Twelve Games of Winning

The Bellingham Blazers continue their winning streak by dominating the home ice once again. The visiting Tri-Cities Outlaws were no match for a Bellingham team who has not lost a game since November 7^th. The first period at the Sportsplex on Friday, December 19^th saw the Blazers bombard Tri-Cities goalie Brad Donaldson with 24 shots-on-goal. Donaldson stood firm but he could not withstand the second period barrage. The Blazers scored four goals and added four more in the third period while keeping the Outlaws out of the net for the entire match. Final score: 8-0. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Dominate Generals

The Bellingham Blazers commanded the home ice Friday, November 28 at the Sportsplex, against the Eugene Generals. Despite an early Generals goal in the first, the Blazers did not show any signs of weakness. Leading in shots-on-goal the entire match, Bellingham blistered the net 71-23. Seven Blazers scored as well as a hat-trick contributed by forward Boris Knyazev, his second hat-trick on the season. With the win Bellingham is alone atop the Northern Pacific Hockey League standings with 16 wins and two losses. Final score 9-1. Click here to view photos of the game.

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Blazers Scorch Generals

The Bellingham Blazers shutout the visiting and severely undermanned Eugene Generals Friday November, 15^th at the Sportsplex. Having nearly twice as many players as their rivals Bellingham peppered the Generals net early and often in the first period resulting in 32 shots on goal and 6 points. Eugene's goalie Daniel Spencer stood tall in the second however and kept Bellingham out of the net in spite of a 22 shot barrage. Spencer did allow one final goal in the third as an exhausted Generals team could not compete with the fresh skaters on the Blazers. Final score 7-0. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Tame Wolves

The Bellingham Blazers played host to the Wenatchee Wolves in their first season with the Northern Pacific Hockey League Friday, October 24^th at the Sportsplex. Wenatchee is no stranger to hockey, having a team in the North American Hockey League known as the Wenatchee Wild. This was the first regular season match up between the two franchises. Both teams began by sizing up the other. Skating up an down the ice, both teams tested the others defense and goalie with multiple shots on goal. However Bellingham would find the net first and held the lead going into the second period. The Wolves came roaring back, quickly scoring twice in the second period and took the lead. The Blazers tied the score before the end of the period and carried that momentum into the third. Bellingham torched the net with four unanswered goals in the final period. Wenatchee would tack on one more goal but it was too little too late as the Blazers closed out the game with their seventh goal. Five Blazers found net including forward Nick Scherbinin with a blistering hat-trick, his first of the season. Final score 7-3. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Score a Baker's Dozen in Win

The Bellingham Blazers hosted the visiting Cheney Icehawks and dominated the ice Saturday, October 5^th at the Sportsplex. Bellingham set the net ablaze in the first period with 25 shots on goal, seven finding the back of the net. The barrage never let up as the second and third periods echoed the first. With 20 and 27 shots on net in the final two periods resulting in 6 more goals, Bellingham closed out the match. Nine Blazers scored goals, four goals belonging to forward Boris Knyazev. Final score 13-2. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Stumble at Home Opener

The Bellingham Blazers have aspirations to score a hat-trick as three-time Cascade Cup champions this North Pacific Hockey League season. However they had trouble with an all too familiar opponent the West Sound Warriors in Bellingham's first home game for the 2014-15 campaign. The Blazers started hot, scoring three goals in the first half and looked like their championship form. West Sound would not concede, matching the three goals in the second period with three of their own and keeping the Blazers from finding the net. The third period saw both side struggle to put the game away but with 8 minutes left the Warriors broke the stalemate and closed with a win. Final score 3-4. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Season Ends in Last Second Thriller

The Bellingham Bulldogs complete their 2014 Pacific Football League season with a first-round playoff upset at the hands on the Portland Monarchs Saturday, July 12^th at Civic Field. The Bulldogs stood atop the PFL North Division with a 6-2 record (7-3 overall) and was the clear favorite to make a repeat appearance in the PFL Championship game. But the 3-5 (5-5 overall) Monarchs would not secede victory based on the standings.

A rare occurrence of sunshine in Bellingham had baked the field all day, combined with a stifling humidity, the players on both sides played a bit sluggish to start. After a turnover on downs by Bellingham on their first possession Portland drove the ball down field only to fumble on the 2-yard line. Eric Taylor took control and marched his Bulldogs the length of the field with a mix of runs and short passes, capping the drive with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Douglas Miller. Portland would answer quickly as a defensive gaff allowed quarterback Phil DuPont to find wide receiver Russell Millage deep behind the Bulldogs pass defense for a 58-yard touchdown.

Portland began to push the Bulldogs defense around in the second quarter, moving the ball at will. But Bellingham would not quit, forcing another fumble in the Monarchs red zone, killing their scoring opportunity. Both offenses stall as the next series of possessions end in punts. The Bulldogs show signs of life when Taylor again finds Miller for a big gain but a poor throw the following play results in an interception. The offenses continue to struggle on both sides until the last play of the half when Taylor finds Toby Seim over the middle, scorching Portland with a 45-yard touchdown bomb.

The third quarter begins with a steady dose of Taylor and running back Donovan Dunmore driving the ball down field. But the drive stalls and the Monarchs take the opportunity to even the score with another deep 57-yard touchdown pass from DuPont to Bijan Tavazoie.

The Monarchs' defense stiffens and pushes the Bulldogs back to their own goal line as the fourth quarter begins with a safety. The Bulldogs rally and on the following Monarchs possession Miguel Pierre plucks another interception out of the air giving Bellingham another opportunity. A series of penalties kill the drive but the Bulldog defense was not giving in. Forcing a punt deep into their territory, Bellingham's Dunmore would make the best of a short field, ripping through Portland's defensive line for a 42-yard touchdown run.

The Monarchs' special teams would gain the upper-hand, pushing deep into Bellingham territory on a big kick return. The Bulldogs' goal line defense had stopped Portland's charge for four straight downs but a costly penalty gave the Monarchs a fresh set of downs. Bellingham again stops two runs short of the goal line and nearly intercepted a pass but DuPont was finally able to punch in a 2-yard touchdown dart to tight end Steven Littleton.

Heartbroken, with 23.7 seconds remaining, the Bulldogs' championship hope rested on a great kick return and quick score. Eric Taylor returns the ball to the 40-yard line. Taylor gains 12 more yards on the following play. But with 6 seconds left Portland sacks Taylor as time expires. Final score 20-22. Click here to view photos from the game.

Slam Soar Past Flight

The Bellingham Slam racked up their 11th straight win on the 2014 International Basketball League season and completed their season sweep of the Seattle Flight at DuVall Pavilion in Mount Vernon Friday, June 20th. The Flight were out-maned and out-matched, with only six on the night's roster, Seattle could not keep pace with the fresh legs of the Slam's bench. Rico Wilkins lead all Slam scorers with 27 points. Bellingham has a 13-2 overall record and are alone at the top of the IBL standings. Final score: 139-118. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Overwhelm Stallions

The Bellingham Bulldogs welcomed their opponents from Shoreline, The Seattle Stallions, as storm clouds threatened to drop their payload onto Civic Field, Saturday, June 14th. Bellingham's focus was intense as the Pacific Football League's second season loomed around the corner.

The intensity increased early, with their opening drive the Bulldogs marched down field to score a touchdown from Eric Taylor to Douglas Miller. Bellingham defense brought up their intensity as well forcing an interception by Miguel Pierre on the Stallions first drive. The two teams battled, trading three and out possessions, but the Stallions passing game eventually turned a short field into two touchdowns.

Bellingham's offense stalled in the second quarter, unable to make a sustained drive it was up to the Bulldogs defense to keep the Stallions from scoring again. With the half winding down and Seattle attacking the red zone Bellingham's Arthur Sanchez intercepts a Stallion pass, shifting the momentum back to Bellingham.

The third quarter began the way second quarter ended with another Bulldogs defensive stand and turnover. The offensive turned the short field into points with a quick pass from Taylor to Toby Seim in his first home game after suffering an injury. The two teams exchanged possession again before the Bulldogs' Jason Walters intercepted the ball giving Bellingham's offense another short field. Eric Taylor would use his legs to score from 10 yards out.

A big punt return by Miguel Pierre early in the fourth quarter turned into a circus catch for a touchdown from Taylor to Seim. Proving that Toby is back at full strength. The Bulldogs' defense would add one more interception for the night and would stand firm despite a blocked field goal attempt returned for a touchdown by the Stallions. In customary Bulldogs fashion, the defense closed out the game with a walk-off sack, executed by Josh Heard. Final score: 27-18. Click here to view photos of the game.

Slam Best All-Stars

The Bellingham Slam take their winning streak to nine in a row as they beat a team of the International Basketball League stars Friday, June 6^th at the Whatcom Pavilion. Slam head coach continues his roll as player/coach, coming off the bench to contribute 14-points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the winning effort. Blake Poole lead all Slam scorers with 26-points. The Slam are now into the home stretch with their sites set on the IBL playoffs and another run at a championship. Final score: 136-118. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Wrangle Mavericks

The Bellingham Bulldogs were host to a familiar opponent Saturday, May 31 at Civic Field. The Yakima Mavericks made the long journey from the middle of Washington to continue their long-standing rivalry. With Toby Seim still out with an injured knee, the Bulldogs offense needed to step up quickly to establish a lead over the cunning Mavericks. Quarterback Eric Taylor was back under center, although Yakima's secondary did show their ability to take away passing lanes, it did not take long for Taylor to find his wide receivers. The Bulldogs jumped ahead with a touchdown pass from Taylor to Jacob Bartel early in the second quarter.

Bellingham's defense stood firm as a determined Yakima offense attempted to establish their running attack. The ball changed possession often. The Mavericks took advantage of a interception deep in their territory and scored a touchdown to tie the score late in the second. But the Bulldogs struck back quickly with a 41-yard touchdown run after the catch from Taylor to Cody Oakes, giving Bellingham a 14-7 halftime lead.

Yakima began moving the ball down field in the second half but the Bulldogs defense would prove to be too much for the Maverick to break through. Bellingham stopped several drives short of the goal line as the Bulldogs offensive line kept up their dominance allowing Taylor to scramble and throw at will. After the Bulldogs scored on another touchdown pass and kicked a 36-yard field goal in the third Yakima finally saw the end zone again. Scoring on a 49-yard touchdown pass in the fourth bring the score to 24-14.

Eric Taylor would respond with a 65-yard scramble for a touchdown. Both sides would trade turnovers on downs before Taylor would again find Oakes in the end zone for a 10-yard score. The Bulldogs defense would add insult to injury, forcing a fumble which was picked up by Caleb Rodriguez who scored their final touchdown. Yakima added a 10-yard touchdown pass but the damage had been done. Final score: 45-21. Click here to view photos from the game.

Slam Streak Continues

The Bellingham Slam won their sixth game in a row Monday, May 26^th at Whatcom Pavilion against the Vancouver Volcanoes. The victory marks their seventh overall win and puts their 2014 International Basketball League regular season record at 7-2. Bellingham gained the lead early in the first period and did not let the Volcanoes with in ten-points of the lead the entire game. Morris Anderson lead all Slam scores with 29 points followed by first-year guard Sam Freeman who contributed 24 points. Final score: 127-110. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs temper Rampage

The Bellingham Bulldogs look to bounce back after suffering a 12-38 loss last week to the Seattle Stations. Cody Oakes continues to take snaps under center in relief of the injured Eric Taylor as injuries to key players have left the Bulldogs roster thin and fresh faces were called upon to setup their game. The Roseburg Rampage made the 7 hour, 440 mile trip to Civic Field and prove their worth in the Pacific Northwest football arena.

The Bellingham offense did not take long to find their rhythm. Scoring quickly and often the Bulldogs used their air attack to put a 21-point lead on the board in the first quarter. Oakes found 3 different receivers for touchdowns. Bellingham's defense dominated the line of scrimmage, not allowing a sustained Rampage drive the entire first half. By halftime the Bulldogs lead 28-0 and as the third quarter began Bellingham had their confidence back.

Oakes again showed his talents by scrambling for a 60-yard touchdown and throwing three more touchdowns to his receivers. Including three touchdowns to wide receiver Douglas Miller. The Bulldogs defense shut Roseburg out of the endzone. Not allowing a single point to be scored. The game was in hand. The Rampage were out-manned, over-powered and out-coached.

The Bellingham fans were also treated to a rare on-field cameo appearance by the Bulldogs coaching staff who decided to suit-up for a few plays. Coaches Brian Young, James Darling, Addison Perrin and General Manager Don Oneida made their way onto the field. The proud Bellingham Bulldogs have their swagger and look to making a run at the playoffs. Final score: 55-0. Click here to view photos from the game.

Slam Stop Two-game Losing Skid with Win Over Reign

The Bellingham Slam move regain their footing with a rout over the Olympia Reign Friday, May 9th at Whatcom Pavilion. Bellingham had the upper hand early, jumping out to a twelve-point lead at the end of the first quarter. The Reign never came with-in ten points of the lead the entire game. Slam forward Nick Moore lead all scores with 31 points. The win evens the Slam at 2-2 on the season. Final score: 139-106. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Overcome Injuries to Win Big

The Bellingham Bulldogs squared off against a familiar opponent Saturday, May 3rd at Civic Field. The Grays Harbor Bearcats roll into town looking to snap a three-game losing skid. Bellingham, winning their last two, are looking to make a bid for the number one seed in the Pacific Football League North Division and solidify their spot in the PFL Playoffs.

The first quarter saw the Bulldogs offense still struggling to establish their long tradition of a dominate running game. Forcing Bellingham to throw the ball, the Bearcats grabbed an early interception that resulted in a touchdown. Offensive miscues continue to plague the Bulldogs but a powerhouse wide receiver core make up for any deficiencies.

The Bulldogs defense squashes every attempt at a sustained Bearcats drive with a combination of pass rushing and blanket down-field coverage, knocking down passes and intercepting the ball on several attempts. This allows Bellingham to let loose their passing attack and score three unanswered touchdowns through the air in the first half. Quarterback Eric Taylor connects with all of his receivers including Toby Seim for one touchdown and Cody Oakes for two more before the half.

The second half unfortunately saw injuries to key players but the Bulldogs offensive juggernaut found its stride. Bulldozing the Bearcats defensive line with key runs by fullback Justin Heard. Cody Oakes stepped up under center to lead Bellingham on a second half beat down of the Bearcats. Using a combination passing and scrambling, Oakes marched the Bulldogs down field, finding his backup receivers on multiple occasions. The end result culminating in a 31-yard touchdown pass to Toby Seim in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs defense stood firm the entire game. Not allowing a single Bearcats offensive score, reminding the PFL of their past domination and on-going potential to be the best in the league. Final score: 35-7. Click here to view photos from the game.

Slam Lose in Last Second Thriller

The Bellingham Slam played host to their International Basketball League rivals, the Portland Chinooks Friday, May 2^nd at the Whatcom Pavilion. This was their first meeting of the 2014 season and the Chinooks planned to exact revenge over their loss to the Slam in the 2013 IBL Championship game last year. Booth team started out with intensity, moving the ball quickly around the court. Portland jumped out ahead early and held the lead through the first quarter. Bellingham rallied in the second, narrowing the gap to to three points by halftime. The Slam slugged it out with the Chinooks throughout the third quarter. But Portland pulled away with a five point lead heading into the fourth. Portland put the pedal to the floor, taking advantage of turn-overs and mistimed passing by the Slam, the Chinooks jumped out to a 19 point lead. The Slam would not give up, scoring 31 points through the fourth, Bellingham had the game tied with seconds left yet they could not overtake the Chinooks. Final score: 116-119. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Escape Stampeding Colts

The Bellingham Bulldogs hosted a familiar opponent Saturday, April 25^th at Lummi Nation School field. The South King County Colts rode into town fresh off a win over the Seattle Stallions the previous week. With a win in Yakima over the Mavericks last weekend, Bellingham looked to continue their streak and put their first-game loss far behind them. The cloudy skies and cool breeze threatened to soak the gridiron but the heavens held off their fury long enough for the battle to take place.

Bellingham started aggressively on offense, moving the ball down field quickly. The Dogs scored two touchdowns through the air, from the arm of quarterback Eric Taylor in the first quarter. Finding his trio of wide receivers often, Taylor connected with Douglas Miller and Cody Oakes. Toby Seim would also snag a touchdown pass in the second quarter from Taylor.

Seeking to regain their intensity the Bulldogs defense struggled to stop the potent Colts offense. Miscues and mistakes allowed the Colts several opportunities to complete drives, scoring once in the first quarter with a 55-yard pitch from quarterback Adam Kruse to wide receiver Brandon Stout. The Colts charged forward in the second, scoring twice more on the ground, they narrowed the Dogs lead to one point before the half.

Memories of last year's comeback by the Colts began to float to surface. In that game the Bulldogs' Cody Oakes on the opposite sideline, commanding the Colts in a thrilling fourth quarter rally. Down 37-16 the Colts clawed 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.

South King County needed a team effort to ensure victory this night and Adam Kruse would need to step up to the helm. Starting the second half flat, the Bulldogs frustration began to affect their play on the field. The Dogs offense rallied, Taylor directed a clock-eating drive late in the third that resulted in a 4-yard touchdown scramble, making up for an earlier interception. Bellingham's defense showed their toughness by keeping the Colts from scoring the entire third quarter.

The Colts would not break. Gritting their teeth, South King County pushed their way into the end zone at the start of the fourth, cutting the lead down to two points. However, on the next opportunity the Dogs' defense came up huge and snatched the ball away from the Colts with a interception in the redzone. Bellingham's offense made good on their fortune and completed an 80-yard strike from Taylor to Seim on the next play from scrimmage. The Dog's would add to their lead after another defensive stop on a ground-shaking 27-yard touchdown run by Josh Heard. The Colts would score on one last 21-yard dash by quarterback Adam Kruse. However, the clock was not on South King County's side. Final score: 42-34. Click here to view photos from the game.

Slam Take Flight in Season Opener

The Bellingham Slam open the 2014 International Basketball League season with a home win over the Seattle Flight. Fresh faces on Bellingham's roster meant team chemistry was a key concern for first-year, and former Slam player, Tyler Amaya. He would get a chance to test the rookies as his veteran lineup created a big lead early and did not let the Flight within 10-points the entire game. Guard Jacob Stevenson lead all scorers with 23 points while six of his teammates contributed double digit points in the effort. The Slam bench saw plenty of floor time along with their newest addition, former Nippon Tornadoes guard Kosei Ban. Ban quickly became a fan favorite in his debut, scoring eight points in his seven minutes on the court. Final score: 142-93. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bulldogs Fall to Kings

The Bellingham Bulldogs began the 2014 Pacific Football League season with a non-league match against the Puyallup Nation Kings of the Western Washington Football Alliance Saturday, April 12^th at Lummi Nation School. Bellingham started flat and sluggish. The offense had a difficult time maintaining a consistent drive. The Kings in contrast came prepared to win. Dictating tempo and moving the chains at will. The Bulldogs quickly fell behind by two touchdowns with Puyallup creating opportunities through a read-option style offensive attack.

Bulldogs quarterback Eric Taylor orchestrated a long drive late in the first quarter to put Bellingham on the score board. The Kings would answer the Bulldogs touchdown with one of their own at the beginning of the second period. The Bulldogs offense was just getting warmed up. Two more drives by Bellingham resulted in a touchdown and field goal but a kick return for a touchdown by Puyallup sent the Bulldogs into the half with a large deficit to overcome.

The Kings opened up the half by playing clock-ball. Relying heavily on their running game, Puyallup chewed up time in the third quarter. Bellingham's defense forced a fumble giving the offense a quick scoring opportunity. But another clock-eating drive by Puyallup at the end of the third kept their lead at arms length.

Eric Taylor tried to keep hope alive for the Bulldogs with a scoring drive at the start of the fourth but back-to-back touchdowns by the Kings killed any chance for Bellingham to pullout a comeback. Final score: 36-47. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Repeat Champions

The Bellingham Blazers win their second straight championship title in dramatic fashion against the West Sound Warriors Sunday, March 9, in front of their home crowd at the Sportsplex. Splitting the 5-game series with West Sound, Bellingham had the home-ice advantage heading into Sunday and the fan energy was electric. The Blazers started by aggressively pursuing the puck, firing 18 shots-on-goal in the first period, but the Warriors were able to keep up with the pace shooting 12 of their own. By the end of the second Bellingham had a 3-2 goal lead and looked to run away with the game. West Sound would claw their way back in the third, scoring two unanswered goals. The Warriors tied the game at the end of regulation, sending the championship bought into a sudden-death overtime. Both sides furiously fought for the puck but with the flick of a wrist from Bellingham's Micky Turner, the game was over. The Bellingham Blazers are back to back Cascade Cups Champions! Final score: 6-5. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Duke It Out With Warriors

The Bellingham Blazers even the Northern Pacific Hockey League’ Cascade Cup Championship playoff series with the West Sound Warriors Wednesday, March 5th at the Sportsplex. After losing the first game to West Sound 2-4, Bellingham pined their ears back and relentlessly attacked the Warriors' net. Leading with 45 to 33 shots on goal the Blazers' barrage broke through six times. The intensity on the ice showed in the penalty box as well. Both sides saw time in the box with 31 total offenses and 81 total penalty minutes. Final score: 6-2. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers Win Final Home Stand

The Bellingham Blazers wrap up the 2013-2014 regular season home games with a two-game sweep of the Eugene Generals at the Sportsplex Saturday, February 2^nd. The action started fast and furious. Bellingham scored twice in the first period and scored again in the second and third. Eugene fought tooth and nail throughout the match but the Blazers speed and defense proved to be too much for the Generals. Final score: 4-1. Click here to view photos of the game.

Blazers Victorious over Vipers

The Bellingham Blazers cruise to an easy victory over the Fort Vancouver Vipers and sweep them for the weekend set of games at the Sportsplex. Bellingham out shot Vancouver 53-21 in the effort and held the Vipers to only one goal. Cody Rich scored four goals and four assists in the route. The Blazers also contributed six additional goal scores which included two goals and three assists for Mason Wade. Bellingham wraps up the regular season home games next weekend as they host Eugene. Final score: 11-1. Click here to view photos from the game.

Blazers dominate Warriors

The Bellingham Blazers continue to dominate the Northern Pacific Hockey League, wining their 26th game on the 2013-2014 season over the West Sound Warriors Friday, January 17th at the Sportsplex. Both teams came out skating hard and fast but Bellingham proved to be too much for West Sound to handle. The Blazers out-shot the Warriors 58-35 shots-on-goal lead by Mason Wade who scored a hat trick in the effort. Final score: 6-3. Click here to view photos from the game.

Bellingham Begins New Year With Win

The Bellingham Blazers start 2014 where they left off in 2013, with a win over the visiting Vancouver Vipers Friday, January 3rd, at the Bellingham Sportsplex. The Blazers ignited early, scoring two goals in the first period and seven straight goals before the Vipers could answer with a score of their own. The barrage unleashed upon Vancouver's Goalie by the Blazers proved too much to overcome. Final score: 8-2. Click here to view photos from the game.