Troops Defeat Visiting Bulls 3-1

March 5, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release


NORTH BAY, ON - The Belleville Bulls hit the road for back-to-back road games starting with a potential first round playoff match-up with the North Bay Battalion. The Bulls came into the contest riding momentum from a 4-1 win over the Oshawa Generals last weekend but home town Troops opened up the scoring early and kept their foot on the gas as they defeated the Bulls 3-1 in front of 3,100 fans at North Bay Memorial Gardens.

The Battalion jumped all over the Bulls to begin the opening period testing Connor Hicks with a couple of good scoring chances. It didn't take long for the Troops to solve the rookie goaltender as Los Angeles Kings prospect Mike Amadio snapped in his 23rd of the season from Ryan Kujawinski.

Belleville had a power play opportunity under a minute later but couldn't find the back of the net while on the man advantage. The Battalion led 9-3 in shots after the first 20 minutes of action.

North Bay kept the momentum rolling in the middle frame. Just 13 seconds in Nick Moutrey buried his 20th of the campaign drawing assists from Brett McKenzie and Nick Paul. Later in the period the Battalion added another on the while on the man advantage. Former Kingston Frontenac Ryan Kujawinski netted goal number 27 on the season at 15:36. Miles Liberati and Marcus McIvor picked up the helpers.

The Battalion led 3-0 on the score board and 24-11 in shots after two periods of play.

Play began to get a little chippy as teams exchanged a couple power plays throughout the final stanza. With just 12 seconds remaining in regulation, the Bulls broke the shut out as Trent Fox tipped home a point shot off the stick of Adam Bignell. Blue liner Jesse Saban added the other assist.

Netminder Jake Smith made 21 saves in the win while Connor Hicks stopped 29 shots. The Bulls fall to 25-29-3-4 with the loss.

-- The Bulls are back in action on Friday night as they take on the Sudbury Wolves at 7:30pm. Follow along on twitter (@OHLBulls) for all game updates. Don't forget, your Bulls will be at Belleville Nissan and Boyer Kia from 1-3pm on Saturday afternoon. Come out and interact with some of your favourite players!



Ontario Hockey League Stories from March 5, 2015


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