Yuill Makes Bulls Debut in Ottawa
December 13, 2013 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Belleville Bulls News Release
OTTAWA, ON - Just nine names remain from last season's Bulls club that reached game seven of the Eastern Conference Final, signifying a turn of the page and a look towards developing a new crop of young players. The Bulls dealt veteran centreman Garrett Hooey to Barrie earlier in the week to bring in puck-moving Quinte region defenceman Alex Yuill. The new Bull makes his debut at the big house in Kanata this evening as the Bulls and 67's meet for the third time this season.
Prior meetings, both played at the Canadian Tire Centre, have each gone the way of the home squad with Mike Vlajkov powering the 67's to a 5-4 home opening victory on September 20th and the Bulls on the receiving end of a 9-4 loss on November 19th.
The Bulls catch the 67's on a five game losing skid, dropping decisions to tough opponents in Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Erie, Barrie and Oshawa. Playing in the fourth of a current six game home stand, the barberpoles will look to reverse their recent fortunes against the Bulls who will play three straight at the Yardmen following tonight's contest.
Remi Elie takes over the team scoring lead following the departure of Hooey. He's followed by Cameron Brace and Jordan Subban who have 19 points each on the season. Ottawa rookie sensation and 2013 first overall pick Travis Konecny leads the 67's on the scoresheet with 11 goals and 20 assists in 30 games.
As the Eastern Conference playoff picture sits today, the Bulls trail ninth place Niagara by two points with a game in hand. They trail the eighth placed 67's by five points with Ottawa holding a game in hand. Nearing the midway point of their schedule, the Bulls have played 17 of their 31 games this season on the road while Ottawa has played 19 of their 30 games on home ice.
Niki Petti (upper body) and Chad Heffernan (concussion) remain out of the lineup for Belleville tonight. The 67's will be without defenceman Mike Vlajkov (hip surgery) for the remainder of the season.
In a recent move, Ottawa has added goaltender Connor Hughes to their lineup after acquiring him in a trade with the London Knights for a 7th round pick on Wednesday. The former 11th round pick in 2012 was playing with the St. Mary's Lincolns Jr. B team and replaces Jacob Blair on the roster.
Game time tonight is 7:30pm as the Bulls eye some much needed points in their push for a playoff spot. Alex Yuill will wear number 24 in his Bulls debut. Jack Miller has pre-game coverage beginning at 7:20pm on AM 800 CJBQ. Follow along with the Bulls' Twitter feed (@OHLBulls) for full coverage!
Ontario Hockey League Stories from December 13, 2013
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