Senators' Comeback Bid Denied in 3-2 Boxing Day Loss

Published on December 26, 2025 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Belleville Senators News Release

Belleville Senators goaltender Hunter Shepard vs. the Toronto Marlies
(Belleville Senators, Credit: Toronto Marlies)

It took nearly the entire opening frame for the first goal of the game, but the Senators were able to strike first. A great takeaway by Wyatt Bongiovanni behind the Marlies' net led to a pass out front to Garrett Pilon, who scored his fifth of the season to give Belleville a 1-0 lead.

The Marlies came to life in the second period, tying the game just under five minutes in. An even three-on-three rush saw Matt Benning and Logan Shaw draw the Senators low, creating space for Vinni Lettieri up high to even the score at 1-1. Toronto continued to build momentum later in the period and took the lead. Sustained cycling in the Belleville zone allowed Luke Haymes and Matthew Barbolini to combine and set up a point shot from Benning, who buried his second of the season to make it 2-1.

The Marlies' momentum carried into the final period with a late goal. Borya Valis stripped the puck and passed it to his linemate Luke Haymes, who rushed in and scored to extend the lead to 3-1. The Senators added another goal minutes later with the net empty. A shot from Arthur Kaliyev, with traffic in front of Arthur Akhtyamov, caused a scramble that led to Wyatt Bongiovanni poking the puck home, cutting the deficit to 3-2. Belleville had several chances late but was unable to capitalize, as the game ended with a 3-2 final.

The Senators will re-energize this rivalry against the Marlies in early January on the 9th as they travel to Coca-Cola Coliseum to start the first of a home-and-home matchup, starting at 7:00 p.m.

Belleville then gets at back home inside CAA Arena to take on the Utica Comets (AHL of affiliate of the New Jersey Devils) this Sunday as these division opponents clash at 3:00 p.m.

Fast Facts:

#5 Wyatt Bongiovanni had a goal and an assist

#22 Garrett Pilon scored and now has points in his last three games

#30 Hunter Shepard saved 30 of 33

#33 Lassi Thomson had one tally with an assist

#43 Arthur Kaliyev is on a seven game point streak with an assist

The full 2025-26 Belleville Senators schedule can be found here.

Single-game tickets for the first half of the 2025-26 season are now on sale via Ticketmaster or at the Belleville Sens Box Office located inside the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre. Details on season seat memberships, flex packs, premium seating, the Business Edge program, and more can be found by visiting the Belleville Sens Website.

Belleville Senators right wing Mark Duarte (right) vs. the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Marlies)

Belleville Senators goaltender Hunter Shepard vs. the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Marlies)

Belleville Senators goaltender Hunter Shepard vs. the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Marlies)

American Hockey League Stories from December 26, 2025

• Bojangles Game Preview: December 27 at Lehigh Valley - Charlotte Checkers
• Homestand Continues as Phantoms Return from the Break - Lehigh Valley Phantoms
• Senators' Comeback Bid Denied in 3-2 Boxing Day Loss - Belleville Senators
• Wolf Pack Recall Forwards Sullivan Mack & Zakary Karpa from Loan to Bloomington Bison - Hartford Wolf Pack
• Griffins to Host Annual New Year's Eve Celebration - Grand Rapids Griffins
• San Diego Gulls Recall Konnor Smith from Tulsa - San Diego Gulls

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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