Bulls Fold in Shootout to Troops
Published on February 7, 2015 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
BELLEVILLE, ON - The Belleville Bulls took on the North Bay Battalion at the Yardmen Arena on Saturday night. The Bulls were coming off a big come from behind win over the Kingston Frontenacs that gave them some breathing room in the battle for sixth place in the OHL's Eastern Conference. After trailing 2-0 heading into the final period, the Battalion scored two un-answered goals and defeated the Bulls in a shootout.
A fairly quiet first period saw a couple of scoring chances for both clubs but neither could find the back of the net. Belleville led 10-8 in shots after a goal and penalty free 20 minutes.
The Bulls picked up the tempo to begin the second frame however. At 4:40 over age forward Brett Gustavsen took a pass from line mate Michael Cramarossa and wired home his 14th of the season to put the Bulls up 1-0. Blue liner Justin Lemcke picked up the other assist.
In the dying minutes of the period, rookie Trent Fox continued his solid play of late when he roofed a hard wrist shot past netminder Jake Kment. Forwards Matt Luff and Brandon Saigeon added helpers on Fox's 10th of the campaign. Another penalty free period ended with the boys in black leading 2-0 on the scoreboard and 16-13 in shots.
North Bay flipped the script in the third period. At 8:29 the Troops solved Toronto native Charlie Graham when over age forward Brenden Miller buried his 13th of the year un-assisted. Ten minutes later North Bay got the equalizer as Etobicoke, Ontario native Matthew Santos potted his 6th of the season from 1996-born defenceman Kyle Wood and rookie centre Zach Poirier. Another period without any penalties came to an end with North Bay leading 28-20 in shots.
Extra time solved nothing as the contest had to be decided in a shootout. Luff was the first shooter for Belleville and the right-winger made a gorgeous move around Kment to put the Bulls on the board first. Los Angeles Kings prospect Mike Amadio answered right back for the Battalion. Stephen Harper, Cramarossa and Saigeon all came up empty on their attempts. Swedish product Alex Henriksson scored the game winner for North Bay.
Graham, who made 28 saves, was awarded the third star while Fox was awarded the first star. The Bulls pick up a point but fall to 21-23-3-4.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 7, 2015
- Troops' Comeback Nets Shootout Victory - North Bay Battalion
- Bulls Fold in Shootout to Troops - Belleville Bulls
- Petes double-up on Spitfires - Windsor Spitfires
- A Spirited Effort - Brampton Steelheads
- Otters Earn Big Rebound Win - Erie Otters
- Saginaw Finishes Weekend With Loss to Mississauga - Saginaw Spirit
- Morning Skate: Bulls Host Troops - Belleville Bulls
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