Colts Take Game One, Defeat Bulls 3-2

March 26, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release


BARRIE, ON - The Belleville Bulls and the Barrie Colts opened up their first round Eastern Conference series on Thrusday night. The Colts took advantage of a three-goal second period in front of 3000 plus at the Barrie Molson Centre and took game one of the series 3-2.

Both teams came out with a lot of speed and energy to begin the opening frame, however the Colts controlled most of the action early on.

Just over the seven-minute mark, Colts Captain Joseph Blandisi was charged two minutes for holding the stick. Under a minute into the Belleville man advantage, Vancouver Canucks prospect Jordan Subban blasted one of his signature slap shots from the point that beat netminder Mackenzie Blackwood. Forwards Niki Petti and David Tomasek picked up the assists on the first goal of the series.

Barrie had one power play opportunity later in period when the Bulls were caught with too many men on the ice but the home team couldn't find the back of the net on the man advantage. Shots favoured the Colts 7-6 after 20 minutes.

The Colts flipped the script in the middle frame. At the eight-minute mark, former Bull Garrett Hooey jumped on a loose puck in front and tied it up. Just under five minutes later 1996-born forward Andrew Mangiapane took a pass from Balndisi and put his club ahead 2-1. Niagara-On-The-Lake native Ben Harpur added the other assist.

Later in the period Harpur picked up his second point of the night when he beat Charlie Graham with a shot from the point. Hooey also picked up his second point of the night on the play. Barrie led 25-22 in shots and 3-1 on the scoreboard after the second frame.

Belleville came out strong to start the final stanza. Just over the five-minute mark the Bulls were handed another power play opportunity but couldn't capitalize with the extra attacker. About six minutes later, Burlington, Ontario native Stephen Harper jammed home his first of the playoffs to bring his club within one. Tomasek picked up his second assist of the night on the play.

The goal would prove to be too little too late as the Colts would skate to a 3-2 victory. Charlie Graham made 22 saves in the loss.

Game two of the seires will be played on Monday night at 7:30 from the Barrie Molson Centre.



Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 26, 2015


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