Bulldogs at a glance

The Bulldogs come to town after losing their first preseason tilt 6-5 to the Toronto Marlies on Wednesday. Hamilton received an influx of talent since then as seven players were dispatched from Montreal to the Bulldogs.

Heading that list is former Prince Albert Raider standout Kyle Chipchura. Montreal's first selection, 18th overall in 2004, Chipchura appeared in 8 games for Hamilton at the conclusion of last season, scoring once and adding two assists. Chipchura is a solid center and the type of player who could someday where the "C" for the Canadiens.

Also sent down were talented center Corey Locke and longtime Norfolk Admiral Ajay Baines. Locke potted 19 goals and added 40 assists in 77 games last season while Baines joins the Bulldogs after six seasons spent with the Admirals.

Joining Baines and Locke were forwards Jonathon Ferland, Maxim Lapierre, defenseman Danny Groulx and netminder Yann Danis.

Hamilton will be without one of their top offseason signs, Eric Manlow. One of the major cogs for Grand Rapids last season, Manlow hurt his ankle last weekend and will be out 7-10 days.

The Bulldogs should have a little muscle with them on Friday with the addition of right winger Zach Stortini. Assigned to Hamilton by the Edmonton Oilers, the 6-foot-4, 225 pound Stortini piled up 261 penalty minutes in 57 games last season with Iowa and Milwaukee.