After one of the most spectacular seasons in team history, the Birmingham Bulls return to unfinished business in 2023-24. While the Bulls advanced to the SPHL President’s Cup Finals for the second time in their history in 2023, they fell short after falling to the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs in overtime in Game 4.
Even after all of their success last season, the coaches and players are still disappointed after seeing Roanoke rejoice in front of their fans. “I’ve said to a bunch of people this summer, this was the one year I actually got to make it to the finals in pro hockey and I think it was the longest off-season I’ve ever had,” Austin Lotz, goaltender for the Bulls, stated. “It’s almost easier to not make the playoffs than to go all the way to the finals and then lose.”
Since then, the Bulls have worked hard under head coach Craig Simchuk to enhance their practice performance. Now that they know they can make it to the finals, Lotz says it’s all about figuring out what minor details they need to break through and win a title.
“There are little things behind closed doors that every team always tries to improve on, but honestly, I think it’s really just comes down to just the sheer motivation from last year and the hunger to get over the hump and win a championship,” Lotz stated.
Lotz is one of several veterans on the Bulls’ roster this season. While he admits it is impossible to bring back everyone on a team like the Bulls, he believes veteran players like leading scorer Michael Gillespie will help maintain continuity from last year and develop a winning culture.
Furthermore, Simchuk and the coaching staff have assembled a roster of outstanding players from all across North America and Europe, leaving returning players like Lotz eager to see how they gel, despite the fact that the club has only been together for a few weeks.
“I’ve got to give credit to the coaching staff,” Lotz stated. “They brought in some gems this year, and everyone has gotten along great. With as many players returning this year as we do, it’s kind of set the standard for even the guys coming in who have realised, ‘OK, this isn’t just another team, another season. These guys are in it to win it. And, as far as I can gather, the majority of the boys have agreed with it.”
It will be a difficult assignment to return to the championships this season, but Lotz knows that whether they win or lose, the fans in Pelham and the Birmingham region will be there for them. Last season, the Bulls smashed league attendance records, and the filled arenas during the playoffs fueled the team’s journey to the championship game.
Lotz and the veterans have witnessed the support throughout the low years, and they are confident that it will continue this season.
“Whether you’re a guy like myself who’s been here for a few years or you’re a new guy, you notice right away,” Lotz stated. “The fans have a direct impact on our club, our results, and our games simply because they cheer us on so much here.” I’ve only seen positive feedback from our fans, no matter what.”
The Bulls will begin their season at home on Friday, October 20, against their rivals, the Huntsville Havoc. While their games against the Havoc are always important, their 28-game home schedule is full of enticing matchups against strong teams, including finals rematches against Roanoke on February 3, March 15, and March 16.