Bulls Defeat Battalion 3-2 in Shootout
October 31, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
NORTH BAY, ON - The Belleville Bulls travelled to North Bay on Thursday, looking to bounce back from a recent 5-1 loss to the London Knights. Fresh off a 2-0 weekend, the North Bay Battalion, who are on top the Central Division, entertained the Bulls in front of 3,146 fans at Memorial Gardens.
In one of the most bizarre finishes you will ever see, Stephen Harper scored in the tenth round of a wild shootout to give the Bulls a 3-2 victory over the Battalion but it was Whitby, Ontario native Adam Laishram's goal in the sixth round that left the entire building confused.
North Bay shooter Brett McKenzie beat Charlie Graham to give his club the shootout lead before Laishram had his attempt stopped by the blocker of Battalion netminder Jake Smith. While fans and players celebrated, the puck appeared to land near the right wing circle bounce into the open net, extending the shootout.
"Pretty much everybody thought it was over and most of our team and staff had left the bench. Ryan Bennett our Athletic Therapist really had a problem with what went on, he kept his eye on the play and got the attention of the referees. We discussed it with them, they had a look upstairs and to their credit they saw it the way it should be seen and it was a goal." said Assistant Coach Jake Grimes following the win.
Other shootout goal scores for Belleville were Czech Republic native David Tomasek in the third round and winger Michael Cramarossa in the ninth round. Alex Henriksson and Matthew Santos were the other successful shooters for North Bay.
Captain Jake Marchment found the back of the net for the third time this season in the first period off an assist from Niki Petti. Vancouver Canucks prospect Jordan Subban continued his stellar play of late scoring a gorgeous goal mid-way through the second frame from Brett Gustavsen.
"Jordan has been working on his complete game, offence and defence. He has really added a lot to his game this year and he's a big reason that the team is getting some real good wins to start the season." said Grimes.
The Bulls held a 2-1 lead heading into the third period before Battalion defenceman Brenden Miller beat Charlie Graham glove side for his 3rd of the season. Although overtime solved nothing, North Bay outshot the Bulls 10-1 in the extra period and Graham, who was awarded the games third star, made some outstanding saves down the stretch.
With the win the Bulls improve to 10-3-0-0 and now sit just 3 points behind the Eastern Conference leading Oshawa Generals. Graham made a season high 48 saves in Belleville's first of two trips to North Bay.
-- The Bulls open up a home-and-home with the aforementioned Generals on Saturday, November 1st at the Yardmen Arena. Loyalist College hosts Trick or Treat with the Bulls, a spooky night with lots of fun in store for the whole family! Tickets are still available, stop by or call the Bulls Box Office at (613) 966-8338 for all ticket information.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 31, 2014
- Steelheads Fall to Battalion - Brampton Steelheads
- OHL Announces Disciplinary Action - OHL
- Good Luck to Cliff Pu & Matt Leech at U-17 Hockey Challenge - Oshawa Generals
- Silveri Makes OHL Debut - Sudbury Wolves
- 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge Begins Sunday in Sarnia and Lambton Shores, Ontario - OHL
- Steelheads Bring in New Pre-Game Programs - Brampton Steelheads
- Bulls Defeat Battalion 3-2 in Shootout - Belleville Bulls
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.
