Morning Skate: Bulls Host Wolves in Home Opener
September 27, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
BELLEVILLE, ON - With the leaves changing colour and the temperature outside slowly descending, the big day is finally upon us! Your Belleville Bulls open up the home portion of their season tonight after a decisive 6-0 victory over the reigining OHL Champion Guelph Storm on Friday.
The 34th season of Bulls hockey started with a bang as goals from Jordan Subban, Niki Petti, Remi Elie, Stephen Harper, Justin Lemcke and Chad Heffernan propelled the Brahmas to a big win in front of a capacity crowd at the Sleeman Centre. Rookies Brandon Saigeon and Matt Luff picked up their first career OHL points with assists in the game. The Bulls chased Guelph starter Justin Nichols from the crease after twenty minutes, going on to narrowly outshoot the Storm 32-31 in the game.
Charlie Graham provided some big saves early and would go on to turn aside 31 shots in his first shutout since February 15th, 2013. The game's first star, Graham helped the Bulls penalty kill thwart multiple high quality first period opportunities from the Guelph man advantage.
With the first regular season action out of their system, the Bulls return home tonight to a Sudbury Wolves squad that is fresh off a 3-1 home opening victory over the Niagara IceDogs on Friday night.
The Wolves, who saw their 2013-14 campaign come to a disappointing first round demise at the hands of the Barrie Colts last spring, have added an infusion of youth to their lineup. The exit of offensive juggernaut Mathew Campagna to the Plymouth Whalers along with the graduation of veterans Trevor Carrick, Connor Crisp and Franky Palazzese has opened doors for new talent to emerge to the fore.
Wolves fans got a good preview of what the future might hold in the north as 16 year-old first round draft pick Michael Pezzetta picked up his first goal and CHL Import Draft selection Pavel Jenys got in on the action as well. The Wolves were paced by the strong goaltending of sophomore netminder Troy Timpano who made 46 saves in a 3-1 victory over Niagara.
While the Bulls suited up last night with a full lineup, the Wolves are still without 2013-14 leading scorer Nicholas Baptiste who is attending Training Camp with the Buffalo Sabres.
Oddly enough, the Bulls will host the same club to kick off their season tonight that they closed out the 2013-14 season against back in March as overaged veterans Scott Simmonds and Cameron Brace teamed up in a 7-4 victory over Sudbury.
With the Home Opener comes all sorts of fun festivities for fans! The pre-game Kick-Off Party gets underway at 5:00pm in front of the Yardmen Arena's east entrance featuring music, prizes, giveaways and games! Pre-game festivities are being presented by Mix 97, Rock 107 and Family Fun Inflatables!
The Ontario Lung Association will be in attendance accepting registrations for Sunday's annual Bowling with the Bulls event! Cost is $25 plus pledges!
The puck drops at 7:05pm tonight and seats are still remaining! For more information contact the Bulls box office at 613-966-8338 or stop by anytime today!
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Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 27, 2014
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