IceDogs Defeat Bulls 7-4 in Home Opener
Published on October 17, 2014 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
ST. CATHARINES, ON - The Belleville Bulls witnessed the beginning of a new era first hand on Thursday night when they finished up a home-and-home with the Niagara IceDogs. In front of an energetic, sold out crowd at the brand new Meridian Centre, the IceDogs jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they defeated the visiting Bulls 7-4. The win snaps a 6 game loosing streak and gives the IceDogs their first win of the season.
Following pregame festivities, Niagara took control of the game early and wasted no time scoring for the first time in the new building. At 1:21 Mikkel Aagaard put away his first of the season from linemates Graham Knott and Johnny Corneil. Just over a minute later Brian Brosnan also added his first of the campaign to give his club a quick 2-0 lead. Right-winger Cody Payne picked up a helper on the play. Shortly after Payne was assessed a 2-minute minor for high sticking and the Bulls headed to the power play where they have been rather successful of late. 1:19 into the man advantage, Jordan Subban cut the lead in half as he hammered home his second of the season from the blue line. Wellington, Ontario native Alex Yuill and Dallas Stars prospect Remi Elie added assists on the goal.
Things would settle down as the first period in the Meridian Centre came to a close. Niagara's Aaron Haydon was called for tripping at 19:07 and the Bulls were handed another power play in the dying seconds of the frame. The IceDogs led 15-13 in shots and 2-1 on the scoreboard after the first 20 minutes.
Looking to feed off of their home-town crowd, the IceDogs continued to light the lamp in the second period. Thorold, Ontario native Anthony DiFruscia, who was awarded the 2nd star of the game, buried his 3rd of the season from Carter Verhaeghe and Billy Jenkins. Just over 4 minutes later the IceDogs found the back of the net again when Aagaard put home his second of the game. Corneil and Knott were once again the set up men. Teams would exchange a few quality chances before the period would expire and the IceDogs led 4-1 after two periods of play.
Much like the first, goals came early and often in the third period. 42 seconds in, Bulls forward Aaron Berihsa potted his first of the season from Elie and Subban. Refusing to fold, the IceDogs would answer right back when left winger Knott beat netminder Charlie Graham at 1:23 to make it 5-2. The Bulls wouldn't go away without a fight though, 1:11 later Subban scored his second of the night, this time from forwards Matt Luff and Andrew Ming. Hungry for another, over 5 minutes later the Bulls pulled within one when Markham, Ontario native Michael Cramarossa scored his second of the season from Captain Jake Marchment and Justin Lemcke.
That's as close as the Bulls would get however, Niagara would add two more before the end of the period, one from Payne on the man advantage and an empty netter from Haydon as the IceDogs earned their first victory of the season and first in their new arena. Graham made 44 saves in his first loss of the year between the pipes. Niagara goaltender Brent Moran made 29 saves in the win. The IceDogs led 51-33 in shots.
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Your Bulls return home to the Yardmen Arena for a busy weekend against the top 2 teams in the OHL's West Division. The red-hot Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds who are a perfect 8-0-0-0 will visit on Saturday October, 18th and the Sarnia Sting who have won 4 straight stop by the very next day. Don't forget to take advantage of our Fall Special. Bring in or purchase a ticket for Saturday and receive Sunday's ticket for just $10! Call (613) 966-8338 or visit the Bulls Box Office for more information.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 17, 2014
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- Strome, Dekoning Help Otters over Sudbury 3-2 - Erie Otters
- Storm Top IceDogs - Niagara IceDogs
- Butler, Thinking Pink, Sees Red After Loss - North Bay Battalion
- Nurse Returning to Hounds - Soo Greyhounds
- Wolves Unveil Roster Update - Sudbury Wolves
- IceDogs Defeat Bulls 7-4 in Home Opener - Belleville Bulls
- Guertler's Goal Keeps Greyhounds Unbeaten - North Bay Battalion
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