06.10.03 - Thousands of avid Canadian hockey fans missed the Devils beat the Ducks in Game 7 of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals last night.

Be aware that fans of every sport know just how significant, emotional, and thrilling a Game 7 is, and many will do anything possible to witness this decisive event.

However, 8,080 residents of Hamilton were too busy to be concerned with that "other game".

They were in attendance at Copps Coliseum, cheering on their beloved Bulldogs, and yearning for a Game 7 of their own.

Those faithful fans got their wish.

The Hamilton Bulldogs defeated the Houston Aeros 2-1 last night to force a Game 7, winner take all match-up for the right to be crowned 2003 Calder Cup champions.

The AHL's final game of the season will be played Thursday, June 12 at the Dog Pound in Hamilton.

"There were two teams battling hard for a championship," said Bulldogs head coach Geoff Ward. "We accomplished what we wanted to tonight. We wanted to play our best game of the season."

The Dogs, coming off two straight loses in Houston where they were outscored 9-6, seemed determined to get off to an early start in Game 6.

Hamilton came out firing, scoring the first goal of the game at 2:21 of the opening period. Tomas Plekanec delivered a wrist shot which beat Aeros goalie Johan Holmqvist high, short side.

Less than four minutes later, league MVP Jason Ward increased the Dogs lead while killing a penalty. Ward stole the puck near the visitor's bench and went in alone on the Houston net, putting in a backhander up high.

"Our penalty killing has been dominate all year," said Ward. "I got a lucky break, got a piece of the pass, lost my balance regained it and somehow put the puck in the net. We put our effort in tonight. We have to come out as strong or even stronger in Game 7."

Houston's Hnat Domenichelli scored a shorthanded goal late in the third frame to make the game close at 2-1.

Hamilton goalie Ty Conklin made 36 saves, improving his playoff record to 9-5, while Johan Holmqvist stopped 27 shots for Houston.

The whole hockey world will have its eyes on Hamilton, as this is the last major professional hockey game of the season.

Just as the NHL wrapped up it's season with the home team winning their championship in game seven, Hamilton is hoping the AHL will follow in its big brother's footsteps.

AHL History is on the Bulldogs side.

Of the previous nine Game 7's in Calder Cup history, the home team has won seven of them.

Houston is hopeful, at least in this case, history does not repeat itself.

Click for AHL playoff bracket