Morning Skate: Bulls Kick off 3 in 3 Weekend
Published on January 16, 2015 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
MISSISSAUGA, ON - The Belleville Bulls open up a three in three weekend as they take on the Mississauga Steelheads for the 4th and final time this season. The Bulls are still on the hunt for their first road win of the New Year but in order to find it they will have to snap a 4 game losing streak. The Steelheads, who are a point behind the Bulls in the tight Eastern Conference, are also on a slide of their own as they have dropped their last two contests. Puck drop at the Hershey Centre is set for 7:30pm.
On Tuesday, the Steelheads were defeated by their Central Division rivals, the Niagara IceDogs. Despite jumping out to a 2-goal lead, the IceDogs scored 7 un-answered goals on route to a 7-2 victory. Defenceman Sean Day and left-winger Josh Burnside were the goal scorers for Mississauga. Over age netminder Jacob Brennan stopped 38 shots in the loss.
The Trout are led by forward Jimmy Lodge, who came over in a deal from the Saginaw Spirit in October. The 6 foot 1 winger has buried 21 goals and added 18 assists in 36 games played so far this season. Russian import Sam Babinstev has also been a key contributor offensively as he has potted 14 goals and picked up 18 assists in 37 games played.
Colorado Avalanche draft pick Spencer Martin suffered a season ending knee injury on December 21st. Brennan and rookie goaltender Cameron Zanussi have split the action since Martin has been sidelined.
"They have rallied around the loss of one of their best players and collectively they have picked up the pieces and continued to find ways to get points." said Head Coach George Burnett Friday morning.
The Belleville Bulls have lost 4 straight, most recently falling to the Owen Sound Attack 4-1 at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre last weekend. Stephen Harper was the lone goal scorer for the Bulls as he put away his 9th of the year but it was too little too late. Toronto native Charlie Graham made 27 saves in the loss.
"Getting back on track has been our focus all week. Mississauga is a team that is right on our heels and we have had three very close one goal games against them this year and it is important for us to get off to a good start." added Burnett.
Vancouver Canucks prospect, Jordan Subban, leads his club with 15 goals and 19 assists in 40 games played. Forward Niki Petti has helped out with 13 goals and 15 assists in 40 games played as well. Newly named captain, Brett Welychka has picked up 6 points in the last 5 games.
Graham is expected to start tonight to kick off a very important weekend with a possible 6 points up for grabs.
-- The Bulls return home on Saturday night as the Oshawa Generals, who are currently number 1 in the CHL, visit the Yardmen Arena. Weekend Passes are available at the Bulls Box Office, purchase a ticket for Saturday's game and get a ticket for Sunday's game for just $10! Call (613) 966-8338 for all ticket information.
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