Morning Skate: Bulls Visit League Leading Storm

Published on February 7, 2014 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release


GUELPH, ON - They're pitted against the OHL's best tonight, but don't tell the Belleville Bulls a win is out of the question. Charlie Graham made 67 saves in a 6-5 home ice victory over Guelph on October 12th, stunning an electric crowd at the Yardmen Arena in perhaps the Bulls' most exciting win of the season.

It's a classic David vs. Goliath tilt tonight at the Sleeman Centre as the Guelph Storm enter action as the OHL's offensive juggernaut, leading the league in goals for with 253. Winners in eleven of their last twelve, the Storm have suffered back to back losses just twice this season, playing to a record of 40-9-2-1.

Guelph is the CHL's second ranked club behind the WHL's Kelowna Rockets entering play this week. The Storm are led by a strong cast of forwards that include Winnipeg Jets prospect Scott Kosmachuk, Dallas Stars first rounder Jason Dickinson, gritty competitor Brock McGinn and trade acquisition Kerby Rychel.

The Storm are equally as strong on the back end with contributions from Toronto Maple Leafs hopeful Matt Finn, former Windsor Spitfire Nick Ebert and big mobile defender Ben Harpur. Perhaps one of the OHL's most rapidly developing talents, Los Angeles Kings draftee Zac Leslie has made a name for himself with 10 goals and 30 assists in 44 games this season.

As is the staple of many contending teams, the Storm boast elite special teams numbers. They are second in both powerplay and penalty kill rankings this season. The powerhouse Storm have outscored opponents 18-4 over their last two contests.

Guelph comes off an 8-0 Thursday night trampling of the Mississauga Steelheads at the Sleeman Centre. Robby Fabbri and Jason Dickinson each scored twice while Matt Finn was the first star with a goal and three assists in the victory.

The Bulls hit the ice off a tough 4-3 loss in Plymouth last Sunday to wrap up a three-in-three weekend. Belleville put forth three very different efforts on the road trip, dominating Sarnia 7-2 on Thursday night before a dismal 7-0 defeat on Friday in Saginaw. The Bulls wrapped up the trip by overcoming a 2-0 deficit in Plymouth, only to surrender two powerplay goals in the final five minutes of the game to lose 4-3.

Adam Laishram is unlikely to see action this weekend as he recovers from an upper body injury sustained on Thursday night in Sarnia. The Storm have been without gritty winger Tyler Bertuzzi since December 8th as he recovers from concussion-like symptoms.

Overaged Guelph veteran Zack Mitchell will tie former Storm centreman and current Toronto Maple Leaf Peter Holland for fourth on the Storm's All-Time Games Played list tonight. Mitchell suits up in his 256th game in Guelph and has 23 goals and 36 assists in 52 games this season.

Tonight's game begins at 7:30pm from the Sleeman Centre. Josh Sweetland will have pre-game coverage on AM 800 CJBQ beginning at 7:20pm.

The Bulls return home on Saturday night to host the Sarnia Sting at 7:05pm. For tickets, contact the Bulls box office at 613-966-8338.

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 7, 2014


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