Bulls Hand Hounds First Loss

October 19, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release


BELLEVILLE, ON - Hoping to rebound from a road loss to the Niagara IceDogs, the Belleville Bulls returned home to the friendly city on Saturday and played host to the undefeated Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Despite being outshot by 20, the Bulls got off to a hot start on route to 6-4 win.

Right from the opening faceoff the Bulls were off and running, beating Sault Ste. Marie keeper Brandon Halverson on their first two shots. Bulls veteran Jordan Subban, who leads all OHL defencemen, raced in alone and potted his 4th of the year from Niki Petti and Remi Elie. Just over two minutes later, it was Elie lighting the lamp this time set up by blue liner Alex Yuill and forward Adam Laishram. Elie wasn't finished, though, at 12:29 the Dallas Stars prospect buried his team leading 7th goal of the season as Subban returned the favour. Yuill, who was the games third star, also picked up his 2nd assist of the night.

The Bulls continued to apply the pressure, proving they can go toe to toe with the leagues best. At 14:32, Peterborough native, Chad Hefferenan threw one on net from a sharp angle that fooled Halverson and gave the Bulls a commanding 4-0 lead. Rookie Matt Luff and defenceman Justin Lemcke were credited with assists on the goal. Halverson's night was finished as the Greyhounds switched things up between the pipes and put in Joseph Raaymakers. The rookie netminder, who made 22 saves in the contest, would keep the door shut for the rest of the period. Sault Ste. Marie forward Gabe Guertler would add a power play goal at 15:20 and the 2nd ranked team in the country trailed 4-1 after the first 20 minutes.

The goals kept piling up in the second stanza, this time on both sides of the ice. Grehounds winger Michael Bunting would open the scoring on the man, putting home his 8th of the season. Blake Speers and Sergey Tolchinksy were the set up men on the goal that cut the lead in half. A minute and 4 seconds later London, native Jared McCan, who was awarded the second star, brought his team within one from Tolchinsky and 1995-born defenceman Tyler Ganly. The Bulls had a couple answers however, while on the man advantage Michael Cramarossa added his second in as many games as he ripped one past Raaymakers drawing assists from Petti and Lemcke.

After killing a Yuill penalty, the Bulls gave themselves another three goal cushion. Over-ager Brett Gustavsen continued his hot play on home ice and wired his 6th of the year from the slot. Elie picked up his 4th point of the night with another assist. Not going down without a fight, the Greyhounds continued to try and battle their way back. Late in the frame, 20 year-old winger Jean Dupuy, who spent his first 3 seasons with the Kingston Frontenacs, beat Graham to to bring his club back within 2. The Greyhounds led 30-21 in shots after two periods.

Penalties were the story of the third as 6 minors were called between the two teams. Still down 2 goals with just 3:15 to play, the Greyhounds pulled Raaymakers while on the power play in a last ditch effort to mount a comeback but it was unsuccessful as Charlie Graham made some big saves in the dying seconds of regulation. Graham stopped 46 shots in the win and the Bulls improve to 7-2-0-0.



Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 19, 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