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Rookies Get Involved as Bulls Double up Generals

September 4, 2011 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release


BELLEVILLE, ON- With hockey back in Belleville, the Bulls got off to a solid start to the 2011-12 preseason, with a 6-3 victory over their East Division rivals the Oshawa Generals.

BothJordan Subban andMack Lemmon had goals in their first taste of OHL action, whileJohn Chartrand was solid, turning away 32 of the 35 shots he faced in his first game as a Bull.

The Bulls took the lead midway through the first period asMichael Curtis snapped a wrist shot over the shoulder of Generals netminderKevin Bailie on a partial odd-man rush.

The Yardmen faithful saw their first flying fists of the season at 19:29 of the first, asAdam Payerl took exception to some rough play from Oshawa's German rookie forward Sebastian Uvira.

Belleville outshot Oshawa 16-8 in the first, but couldn't capitalize on some great opportunities as the Generals ran into penalty trouble.

After the Gennies tied the score at 7:28 of the second on aScott Laughton shot, Subban found the back of net after making a smart pinch in off the point, swatting in a loose puck.

Michael Curtis dropped the mitts for the first time this season at 17:15, challenging Oshawa's emerging gritty forwardKyle Hope to a tussle at centre ice. Hope rubbed a Bull out with a big hit along the boards in the Belleville zone, and Curtis stepped up to exchange blows.

Up 2-1, the Bulls found themselves back on their heels for much of the second, as the Generals tired to wear down Belleville's five man defensive unit.John Chartrand stood tall between the pipes, coming up with key saves along the way and keeping the Bulls in the lead headed to the intermission.

Mack Lemmon picked up his first OHL goal at 5:32 of the third period, with an assist fromAusten Brassard who came up with a great feed to the Bulls second round pick in 2011, who made no mistake in beating Oshawa rookie Ken Appleby.

Despite being without several key forwards inChristian Thomas,Andy Andreoff andNicklas Jensen, the Generals weren't about to roll over and made things interesting midway through the third.

Phoenix Coyotes prospectLucas Lessio brought the red shirts to within one at 8:11, capitalizing on a tired Bulls unit trapped in their own zone. Just 60 seconds later,Josh Graves beat Chartrand to tie the score at three.

The Bulls however, would prevail on this day, asBrendan Gaunce scored the deciding goal as he used his 212 pound frame to muscle his way to the goalmouth and stuff the puck through Appleby's legs.Luke Judson andSimon Gronvaldt pitched in with helpers.

Carter Sandlak would give the Bulls insurance at the seventeen minute mark with a nice tip off a shot by Gaunce who would evenatually pick up a goal and two assists on the afternoon.

Garrett Hooey sealed the deal at 19:00, hitting the empty net to give Belleville the 6-3 decision.

The Bulls and Generals meet again next Wednesday at the General Motors Centre, with both teams likely missing several key players who will be off at NHL evaluation camps.

A respectable crowd of 1480 was on hand to take in the first exhibtion game of the season. The Bulls are hoping to equal that on Wednesday night when they play host to the Ottawa 67's at 7:05pm.

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