Bulls Snap 4 Game Skid, Defeat Trout 5-3
January 16, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
MISSISSAUGA, ON - The Belleville Bulls kicked off a 3 game weekend at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga on Friday night looking to snap a 4 game losing skid. The Bulls and the Steelheads are separated by just one point on the Eastern Conference standings. Belleville opened up the scoring early and later had success on the power play as they skated to a 4-3 victory.
On the search for their first road win of 2015 the Bulls came out firing, putting a number of pucks on netminder Jacob Brennan, who saw his 4th straight start in the absence of Colorado Avalanche draft pick Spencer Martin. It didn't take long for the Bulls to light the lamp as forward Niki Petti tipped in a shot off the stick of Alex Yuill to put his club up 1-0.
The Steelheads responded on home ice just over 7 minutes later when 1998-born defenceman Sean Day jammed home his 6th of the season on the doorstep. Forwards Marcus Dickerson and Bobby MacIntyre picked up the assists on the goal that tied the game.
Toronto native Charlie Graham made a couple big saves later in the period to keep the game tied at one as both teams headed to their respective dressing rooms at the end of the frame. Mississauga led 13-10 in shots after 20 minutes.
Belleville picked up right where they left off, scoring early into the second period. Mississauga defenceman Justin Bean handed the Bulls their first power play of the contest and his former teammate Jordan Subban made the Steelheads pay, hammering a slap shot past Brennan at 5:28. Newly named Captain Brett Welychka and blue liner Alex Yuill added the assists on the power play goal.
The Bulls once again had success on the man advantage when defenceman Stefan LeBlanc headed to the box for tripping. Burlington native Stephen Harper, who scored Belleville's lone goal during last weekend's road trip, banged in a rebound out in front to put the visiting Bulls up 3-1.
Before the end of the stanza Mississauga got one back as veteran defenceman Nick Zottl potted his first of the season. Sean Day and MacIntyre were credited with the assists. The Steelheads continued to lead in shots, 23-20 when the second period came to a close.
Vancouver Canucks prospect Jordan Subban added his 2nd of the game just over 3 minutes into the final period. Line mates, Stephen Harper and Niki Petti picked up the assists on the Bulls insurance marker. Mississauga defenceman Sean Day added his second of the game at 12:15 on the power play from Russian import Sam Babintsev and Jimmy Lodge.
The Bulls would add one more for good measure as Adam Laishram scored his 7th of the season from a bad angle at 14:19. Rookie Matt Luff added his 13th helper of the year.
Goaltender Charlie Graham stops 37 shots as the Bulls earn their first road win of the New Year and snap a 4 game losing skid. With the win Belleville gains 2 points on the Steelheads and improves to 19-18-2-2.
-- The Bulls are back in action tomorrow night as they take on the Oshawa Generals who are on top of the CHL standings. Great seats are still available, stop by the Bulls Box Office and pick up a Weekend Pass. Purchase a ticket for Saturday's game and get Sunday's ticket for just $10. Call (613) 966-8338 for all ticket information.
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