Morning Skate: Bulls Wrap up 3 in 3, Host Troops
March 15, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
BELLEVILLE, ON - The Belleville Bulls wrap up another three game weekend as they host the North Bay Battalion at the Yardmen Arena. The Bulls suffered their fourth straight loss on Saturday night falling 3-2 to the visiting Ottawa 67's. The Battalion are also coming off a loss as they were shutout by the Kingston Frontenacs at the Rogers K-Rock Centre. Puck drop is set for 4:05pm.
The Frontenacs took advantage of a three goal first period and handed the Battalion their 20th loss of the season. Fronts forward Sam Bennett had a hat-trick and added an assist for good measure. Netminder Jake Smith stopped 33 shots in the loss.
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native Mike Amadio leads the Troops in points with 24 goals and 41 assists in 64 games played. Dallas Stars prospect Nick Paul leads the Troops in scoring with 35 goals and 28 assists in just 55 games played. Veteran goaltender Jake Smith continues to be one of the best in the league between the pipes as he owns a .896 save percentage and a 2.79 goals against average.
After jumping out to an early two-goal lead, the visiting 67's stormed back and escaped with a 3-2 victory. Goal scorers for the Bulls were David Tomasek and Justin Lemcke. Defenceman Jesse Saban and forwards Stephen Harper and Tomasek were all credited with helpers. Charlie Graham made 12 saves in 23 minutes of action before suffering an upper body injury. He will be reevaluated early next week. Rookie Connor Hicks made 7 saves in just under two periods of action.
Vancouver Canucks draft pick Jordan Subban leads the club with 24 goals and 23 assists in 60 games played. Over age winger Brett Gustavsen has also been a key contributor offensively with 18 goals and 20 assists in 63 games played. Expect Hicks, who owns a .888 save percentage, to get the start this afternoon.
The Bulls are still one point ahead of the eighth place Peterborough Petes and can clinch their Eastern Conference playoff birth with a win over the Battalion today.
--
Tonight is billet appreciation night as we recognize those who welcome our players into their family. Billets are a very important aspect of the off ice plan that builds the success of a team. A billet family provides our players with shelter, nutritional family meals, emotional support and most importantly a sense of family. Great seats are still available so stop by the Bulls Box Office or call (613) 966-8338 for all ticket information.
• Discuss this story on the Ontario Hockey League message board...
Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 15, 2015
- Battalion, Butler Build Belleville Memories - North Bay Battalion
- Otters Dominate in Home Finale - Erie Otters
- Iafrate Scores in Loss to Otters - Kitchener Rangers
- DiFruscia Lifts IceDogs - Niagara IceDogs
- Saginaw Take Home Third Win Of The Weekend - Saginaw Spirit
- Morning Skate: Bulls Wrap up 3 in 3, Host Troops - Belleville Bulls
- Bulls Drop Fourth Straight, Fall 3-2 to 67's - Belleville Bulls
- Sting Fall Short against Hounds - Sarnia Sting
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
