17-0. Click here to view photos of the game.

Bulldogs Back On Top

A light mist blankets the surrounding hills that overlook the Stewart Field Complex in Aberdeen, Washington. The cool ocean air quiets the landscape bringing a calmness prior to the impending storm. The Bellingham Bulldogs, having conquered the Pacific Football League North Division, traveled to this sleepy bay-side town to claim their right to the League title. Boasting a 10-2 record the Bulldogs seemed assured certain victory against their South Division opponents, the South Lane Buzzards.

The surging Bulldogs defense washed over the Buzzards like a rouge wave. Pushing South Lane back and forcing an early punt. The Bulldogs offensive line took advantage of their size and moved the ball with a combination of runs by Brett Hall and a quick strike to Toby Seim to score the first touchdown of the game. Momentum continued to favor Bellingham as a recovered fumble lead to another scoring drive, caped again by a pass from Eric Taylor to Toby Seim.

The bruising running attacks and quick passes kept the Buzzards on their heals. Trying their bests to hold back the waves of offense with little success as Bellingham scored twice more in the second quarter. Once in the air with a 12-yard pass to Nicholas Gavigan and then a crushing 92-yard touchdown run by Brett Hall. Throughout the first half the Bulldogs defense remain dominate, keeping the Buzzards from scoring a single point.

Bellingham started the second half a little sluggish. Miscues, fumbles and interceptions kept South Lanes' hopes for a comeback alive, but Bellingham would not recede. Adding another touchdown drive with a 12-yard scoring throw to Douglas Miller.

The Bulldogs however were not to get their perfect shutout. After a favorable kick return the Buzzards connected on a 44-yard pass to put them on the one-yard line. Two plays later South Lane found the end zone for their only scoring drive of the game.

The last laugh would belong to the Bulldogs when back-up quarterback Noah Clein found Nicholas Gavigan with a 39-yard touchdown throw. Sealing the game and the 2013 PFL Championship. Final score: 40-7. Click here to view photos of the game.

Narrow Escape, Bulldogs Hold Off Charging Colts

After the devastating loss in Seattle the Bellingham Bulldogs looked for redemption as the South King County Colts rolled into town for a Pacific Football League heavy-weight match. The Colts carry a 6-1 record, atop the PFL standings along side the Seattle Stallions. Bellingham's recent loss to the Stallions put them in a possible road-playoff situation, with a 6-2 record the Bulldogs may not get a playoff game at home.  

In addition to the standings the Bulldogs were dealing with several injuries and the loss of their starting quarterback. Bellingham would decide to put Eric Taylor in to run the offense. The Colts however have a familiar face under center, former Bulldog Cody Oakes returned for redemption of his own.

The game started off a little sluggishly. Neither offense could manage a consistent drive to move the ball and traded punts early. After a scoreless first quarter the Bulldogs made a push into scoring position and kicked a 10-yard field goal. On the following Colts drive the Bulldogs defense stripped the ball from Oakes, giving the offense a shortened field. A few plays later Bellingham's Eric Taylor found wide receiver Douglas Miller for a three-yard touchdown pass.

This proved to be the turning point in the game as both offenses began to move the ball with an increased intensity. Both Bulldogs and Colts unleashed a flurry of running and pass attacks that netted yards and points. Through the second quarter and into the third the titans of the gridiron traded blows and countered one another. Bellingham however got the best of the Colts and began to pull ahead on the scoreboard. Late in the third quarter the Bulldogs had a 37-16 lead and what seemed to be a win was within grasp.

Cody Oakes and the Colts would not secede. Clawing their way back into the game, Oakes lead his Colts to two more touchdowns and brought the game to a 37-30 score with 3 minutes left to play. The Bulldogs defense would bend but would not break. The Colts drove deep into the redzone but with one minute, thirty seconds remaining Bellingham stopped the Colts drive short. Holding onto victory and keeping their home-playoff game hopes alive. Final score: 37-30. Click here to view photos of the game.

The Streak Continues, Slam Win Tenth Game.

The International Basketball League witnessed another victory for the Bellingham Slam as they crushed the visiting East Bay Pit Bulls from Livermore, California at Whatcom Pavilion Sunday, June 9^th. From the opening tip the Slam controlled the tempo and the scoreboard. Averaging a double digit lead in all four quarters, Bellingham cruised to a tenth straight victory and sit alone atop the IBL standings. With six games remaining on the regular season the Slam look forward at the opportunity to defend the IBL Championship title. Final score: 153-100. Click here to view photos of the game.

Bulldogs Grind-out a Win Over Buzzards

The South Lane Buzzards opened the game with a heavy dose of their running game, pushing the Bulldog's defense back onto the heals with a series of sweeps, traps and dives. Attacking the defensive line head-on. The four-quarterback rotation seemed to have caught Bellingham off-guard initially. Driving down the field the Buzzard scored a field goal on their first possession of the game.

Bellingham would answer quickly with a 65 yard bomb from Leon Lilley to Toby Seim. However the offense was unable to take advantage of the field position turned the ball over on downs. With the momentum favoring South Lane, Bellingham struggled to turn the advantage around. The Buzzards defense kept up the pressure on Lilley who was unable to get clean throwing lines. Both defenses stiffened, allowing yards but blanking the opposing offenses throughout the first half.

The opening kickoff of the second half sparked new life in the Bulldog offense as Miguel Pierre took the return to just inside the red zone. The next play from scrimmage saw Brett Hall push his way into the end zone for Bellingham's first score. The scoring would quickly cool again but tempers began to rise as penalty flags began to rain down for both sides. Either team unable to get a consistent rhythm to their offense with the constant shuffle of field position dictated by the referee.

Late in the fourth quarter the scoring drought was quenched when Bulldogs' defensive back Jon (Bizzle) Bon recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. The Buzzards' defense also saw the end zone as defensive back Jamil Wynn picked off a pass from Leon Lilley and returned it 70 yards for South Lanes only touchdown. Bellingham would get the last word with less than two-minutes remaining and the Buzzards driving the field. Bulldogs' safety Miguel Pierre intercepted a deflected pass, sealing the victory for Bellingham. Final score: 14-11. Click here to view photos of the game.

Slam Renew Rivalry

Whatcom Pavilion played host to the rematch between 2012 International Basketball League Championship competitors; the Bellingham Slam and the Portland Chinooks Monday, May 27^th. Portland jumped out to an early lead and held firm for the entire first half. The fierce competition boiled over at one point, resulting in a technical foul and ejection of Slam guard Drew Ready. Although it is unclear of the reason. The Slam managed to tie the game in the last second of the first period but lost momentum in the second, trailing by three at the half. The third quarter saw Portland jump out again and dominate leading Bellingham through the third period. The Slam were down 71 to 88 at the beginning the fourth and trailed most of the period. With 16.5 seconds remaining Bellingham was down by two points. From the inbound pass the ball ended up in the hands of center Evan Matteson, who took a contested shot from behind the three-point arc and buried the ball with 0.5 seconds left to play. The Chinooks would commit an offensive foul sending the Slam to the free-throw line, putting the game out of reach. Final score: 106-105. Click here to view photos from the game.

Slam Strike Back

The Bellingham Slam showed their defensive prowess when they hosted the Lone Star Strikers from Houston Texas Sunday, May 19^th at Whatcom Pavilion. Building a lead early in the first period, Bellingham blocked shots, intercepted passes and rebounded nearly every Strikers' scoring attempt. The visiting from Texas would not concede easily, matching the point total for the second quarter with the Slam at 24-points each. However Bellingham would maintain a 14-point halftime lead. This proved to be too much for the Strikers to overcome as the Slam lead comfortably throughout the second half to another International Basketball League win. Final score: 106-86. Click here to view photos of the game.

Bulldogs fend off Bearcats

The rain soaked skies above Civic Field held back their deluged, allowing the sun to shine down and warm the gridiron where two Pacific Football League titans would wage battle. After a bitter loss at Yakima last week the Bulldogs looked to taste sweet victory again with a win over Grays Harbor. However defeating the Bearcats would not be easy. Bellingham struck first as the offense worked to establish their running game early with a touchdown on the legs of Brett Hall. The Bearcats would answer quickly with a touchdown through the air as quarterback David Evans connected with wide receiver Christoper Jackson on a 67-yard pass. The two teams would trade score for score throughout the first half. Each defense struggling to find their rhythm. Heading into halftime the Bulldogs held onto a one-point lead.

Bellingham's offense would come out for the second half and serve up another heavy dose of their running game and continue their relentless dominance of the line of scrimmage. With help from the legs of Brett Hall the Bulldogs added to their score twice more, giving Hall four touchdowns on the day. The Bulldogs defense finally woke up and showed why they are the best in the league, blanking the Bearcats for the entire second half, despite a great effort by Grays Harbor offense. Final score: 42-20.

This Bulldogs home game marked the annual Cancer Benefit Game played in support of Whatcom Relay for Life and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Proceeds from merchandise sold during the game were donated to these organizations.

Click here to view photos of the game.

Slam stomp Tornadoes

The Bellingham Slam welcomed the visiting team from across the Pacific Ocean. The Nippon Tornadoes of the International Basketball League began their United States tour Friday, May 10^th at Whatcom Pavilion. Bellingham did their best to show their guests what Slam basketball is all about. Bellingham took the lead early and kept on piling up the points throughout the game. Despite the Tornadoes energy and effort they could not close the double-digit gap for four quarters. Final score: 161-78. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs reign over Monarchs

The Bellingham Bulldogs hosted Pacific Football League rival the Portland Monarchs, Saturday, May 5^th at Lummi High School. The sun-drenched field illuminated the fierce determination the Bulldogs had to defeat their foes from Oregon in their fourth regular season game.

In the first quarter both defenses found their strides early, forcing the opposing offenses to punt in consecutive downs. However Bellingham would not be held scoreless as their offensive machine was beginning to warm up, scoring a field goal and then an aerial connection for a touchdown between Toby Seim and Leon Lilley. The Bulldogs defense dominated the remaining minutes of the first half of play while a well balanced Bellingham offense kept the Bulldogs ahead with a comfortable lead. Toby Seim would catch another touchdown strike from Leon Lilley and running back Brett Hall found the end zone as well. The Bulldogs defense would also cross the goal line when defensive lineman Eric Pitner recovered a fumble and rumbled down field for a score. The Monarchs were held scoreless until late in the second period, finding the end zone with a seventy two-yard bomb from quarterback Philip DuPont to wide receiver Tyrell Stewart.

Bellingham's defense continued to punish Portland throughout the third period and into the fourth. Toby Seim completed the hat-trick with a third touchdown reception from Leon Lilley and linebacker Sean Hicks added to the scoring with an interception return for a touchdown. The Monarchs would score twice more and convert on both two-point attempts but the game was too far out of reach. Final score: 45-22. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bellingham route Kitsap

The Bellingham Slam showed their International Basketball League pedigree Friday, April 26^th at Whatcom Pavilion, when they hosted the Kitsap Admirals. Never relinquishing the lead, Bellingham dominated the hardwood, scoring at least 32 points each quarter. Forward Blake Poole lead all Slam scorers with 28 points, followed by guard Rico Wilkins with 26 points. The game was never in doubt as the Slam roll the Admirals, 166-117. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Strike Vipers

Saturated clouds of April held off their deluge long enough to allow the Bellingham Bulldogs to take the field against the visiting Vancouver Vipers on Saturday, April 20^th at Lummi High School. This was the first home game of the Pacific Football League 2013 season for the Bulldogs and they were eager to show their faithful fans what their team could do. A mix of experienced veterans from last years' championship team plus new energy from first-time Bulldog players, the new-look Bulldogs boast a higher intensity along with higher expectations.

The opening drive for Bellingham was fast and fierce, beginning with a half-back pass to wide receiver Toby Seim for a big gain. Domination from the offensive line moved the football quickly and efficiently down field for a touchdown scored by running back Brett Hall. The Dogs' defense also showed their might early, keeping the Vipers from crossing mid-field and forcing a punt. The punt made it's way down field where it was picked up near the Bulldogs 10-yard-line by safety Miguel Pierre, who returned it for a touchdown.

It was not until late in the first quarter that Vancouver would be able to rally together a drive and early in the second they scored their first touchdown. The Dogs' offensive line would continue to dictate in the second quarter pushing the Vipers back and scoring another touchdown on the legs of Brett Hall. The Vipers would answer with another touchdown of their own. However the relentless pounding of the football, as always, opened up the passing game for Bellingham. Unleashing their not-so-secret weapon Toby Seim, the Bulldogs scored again with a 10-yard strike from quarterback Leon Lilley to Seim.

Both teams moved at a fevered pitch as the dark and ominous clouds silently rolled in for the second half, which began with an interception by Bellingham linebacker Sean Hicks. This lead to a cascade of scores from the Bulldogs including a pair of touchdown strikes from Lilley to Seim and a powerful touchdown run by wide receiver John Murphy. The Vipers would score once more in the last seconds of the game but ultimately this would prove to be too much for Vancouver to overcome. Final score: 47-20. Click here to view photos from the game.

Solid Season Start for Slam

The Bellingham Slam played host to International Basketball League rivals Vancouver Volcanoes Friday April 19^th at Whatcom Pavilion. This was a rematch from the 2012 IBL Playoffs semi-finals. Both teams boast a high-scoring offense and know each others weaknesses well. The action was fierce as both teams traded the lead throughout the first, second and third periods. The Slam wrestled away the lead finally in the fourth and held on to victory. Final score: 116-92. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers hold firm, series tied after double overtime.

The Bellingham Blazers kept their championship hopes alive with a double overtime victory over the West Sound Warriors Saturday, March 16. Knotting the best of five series at 2-2. The Blazers took game one of the Cascade Cup in Bremerton earlier 3-0, but West Sound matched the win with an overtime victory the following evening. The series changed venues and the Warriors took game three, beating the Blazers on their home ice.

Saturday was do or die for Bellingham, needing to take the lead quickly the Blazers fired volley after volley on net in the first two periods, gaining a 3-1 advantage heading into the third. The Warriors would not fold, scoring three goals of their own, they forced overtime. After a grueling overtime period that saw West Sound out-shoot Bellingham, 18-9 shots on goal, Blazers' Goalie Cody Foster held firm sending the game into it's second overtime period. Both teams were at their limits, trying desperately to overcome the scoring drought. Finally with less than three minutes to play in the second overtime period Blazers Forward Bryce Kenning, with an assist from Kristjan Toivola, scored the final goal, ending game four and sending the series back to Bremerton. Final score: 5-4. Click here to view photos from the game.

Sweep! Blazers bests Generals

The Bellingham Blazers mark their inaugural season with their first playoff series sweep. The tension was thick in the Sportsplex arena as the Blazers held a 2-0 lead in the first round of the NOR PAC 2012-2013 playoffs over the Eugene Generals. Bellingham proved to be better prepared when they traveled to Oregon earlier, handing Eugene two-straight losses. Back on home ice the Blazers came out hot, firing in their goal in the first minute of play. The Generals would soon counter sending the match to a one-all-tie at the end of the first period. The second period was much like the first seeing the Blazers aggressively attacking the net, pushing the Generals to the breaking point. Bellingham scored once more and held the lead heading into the third. Finally the gloves came off and as Eugene lost their cool. Nine Generals saw the penalty box and their goalie was ejected after two more Blazers goals were scored, erupting in a brawl in front of Eugene's net. Final score 4-1. Click here to view photos of the game.

Bellingham Sweeps Vancouver to Closeout Season

The Bellingham Blazers closeout the 2012-2013 NOR PAC regular season with a three-game sweep of the Vancouver Vipers, capping the weekend with a blowout at the Sportsplex Saturday, March 2. The Vipers struck early, scoring in the first 30 seconds of the first period. The Blazers attacked the net with 20 shots-on-goal but did not score until the final minute of the first, matching the Vipers as the headed into the second. Vancouver held off the Blazers assault as long as they could yet in the final three minutes of the second period Bellingham scored three goals. Their domination continued into the third scoring six more goals, only allowing the Vipers to score once more. The Blazer head into the playoffs with all the momentum to make a run for the NOR PAC title. Final score 10-2. Click here to view photos of the game.

Blazers Lose in Shootout

The Bellingham Blazers quest for the playoffs stalled this weekend when they faced-off against the Eugene Generals. Following their 5-4 victory Friday at the Sportsplex, Bellingham dropped the puck one more time Saturday. Eugene started hot, out scoring the home team three goals to one in the first period. Bellingham clawed their way back in the second, matching the General score with a 4 all tie heading in the third. Each team traded goals, two each, sending this thrilling bout into overtime. After the scoreless five minute period the game was set for an incredible shootout. Eugene finished what they started with two goals scored to one by Bellingham, sealing their victory. Final score 7-6. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Ride Four-game Winning Streak

The Bellingham Blazers cap off their four-game winning streak with a home sweep of the Tri-Cities Outlaws Saturday, February 2 at the Sportsplex. The first period started fast and furious, seeing a total of 37 shots on goal. The Blazers took the advantage by scoring three goals during the first. Hard hits and hard feelings continued through the second period as Bellingham matched their goal total with another three. The Outlaws had little chance at a comeback with the Blazers pushing the throttle to the floor, completing the third period with another set of three goals. Final score 9-3. Click here to view photos from the game.

Disappointment at Home

The Bellingham Blazers dropped two in a row during a two-night home stand against the West Sound Warriors Friday, Jan. 18 and Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Sportsplex.

Friday night's match was bitter fought. The Warriors were relentless on offense scoring twice in the first period, five times in the second and once more to cap off the third. The Blazers clawed their way back each period trying to keep up, besting West Sound in shots-on-goal. Unfortunately victory was too far out of reach. Final score 8-5. Click here to view photos from game one.

Saturday night was an uphill struggle from the drop of the puck for Bellingham. West Sound scored first and never looked back outscoring Bellingham in the first two periods 3-1. The Blazers could only capitalize on one of their eleven power play opportunities. The Warriors held off Bellingham's charge late in the third to finalize a clean sweep. Final score 5-3. Click here to view photos from game two.