Fans of the San Francisco Bulls minor-league hockey team sprang into action this week following reports that the team could have to fold or move out of town because of financial problems.
The Bulls, a minor-league affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, play at the Cow Palace, a state-owned arena located just south of San Francisco in Daly City.
Pat Curcio, president, general manager and coach of the team, said today he was unable to comment until next week on the state of the team, which reportedly could fold or possibly move to Oakland or Fresno under new ownership.
Curcio is in Philadelphia today to meet with league officials about the status and future of the team.
“Following these meetings we will have a better understanding of the team’s direction,” San Francisco Bulls officials wrote on the team’s Facebook page. “We ask for your patience as we determine with the league how to move forward.”
The team wrote, “No games have been cancelled and we are scheduled to continue to play as normal at the Cow Palace.”
With the state of the team in turmoil, Bulls fans took to social media to advocate for their squad.
A petition urging San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and state legislators to intervene on behalf of the Bulls had nearly 530 signatures as of this afternoon.
The petition, created by Gary Virginia, president of the San Francisco Pride board of directors, says the Bulls “provide a low-cost, family-friendly entertainment option promoting fitness, sports, community building and civic pride for Bay area residents of all ages.”
Fans also created a Facebook group titled “Save the SF Bulls!” that has had, at publication time, 138 members discussing solutions to keep the team around.
The description of the group says it was created “to show we support the team and want them to stay.”
The Bulls’ next game is scheduled for Jan. 30 at home against the Stockton Thunder. More information about the team can be found online at www.sfbulls.com.
Dan McMenamin, Bay City News
