Bulls Win Home Opener
Published on September 28, 2014 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
BELLEVILLE, ON - Fresh of a big road victory to start the 2014-15 season, the Belleville Bulls returned to the friendly city Saturday night to open the home half of their campaign. Entering the Yardmen Arena, the Sudbury Wolves who were riding the momentum of a victory over the Niagara Ice Dogs at home to start their season. The Wolves jumped out to an early lead on the man advantage but couldn't capitalize as the Bulls clawed their way back to a 2-1 win in front of a jam-packed, energetic crowd.
An early tripping penalty costed Belleville as Sudbury opened the scoring with a power play goal coming from Matt Schmalz who potted only 3 goals last season. Jeff Corbett and Mississagua native Kyle Capobianco had helpers on the play. Just over 5 minutes later Brett Gustavsen, who was acquired from the Ottawa 67's over the off season, buried his first goal as a Belleville Bull and tied it up at 1. The Bulls were charged with another penalty late in the period but Sudbury had no success and the score remained tied after the first 20 minutes. "I thought we saw a little bit of what I'm sure will become a very popular player in Brett Gustavsen with the way he performed tonight." said Head Coach George Burnett following the win. Gustavsen scored 14 goals and added 27 assists in 64 games played with the 67's a season ago.
Teams exchanged a handful of penalties in a chippy second period but both clubs were un able to convert on the power play as the game stayed knotted up at 1's after the second stanza. Sudbury lead 25-22 in shots. As the third period began the Wolves continued to test Charlie Graham who was coming off his first shutout of the season and recorded another 31 save night. Looking for the go ahead goal, the Bulls gave their home town fans what they wanted half way through the period as Michael Cramarossa put home the game winner off assists from rookie Jack Hanley and Chad Heffernan. "Was it a text book hockey game execution wise? No, but we found a way to win and we have lots to improve on." added Burnett.
Samuel Tanguay made 36 saves and was awarded the thrid star of the contest. Charlie Graham was the second star and Brett Gustavsen was given the first star. The Bulls continue their season next week as they take on two of their East Division rivals, the Peterborough Petes and the Kingston Frontenacs both on the road in back to back nights.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 28, 2014
- Home Opener a Huge Success for the Oshawa Generals - Oshawa Generals
- Late Goal Gets Storm Past Spits - Windsor Spitfires
- Sting Fall to Saginaw in OT - Sarnia Sting
- Wolves Edged by Bulls - Sudbury Wolves
- Bulls Win Home Opener - Belleville Bulls
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