Bulls Clinch Berth

March 16, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release


BELLEVILLE, ON - Yes, there was OHL hockey on the weekend at Yardmen Arena.

In their first appearance on home ice since Thursday's shocking announcement that the team is sold and moving next season to Hamilton, the Belleville Bulls lost consecutive games but clinched a playoff spot.

A single point gleaned from a 4-3 Sunday afternoon shootout loss to the North Bay Battalion guaranteed a Belleville berth in the OHL post-season, coming less than 24 hours after a 3-2 loss to the Ottawa 67's Saturday night.

Bulls defenceman Jordan Subban, who scored his team-leading 25th goal of the season Sunday, said Belleville players have been able to concentrate on hockey despite Thursday's devastating news.

"It's been tough, I've spent my whole OHL career here," said Subban. "But it hasn't been a distraction. We got good support these last couple of games and hopefully that continues.

"It was important to get a point and we want to stay positive going into the playoffs."

Subban said he spoke to both of his older brothers - P.K. and Malcolm - who also played their entire OHL careers in Belleville.

"They're just as shocked as anybody," said Subban. "They didn't see this coming. For my family, it's been about more than just an organization. It's a community."

Bulls overage Brett Gustavsen spent the bulk of his OHL career in Ottawa, but said playing in Belleville was always a highlight.

"It's tough," said Gustavsen. "Fans here live for the Bulls. It's a trademark of the city. I definitely feel for them.

"I've always enjoyed playing here - with Ottawa, and even better as a Bull. It's sad to see it go."

Bulls fans did indeed demonstrate their support for the team in the wake of Thursday's announcement, with more than 2,800 showing up Saturday; Sunday's contest drew a very vocal gathering of 2,491.

- NORTH BAY 4, BULLS 3 (S.O.)

Los Angeles Kings NHL draft pick Mike Amadio went top-shelf on Bulls rookie netminder Connor Hicks for the lone shootout goal.

Hicks stopped Alex Henricksson while his North Bay counterpart - Jake Kment - turned aside attempts by Belleville captain Brett Welychka and Subban. David Tomasek hit the post after also ringing the iron in O.T.

"Czech luck," said the native of Prague.

Stephen Harper (16) and Justin Lemcke (8) also scored for Bulls in normal time; Michael Cramarossa, Adam Laishram, Niki Petti, Subban and Welychka earned assists.

Nick Moutrey, Matthew Santos and Henriksson had the North Bay markers.

Like they did Saturday, Bulls blew a 2-0 lead but this time recovered to retake the lead on Harper's third-period power-play re-direct set up by Petti. Moutrey tied it again on a wraparound; O.T. decided nothing.

Game Notes: Shots favoured Belleville, 35-32 ... Bulls were 1-for-4 on the power play; North Bay, 0-for-1 ... Three stars were: 1. SUBBAN; 2. MOUTREY; 3. LEMCKE ... Bulls are now 25-32-8 for 58 points .. Billet families were honoured during a pre-game ceremony.



Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 16, 2015


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