Bulls Down Fronts for 2nd Win in a Row

October 6, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release


BELLEVILLE, ON - The Belleville Bulls hosted the Kingston Frontenacs in the second half of a home-and-home, Sunday afternoon. Fresh off a road victory over the number 2 ranked team on the CHL top 10 list, the Bulls were hoping to make it 2 in a row against their East Division rival. Despite being down 2 goals and getting out shot once again, the Bulls made a late charge to defeat the Frontenacs 3-2.

Following a 4 goal second period on that gave Belleville the victory on Friday night in Kingston, the Bulls were looking to pick up right where they left off. While both teams had a number of good chances during the first frame, neither could find the back of the net. The chippiness and number of penalties late in the period solidified the rivalry is alive and well. "Obviously the rivalry goes way, way back. They are a real good, strong, fast team and we have a ton of respect for them." said Assistant Coach Jake Grimes following the win. Kingston lead 9-6 in shots as the contest remained scoreless after the first 20 minutes.

Early in the second stanza, the Frontenacs drew first blood as Robert Polesello, who was the games second star, beat Charlie Graham and put away his third of the season. Corey Pawley and Roland McKeown added assists on the play. Minutes later Bulls defenceman Jack Hanley was called for roughing and the Fronteancs capitalized adding another, this time off the stick of Lawson Crouse. Forwards Spencer Watson and Polesello picked up helpers as the Fronts took a two-goal lead.

Trying to muster some offence, the Bulls began fighting their way back into the match up. At 6:49, veteran grinder Chad Heffernan jammed in a loose puck on the doorstep to wake up the crowd at the Yardmen Arena and put his club on the board. Rookie Brandon Saiegon and Michael Cramarossa were credited with assists on the goal that cut the lead in half. Much like the first, the second half of the frame was penalty filled and the score stayed 2-1 as teams headed to their respective dressing rooms. Kingston lead in 20-19 in shots.

The Bulls continued to ride their momentum into the third as Dallas Stars prospect Remi Elie continued his hot play and potted his third of the campaign on the man advantage. Forwards Brett Gustavsen and Adam Laishram picked up assists on the game-tying goal. Exchanging penalties while time was winding down, both clubs had plenty of chances to take a late lead but it was Elie who continued to prove why he was deserving of an entry level NHL contract. While the Bulls were killing a Gustavsen boarding penalty, Elie outskated a pair of Frontenac defencemen and ripped what would be the game winning goal past netminder Lucas Peressini. The frontenacs would add an extra attacker in the dying seconds but it was to no avail as the Bulls added another win to their record downing the Frontenacs for the second time in a row by a score of 3-2.

Elie was awarded the first star of the contest and Charlie Graham, who made 28 saves took home third star honours. "Charlie has been outstanding and is obviously a guy that is going to give you an opportunity to win. He has had a great start and I could see him getting even stronger." added Grimes.

Belleville will continue their home stand on Wednesday, October 8th as they welcome the Plymouth Whalers to the Yardmen Arena in support of Special Olympic Athletes. Tickets are still available, visit the Bulls Box Office or call (613) 966-8338 for more information.



Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 6, 2014


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