Morning Skate: Bulls Embark on New Era at Home
November 27, 2013 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
BELLEVILLE, ON - A new era of Belleville Bulls hockey kicks off tonight at the Yardmen in the aftermath of one of the biggest trades in the recent history of the franchise. Bulls Head Coach and General Manager George Burnett announced late Tuesday that the team has dealth fourth year veteran and captain Brendan Gaunce and Mississauga's 5th round pick in 2014 to the Erie Otters in exchange for left winger Stephen Harper, Ottawa's 2nd round pick in 2014, London's 2nd round pick in 2016, Kingston's 3rd round pick in 2015 and Erie's 3rd round pick in 2016.
The substantial move sees the Bulls part ways with the cornerstone of their franchise for nearly four seasons and add a former first round OHL draft pick to the depth chart in addition to a package of high draft picks.
"It's been very difficult for us to consider a move for Brendan," said Burnett of the deal. "He's been a terrific ambassador for our program, a competitor on the ice and a humanitarian in our community. This is the right move for our program at this time and a great opportunity for both players involved. Brendan and his family will be missed."
Stephen Harper joins the Bulls as a third year OHL veteran and former first round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection. He's expected to join the team on Thursday night when they visit the Peterborough Petes.
Tonight, the mighty Mississauga Steelheads swim upstream for a visit to the Yardmen against a Bulls team they've handled quite well to this point in the season. It's already the fourth and final meeting between the two clubs this year, with the fish having taken six points from the Bulls in their prior three encounters.
The 13-12-1-1 Steelheads have lost five of their last six games, with the lone victory coming last Friday in a 3-2 triumph over Peterborough. Trevor Carrick has emerged as the go-to guy in Hazel McCallion's city, at a nearly point-per-game pace from the back end this season with 12 goals and 13 assists in 27 games. Dylan Smoskowitz remains a dangerous option from inside the top of the circles with 16 goals on the campaign while 19 year-old veteran Andrew Goldberg is enjoying a breakout season with 16 points in 24 games.
The Bulls have had some hot offensive producers of late. Cameron Brace continues to ride a ten game point streak dating back to October 12th. The recently acquired Bull has 7 goals and 7 assists in that span. Garrett Hooey brings a six game trend into tonight's action.
Goaltender Charlie Graham isn't expected to return to action tonight as the tandem of Braydon Banitsiotis and Jason Da Silva continue to share the load in goal. Banitsiotis made 37 saves in his OHL debut on Saturday night in a 4-3 loss in Owen Sound.
The Bulls try and shake a four game skid tonight on Home Depot Night at the Yardmen Arena. Check out some of the cool power tool displays on the south concourse tonight during intermissions!
Great seats are still available for tonight's contest. For more information contact the Bulls box office at 613-966-8338.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from November 27, 2013
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- Morning Skate: Bulls Embark on New Era at Home - Belleville Bulls
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