Morning Skate: Bulls Continue Homestand vs. IceDogs
Published on October 11, 2014 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
BELLEVILLE, ON - Fall is in the air and the 34th season for the Belleville Bulls is full steam ahead. Coming off a 4-1 victory over the Plymouth Whalers on Wednesday night, the Bulls find themselves in 2nd place of a loaded East Division with a 5-1 record. The current home stand continues Saturday night when Bulls open up a home-and-home against the Niagara IceDogs who are fresh off a 4-3 loss at the hands of the Ottawa 67's. The Bulls have put together a run and look to make it 4 in a row as puck drop is set for 7:05 PM.
On Wednesday night, the Belleville Bulls added to their win streak, downing the Plymouth Whalers 4-1 at the Yardmen Arena. Forward Brett Gustavsen is quickly becoming a fan favourite as he scored twice on the man advantage and earned first star honours. Matt Luff and Brandon Saigeon both had nights to remember, scoring their first career OHL goals and taking home the second and third stars, respectively. "They're playing good, sound minutes for us so we are certainly pleased with where really all of our young players are at but like our team, have to continue to try and get better each and every day." said Head Coach George Burnett.
Netminder Charlie Graham continues to be one of the best in the OHL, posting 25 saves in the win. Graham remains undefeated with a league leading 0.962 save percentage heading into Saturday's match up. The Bulls will miss some presence on the blue line as rookie Jack Hanley is projected to be out approximately 6-8 weeks with a grade 3-shoulder separation. Look for other young defencemen like Cole Candella, Justin Lemcke and Brody Morris to set up in his absence.
"We are working every day and there is a lot of things in our game that have to get better. We are proud of where we're at but it could very easily be different without a few bounces, some timely goals and some big saves. " added Burnett.
The Niagara IceDogs start the 2014-15 OHL season with 6 games on the road while their brand new arena in St. Catharine's nears completion. The IceDogs travelled to our nations capital, Friday night to take on the Ottawa 67's. In a game that saw 7 goals, Niagara fell just short as Ottawa buried 4 un-answered third period markers. Carter Verhaeghe, Cody Payne and Matt Gillard were the goal scores for the IceDogs in a fairly even match up that had shots tied at 28 a piece. Niagara will be looking to rebound and gain some momentum before heading to Kingston on Sunday to close out 3 games in 3 days.
-- Saturday night is Hyundai Hockey Helpers night, which will raise funds to help get kids into the game! All proceeds will stay in our local community. Tickets are still available, visit yourbulls.com, stop by the Bulls Box Office or call (613) 966-8338 for more information.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from October 11, 2014
- Sting Rout Spitfires 9-2 - Sarnia Sting
- Hounds Top Attack 7-4 - Soo Greyhounds
- Bulls Make It 4 Straight and Defeat IceDogs 8-5 - Belleville Bulls
- Spits Crushed by Sting - Windsor Spitfires
- Otters Use Shootout to Top Kitchener - Erie Otters
- Saginaw Spirit Fall in Hard Fought Overtime Game against the London - Saginaw Spirit
- Bailey Records Hat Trick in 5-4 Shootout Loss - Kitchener Rangers
- IceDogs Fall to Bulls - Niagara IceDogs
- Owen McDade Reassigned to the Lumber Kings - Oshawa Generals
- Morning Skate: Bulls Continue Homestand vs. IceDogs - Belleville Bulls
- Owen Sound Attacks Wolves - Sudbury Wolves
- Double Jeopardy Fatal in Overtime - North Bay Battalion
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