Bulls Bounce Back in Kingston

October 4, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release


KINGSTON, ON - Following a 7-3 loss just 24 hours ago in the Liftlock city, the Belleville Bulls were back on the road Friday looking to bounce back as they headed east to take on another Division rival. The red hot Kingston Frontenacs, who are 2nd in the current CHL rankings, welcomed the Bulls into the Rogers K-Rock centre after defeating the Ottawa 67's at home a week ago. Charlie Graham was back in goal and made 38 saves as the Bulls downed the Frontenacs 4-2.

The first 20 minutes was relatively even as both teams had a number of chances to draw first blood. Half way through the frame Bulls forward Remi Elie was called for checking from behind and gave Kingston their first power play of the contest. Shortly after the man advantage expired Corey Pawley jumped on a loose puck and beat a sprawling Graham to open the scoring. Ryan Kujawinski and Samuel Schutt added helpers on the play. Teams would exchange penalties later in the period but neither club could capitalize as the horn sounded to end a fast paced first period. Kingston lead 1-0 on the scoreboard and 13-8 in shots.

Looking for the tieing goal, the Bulls came out flying to open the second stanza. Just 14 seconds in, Kingston's Conor McGlynn was sent to the sin bin for tripping. Cue the offensive display as Welland, Ontario native Niki Petti scored his second of the season with helpers from rookie Matt Luff and blue liner Stephen Harper. The Frontenacs would continue to make trips to the penalty box and Belleville continued to make them pay. This time it was Alex Yuill scoring his first of the campaign on the man advantage as he stepped into a slap shot from the point that beat Lucas Peressini. Defenceman Jordan Subban and Adam Laishram added assists on the play as the Bulls pulled ahead 2-1.

The Bulls weren't done there, Justin Lemcke got into the action with a beautiful deke set up by Andrew Ming and Michael Cramarossa that fooled Peressini to give his club a two goal lead 9 minutes into the period. Play began to get a little chippy, though, as both teams again traded penalties late in the middle frame. Petti continued to show his talent as he buried his second of the game with a gorgeous move that capped off an explosive second period for the boys in black. "Everybody competed hard. Everybody that went over the boards bought into the system better tonight. Chuckie (Charlie Graham) obviously stood on his head for us like he always does and when he does things like that it gives us momentum and we do good things for him." said Petti following the win.

With their backs against the wall to start the third, the Frontenacs were looking for ways to battle their way back into the contest. While it seemed the puck stayed in the Bulls end for most of the period, Kingston was really applying the pressure but Graham continued to shut the door. Jordan Subban was called for cross checking at 13:33 and Kingston would add one more on the man advantage but it was too little too late as the Bulls held on for a 4-2 victory. "The guys played a really good game, it's a pretty tough building to come into and they are a highly ranked club so anytime we can come away with 2 points it's definitley a nice feeling." said netminder Charlie Graham who remains undefeated to begin the season.

Charlie Graham was awarded first star honours, while Niki Petti was the thrid star of the contest. The Bulls will get a chance to defend their home ice Sunday in the second half of a home-and-home with the Frontenacs. Kingston will look to bounce back as they drop their first of the season in front of their home fans. Puck drop is set for 4:05 from the Yardmen Arena.



Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 4, 2014


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.

OurSports Central