Morning Skate: Bulls Hope to Keep Rolling vs. Fronts

February 25, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release


BELLEVILLE, ON - It's another East Division showdown between the Belleville Bulls and the Kingston Fronteancs at the Yardmen Arena on Wednesday night. Just three points separate the two teams in the OHL's Eastern Conference. The Bulls are coming off an impressive 6-1 win over the visiting Saginaw Spirit last weekend and will be looking to add another two points as the playoff race reaches its final stretch. Puck drop is set for 7:05pm.

The boys from the limestone city were defeated by the aforementioned Spirit last Sunday afternoon. Despite falling behind just 58 seconds in, Saginaw rallied back to a earn a 3-1 win at the Rogers K-Rock Centre. London, Ontario native Spencer Watson netted the lone goal for the Fronts. Evan McEneny and Ryan Verbeek added the assists. Netminder Lucas Peressini made 24 saves in the loss.

Sophomore forward Lawson Crouse leads the club with 22 goals in 44 games played thus far. The left-winger has also added 14 assists. McEneny has posted 6 goals and handed out 31 helpers in 55 games played. The over-age defenceman has picked up 4 points in the last 3 games played including a goal and an assist in Kingston's recent 5-4 win over the Conference leading Oshawa Generals. Peressini continues to be one of the best around the league between the pipes as he owns a .921 save percentage and a 2.43 goals against average.

Wednesday night also marks the return of Calgary Flames prospect Sam Bennett after undergoing shoulder surgery and sitting out most of the season. The Flames reassigned the 1996-born centre last weekend.

"It's always a big game when you play Kingston and they are playing good hockey right now. They are a big, strong team that is one of the best defensive teams in our league. They have got some premiere players added back to their line up so we are going to have to be at our best," said Head Coach George Burnett on Wednesday morning.

The Bulls were victorious on Pink in The Rink night at the Yardmen Arena last Saturday as they exploded with a 5-goal first period on route to a 6-1 win. Goal scorers for the gang in pink were Brett Gustavsen, Brett Welychka, Maurizio Colella, Michael Cramarossa, Michael Cramarossa, Niki Petti and Adam Bignell, who potted his first career OHL goal. Toronto native, Charlie Graham made 29 saves in front of 2,400 fans.

Defenceman Jordan Subban, continues to lead the Bulls with 22 goals and 21 assists in assists in 54 games played. Gustavsen has been a key contributor in the scoring department of late, as he has recored 8 points in the last 7 games. Expect Graham to start in goal.

Just 5 points separate the Belleville Bulls, Kingston Frontenacs and the Peterborough Petes, who currently hold on to the final playoff spot in the East. The ninth place Mississauga Steelheads are three points behind the Petes. With 11 games remaining, 4 coming against the Oshawa Generals, the Bulls will need to battle hard to secure a spot in the OHL's post season.

-- The Bulls open up a home-and-home series with the Generals this weekend starting in Oshawa on Friday night. Tickets for Saturday's game are selling fast so stop by the Bulls Box Office or call (613) 968-8338 to get yours today!



Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 25, 2015


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