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.