Morning Skate: Bulls Embark on First Road Trip of 2015
Published on January 9, 2015 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
KITCHENER, ON - The Belleville Bulls hit the road for the first time in 2015 as they open up a back-to-back weekend beginning with the Kitchener Rangers on Friday night. The Bulls are coming off their second loss in a row, falling 6-5 in overtime to the Windsor Spitfires on Wednesday night at the Yardmen Arena. The Rangers, who are currently 7th in the Western Conference, have dropped their last four contests and will be looking to bounce back on home ice. Puck drop is set for 7:30pm.
With Wednesday night's game in London being postponed and rescheduled due to poor weather conditions, the Rangers are still on the hunt for their first victory of the New Year. In their most recent game against the Niagara Ice Dogs, the Rangers jumped ahead thanks to a 3 goal second period but Niagara battled back to force overtime. The Ice Dogs went on to win in the 4th round of a shootout. Goal scorers for Kitchener were Justin Bailey(2), Brandon Robinson, Connor Bunnaman and Adam Mascherin.
The Rangers are led by Arizona Coyotes prospect, Ryan MacInnis, who is the son of former Ranger and hall of famer Al MacInnis. The St. Louis native has potted 9 goals and added 23 assists in 36 games played. 1995-born winger Brandon Robinson has also been a key contributor as he has buried 11 goals and picked up 11 helpers in 34 games played.
On Tuesday afternoon the Rangers traded veteran forward Justin Bailey to Sault Ste. Marie in exchange for centre David Miller and a handful of picks from the Greyhounds and the Plymouth Whalers. Miller has recorded 13 goals and 13 assists in 38 games played for the Greyhounds this season. The Burlington, Ontario native will make his Rangers debut on home ice against the visiting Bulls.
The Bulls suffered another disappointing home loss on Wednesday night as they were defeated by the Windsor Spitfires in overtime. Belleville's offence exploded in the 2nd frame scoring 5 unanswered goals but the Spitfires stormed back, earning their 5th straight road win. Brett Welychka, Stephen Harper, Jordan Subban, Niki Petti and Alex Yuill all found the back of the net for the Bulls in the loss. Netminder Charlie Graham made 32 saves.
Forward Trent Fox and defenceman Jesse Saban both saw their first action as a Bull and logged some quality ice for their new time.
"I had no issues with Trent or Jesse," said Head Coach George Burnett. "Trent is big, strong, and was around the puck most of the night despite being under the weather. Jesse is physical and assertive. He got a bad break on one goal we allowed, but it was a positive beginning."
The Bulls look to snap their current two game loosing skid and record their first road victory since December 18th.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2015
- Milano Paces Plymouth to 6-3 Victory - North Bay Battalion
- Paterson and Rangers Shut out Belleville - Kitchener Rangers
- Otters Blast London 6-2 - Erie Otters
- Generals Fall 3-2 to the Frontenacs in a Shootout - Oshawa Generals
- IceDogs Top Wolves - Niagara IceDogs
- Barron and Studnicka take two each in 67's win over Spitfires - Ottawa 67's
- Spirit Fall to Greyhounds 3-1 at The Dow Event Center - Saginaw Spirit
- Wolves Support SirJohnA2015 - Sudbury Wolves
- Rangers Reassign Welsh - Kitchener Rangers
- Sting Complete Deals with Knights and Spirit - Sarnia Sting
- OHL Announces Postponed Game Between Sarnia Sting and Owen Sound - OHL
- Kilgour Commits to Rangers - Kitchener Rangers
- 67's Add Defenceman - Ottawa 67's
- Knights Trade Defarias to the Sting - London Knights
- Stephen Nosad Traded to Barrie - Peterborough Petes
- Attack Game Postponed; Re-Scheduled - Owen Sound Attack
- Colts Make Trade for Forward Nosad - Barrie Colts
- Moore Traded to Oshawa - Windsor Spitfires
- Oshawa Generals Acquire Matt Mistele from Plymouth Whalers - Oshawa Generals
- Colts Acquire Defenceman Harpur, Bauman from Storm - Barrie Colts
- Steelheads Preview: January 9 - 11 - Brampton Steelheads
- Morning Skate: Bulls Embark on First Road Trip of 2015 - Belleville Bulls
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