Morning Skate: Bulls Wrap up Season Series with Petes
Published on February 19, 2015 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
PETERBOROUGH, ON - Another crucial match up between the Peterborough Petes and the Belleville Bulls goes down at the Peterborough Memorial Centre on Thursday night. After a come from behind win over the North Bay Battalion on Monday afternoon, the Pete's have leap frogged the Mississauga Steelheads in the OHL's Eastern Conference and now hold on to the eighth and final playoff spot. The Bulls defeated their division rivals 7-5 the last time the two clubs met. Puck drop is set for 7:05om.
Despite falling behind 2-0 early on, the Petes battled their way back to a 3-2 victory in front of 3000 fans on Family Day Monday. 1997-born centre Josh Coyle got his club on the board just over five minutes into the middle frame. Over age winger Nathan Pancel potted the equalizer early in the third before London, Ontario native Josh MacDonald buried his 25th of the season to send the troops packing. Netminder Matthew Mancina made 27 saves in the win.
With just 15 games remaining in the regular season, MacDonald is still leading his squad in the scoring department. The right-winger has scored 25 goals and added 21 assists in 48 games played. Buffalo Sabers draft pick Eric Cornel has also been a key contributor offensively as he has netted 13 goals and dished out 31 assists in 52 games played. Between the pipes, Mancina and Wells seem to be splitting time fairly evenly. Mancina owns a .895 save percentage while Wells has a .890.
"It's a tough place for us to go play and historically it's been that way regardless of whether our team has been a first place team or a team fighting for the playoffs," said Assistant Coach Jake Grimes on Thursday morning.
The Belleville Bulls are currently riding a two game win streak after defeating the Kitchener Rangers 6-2 in front of the largest crowd all year at the Yardmen Arena. Goal scorers for the Bulls were Jordan Subban, Matt Luff, Stephen Harper, David Tomasek, and captain Brett Welychka scored twice. Toronto native Charlie Graham made 24 saves in the win.
Subban, the Canucks draft pick, continues to add to his record breaking season as he now has 22 goals and 21 assists in 52 games played. Veteran forward Niki Petti has picked up a goal and two assists in the last three games played. Expect to see Graham start in goal in the final meeting between the two clubs.
"We feel we have played good hockey lately, the type of hockey we want to play. There has been a long stretch of injuries and suspensions and it feels like we are starting to get back together as a group right now," added Grimes.
-- The Bulls return home to the Yardmen Arena on Saturday, February 21st as they host the Saginaw Spirit for Pink in The Rink 2015. Great seats are still available but going quickly so stop by the Bulls Box Office or call (613) 966-8338 for all ticket information. Don't forget to get your Pink in The Rink t-shirt at the Bulls Pro Shop.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2015
- MacInnis, Robinson Pace Rangers' Win - North Bay Battalion
- Petes Shutout Bulls 3-0 - Belleville Bulls
- Rangers Blast Battalion 5-1 - Kitchener Rangers
- Wolves Drop Three on the Road - Sudbury Wolves
- Steelheads Preview: February 20-22 - Brampton Steelheads
- Morning Skate: Bulls Wrap up Season Series with Petes - Belleville Bulls
- Three in Three for Attack - Owen Sound Attack
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