Belleville Bulls Vs Sarnia Sting January 28, 2012
To say the least January of 2012 has not been kind to the Belleville Bulls. The Bulls have been two different teams this season, after being 10 games over .500 at one point, and having one of the best November's in franchise history, along with a couple 6 six game winning streaks. Everything was working. Well that's in the rear view mirror now, because January 2012 has been one of the worst in team history. Going 1-10, helped the Toro's see their record drop below .500, and fall to 9th in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Coming in to Saturday night Vs the Sarnia Sting, Belleville was on a 6 game losing streak, but worst they where also on a 6 game , record home losing streak. But as the great Yogi Berra would say "It ain't over till it's over." And for the Belleville Bulls, January wasn't over and The Boys wanted to send the 2,658 Yardman faithful that braved the storm, home happy.
The fun started before the game started. Belleville native Andrew Shaw of the Chicago Blackhawks and Bulls Alumni PK Subban of the Montreal Canadians where introduced to a nice ovation before the game. Both have brothers on the Bulls.
I want to take the time to mention that during this miserable run in 2012 Bulls OA Adam Payrel has played some of the most "Character" hockey I've seen him play for the Belleville Bulls.
Rookie Charlie Graham got the nod for the Bulls, with the Sting going with JP Anderson. The home town crowd would get to see two former Bulls in Sting defence men Alex Basso and Julian Luciani. We would also get a look at the potential number 1 pick in this years NHL entry draft, Nail Yakupov. The first period wasn't good, but wasn't bad. Belleville's Dylan Corson tangled with Jack Kuzmyk , The Bulls killed a penalty , but missed on the PP 3 times. they were out shot 13-8, but after being out scored 58-38 in 1st periods this season the Bulls would enter the 2nd locked in a 0-0 tie.
The 2nd didn't start well with Ludvig Rensfeldt,(13) scoring at 1:59 from R.Boucher and B.Thompson. It wasn't until 9:06 when Garrett. Hooey scored his 10th against his former team ,from Austen Brassard and Brady Austin, to tie the game 1-1. The lead didn't last long when Rensfeldt lit the lamp for the 2nd time from Spooner, and Thompson at 10:03. and 1 minute later at 11:04 Domenic Alberga made it 3-1. Not wanting to be down 2 goals going in to the 3rd , Bulls OA Jordan Mayer scored his 13 from Brassard and Steven Silas. The period ended with the Bulls being out shot 28-20 and trailing 3-2. But this game had a real playoff , must win feel to it and you could see the Bulls weren't ready to quit.
Brendan Gaunce opened the scoring right out of the gate at 0:32 with his 22nd from Jason Shaw. With the game tied 3-3, the Sting were not about to lay down, and scored to take the lead again 4-3 at 3:29 when our old friend from Kingston and Peterborough Ryan Spooner scored. But the third period belong to Belleville and when rearguard Brady Austin skated coast to coast and beat Anderson 5-hole to tie the game 4-4. You could feel that after being down 3 times in this game the home team would not be beat. In the third the Bulls out shot the Sting 20-7. and played really well, from front to back.
OT was some of the best hockey I've seen at the Yardman this year, everyone was on there feet. Bulls goalie Charlie Graham was great and doing his part, after getting his 1st career assist on the game tying goal, he stopped Yakupov point blank to send the game to the Shoot out. Belleville was 4-0 in shootouts coming in with the Sting being 1-4. After Craig Hottot slipped one passed Graham he wouldn't be beat, stopping both Spooner and Yakupov , two world class players, in what Coach Burnett called "a pretty unique situation for a 16 year old goaltender to experience". the Bulls answered with Mayer missing and Gaunce and Joesph Cramarossa beat Anderson, and the Bulls win 5-4. That ends January for the Belleville Bulls.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Belleville Bulls @ Niagara Icedogs January 26, 2012
Belleville Bulls @ Niagara Icedogs January 26, 2012
How would January end for the Belleville Bulls ? Starting Thursday night in Niagara it looked like it might end the same way it started, not good. Before the game the Bulls announced that goal tender John Chartrand would come of the injured list and make his 1st start since January 14th. Adam Bignell would be back as well after missing some games on the shelf Also before the game we found out that Bulls Forward Brendan Gaunce was named an alternate Captain for Team Cherry in the CHL Top Prospects Game, now the bad news. Cramrossa and Zharkov would be out Vs Niagara. It was also announced that Malcolm Subban would miss the Prospects Game.
One the same night that former Icedog and Bulls Star Jason Spezza of the Ottawa Senators was being drafted 4th overall in the NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft. Both teams showed different sides of the former OHL Star , The Icedogs looked like the the Spezza who played for the Bulls and finished third in 01-02 in OHL scoring (Bulls Robinson and Renzi were 1st & 2nd), or the Spezza who finished 2nd in scoring to an other Bull Kyle Wellwood in 00-01 or the same Spezza who Tied the Bulls franchise record for points in a game with 8, twice. You see what I'm getting at, the Icedogs where scoring. Niagara looked real strong like a well oiled offense machine. As for Belleville, they looked like the Spezza who finished minus 49 in back to back seasons in the OHL, or even a bit like his last playoff series with the Bulls, not the points be put up, but playing soft not really interested in back checking or getting dirty in the defensive zone.
We don't wont to talk about this game to much, from the Bulls side not a whole lot to say, They gave up 3 goals in the 1st and 3 in the 3rd, where out shot 34-26 and lost 6-0. Giving up one on the PP. Even with practicing all week on a Small ice surface Bellville could not stop The Icedogs onslaught. Without Ryan Strome , Dougie Hamilton, and Brock Beukeboom , the Icedogs showed their depth, with Brett Ritchie netting 2 goals, Mr Icedog Andrew Agozzino ,
Freddie Hamilton , Trevor Petersen and Mitchell Theoret added singles. Import defence man
Milan Doudera had 3 apples, Shayne Rover was +4 . In total 13 different Icedogs had a point. Not to be out done Niagara's All world Goalie Mark Visentin made 26 saves and was named the games 2nd Star. So in two games this year in St.Catherine's the Bulls have been out scored 11-0.
How would January end for the Belleville Bulls ? Starting Thursday night in Niagara it looked like it might end the same way it started, not good. Before the game the Bulls announced that goal tender John Chartrand would come of the injured list and make his 1st start since January 14th. Adam Bignell would be back as well after missing some games on the shelf Also before the game we found out that Bulls Forward Brendan Gaunce was named an alternate Captain for Team Cherry in the CHL Top Prospects Game, now the bad news. Cramrossa and Zharkov would be out Vs Niagara. It was also announced that Malcolm Subban would miss the Prospects Game.
One the same night that former Icedog and Bulls Star Jason Spezza of the Ottawa Senators was being drafted 4th overall in the NHL All-Star Fantasy Draft. Both teams showed different sides of the former OHL Star , The Icedogs looked like the the Spezza who played for the Bulls and finished third in 01-02 in OHL scoring (Bulls Robinson and Renzi were 1st & 2nd), or the Spezza who finished 2nd in scoring to an other Bull Kyle Wellwood in 00-01 or the same Spezza who Tied the Bulls franchise record for points in a game with 8, twice. You see what I'm getting at, the Icedogs where scoring. Niagara looked real strong like a well oiled offense machine. As for Belleville, they looked like the Spezza who finished minus 49 in back to back seasons in the OHL, or even a bit like his last playoff series with the Bulls, not the points be put up, but playing soft not really interested in back checking or getting dirty in the defensive zone.
We don't wont to talk about this game to much, from the Bulls side not a whole lot to say, They gave up 3 goals in the 1st and 3 in the 3rd, where out shot 34-26 and lost 6-0. Giving up one on the PP. Even with practicing all week on a Small ice surface Bellville could not stop The Icedogs onslaught. Without Ryan Strome , Dougie Hamilton, and Brock Beukeboom , the Icedogs showed their depth, with Brett Ritchie netting 2 goals, Mr Icedog Andrew Agozzino ,
Freddie Hamilton , Trevor Petersen and Mitchell Theoret added singles. Import defence man
Milan Doudera had 3 apples, Shayne Rover was +4 . In total 13 different Icedogs had a point. Not to be out done Niagara's All world Goalie Mark Visentin made 26 saves and was named the games 2nd Star. So in two games this year in St.Catherine's the Bulls have been out scored 11-0.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Belleville Bulls Weekend Review, Jan 21-22, 2012
What can I say about The Belleville Bulls this past weekend. I don't know ? Its all been said.
So I turned to song, for the answer. The Bulls have had a history with certain songs, every one remembers the 80's & 90's when after every home game they played "Wasn't that a Party" by the Irish Rovers, You can't come to a Bulls game without hearing John Denver's"Thank God I'm a Country Boy", or what about the Belleville Bulls theme song, you know how it goes "Lets Get Wild for the Belleville Bulls, Come On." and anything with "MORE COWBELL" but mostly I picked a Bulls set list, because some guy on American Idol has a great name and helped me trend world wide. This is my play list for the Bulls this weekend at home on Saturday Vs The Kitchener Rangers and on the road on Sunday Vs The Kingston Frontenacs
The play list
1- Lost Together by Blue Rodeo.
Where have the Mighty Bulls of late 2011 gone ? 0-6 at home home in 2012, after losing their best game of the new year on Home ice to the Rangers 5-4. Then they suffered their 5th straight lose to Kingston 3-2, and to end the weekend in 9th place and out off the playoff picture ,when Oshawa defeated Barrie 3-0.
2- New Orleans is Sinking by the Tragically Hip
The Bulls playoff hopes in January are New Orleans and January can't come to an end soon enough for the Bulls. 0-6 at home, 1-9 overall, lost John Chartrand after losing Macolm Subban in late December,watched the playoffs slip away now sitting in 9th. with a .500 record of 22-22-1.
3- The Race is On - by George Jones
The Race is on for playoff spots in the East. Yes I know there are 23 games left, but the Eastern Conference is tight only 5 points separate 4th - from 9th. home Ice is still do a"Bull" for any of the four teams that make it, but there are 5 teams and right now the Bulls are on the outside looking in.
4-Dazed and Confused- by Led Zeppelin
I would think everyone is Coaches, players, opposition . media , and fans,
5- Where have all the Cowboys Gone - Paula Cole.
We don't have to name names, we all know the boys are struggling , some more then others, guys aren't scoring anymore, the fore check is gone , the drive to the net ?? This weekend when they did go to the net , they scored. The Defence has been soft at times, always backing up, giving teams to much space, even the always stingy PK has dropped a bit.
6- Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J
When the Chips are down sometimes , you just want to get a spark, someone to step up and Saturday night , 3 Bulls Adam Payrel, Joesph Cramarossa and Jason Shaw dusted it up with members of the Rangers , hoping it would spark the club and the building, it worked , it just wasn't enough. On Sunday Mike Curtis stepped up for the team,
7- Love Potion No. 9 by The Clovers
Is there a secret formula to turning things around ?
No, the boys from Belleville just need to step back , take a breath. Remember the things that made them one of the hottest teams in the OHL. A solid PK, a good fore check and back check, discipline and good goal tending, Coach Burnett has a good system that works and has been successful, you just have to play it.
8-Hero by Mariah Carey
Just a thought, but is Macolm Subban to the Belleville Bulls what Peyton Manning is to the Indy Colts, both their teams play better when they play. Macolm is by far the Bulls MVP. They need him, the kids play better when he is in the cage. No offense to John Chartrand or Charlie Graham, both are quality tenders, but this year belongs to Subban, He is ranked #1 in North America for a reason.
9-Walking on Sunshine by the Waves
This past weekend wasn't all bad, Garrett Hooey played great as did Jordan Subban. Saturday night against the Rangers was a game Belleville deserved to win, after being down 4-1 and to come back and tie it 4-4, only to lose on a late PP goal by OHL player of the week and maybe the best defense men in the OHL Ryan Murphy. Games where you do lots of things right and still lose are the toughest to recover from, hence the effort Vs Kingston.
10-Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)-Doris Day
Your Bulls are a better team then they have been showing, Come out to the games, these kids need your support. It says here not only do they make the playoffs, but when they do they make some noise .
So I turned to song, for the answer. The Bulls have had a history with certain songs, every one remembers the 80's & 90's when after every home game they played "Wasn't that a Party" by the Irish Rovers, You can't come to a Bulls game without hearing John Denver's"Thank God I'm a Country Boy", or what about the Belleville Bulls theme song, you know how it goes "Lets Get Wild for the Belleville Bulls, Come On." and anything with "MORE COWBELL" but mostly I picked a Bulls set list, because some guy on American Idol has a great name and helped me trend world wide. This is my play list for the Bulls this weekend at home on Saturday Vs The Kitchener Rangers and on the road on Sunday Vs The Kingston Frontenacs
The play list
1- Lost Together by Blue Rodeo.
Where have the Mighty Bulls of late 2011 gone ? 0-6 at home home in 2012, after losing their best game of the new year on Home ice to the Rangers 5-4. Then they suffered their 5th straight lose to Kingston 3-2, and to end the weekend in 9th place and out off the playoff picture ,when Oshawa defeated Barrie 3-0.
2- New Orleans is Sinking by the Tragically Hip
The Bulls playoff hopes in January are New Orleans and January can't come to an end soon enough for the Bulls. 0-6 at home, 1-9 overall, lost John Chartrand after losing Macolm Subban in late December,watched the playoffs slip away now sitting in 9th. with a .500 record of 22-22-1.
3- The Race is On - by George Jones
The Race is on for playoff spots in the East. Yes I know there are 23 games left, but the Eastern Conference is tight only 5 points separate 4th - from 9th. home Ice is still do a"Bull" for any of the four teams that make it, but there are 5 teams and right now the Bulls are on the outside looking in.
4-Dazed and Confused- by Led Zeppelin
I would think everyone is Coaches, players, opposition . media , and fans,
5- Where have all the Cowboys Gone - Paula Cole.
We don't have to name names, we all know the boys are struggling , some more then others, guys aren't scoring anymore, the fore check is gone , the drive to the net ?? This weekend when they did go to the net , they scored. The Defence has been soft at times, always backing up, giving teams to much space, even the always stingy PK has dropped a bit.
6- Mama Said Knock You Out by LL Cool J
When the Chips are down sometimes , you just want to get a spark, someone to step up and Saturday night , 3 Bulls Adam Payrel, Joesph Cramarossa and Jason Shaw dusted it up with members of the Rangers , hoping it would spark the club and the building, it worked , it just wasn't enough. On Sunday Mike Curtis stepped up for the team,
7- Love Potion No. 9 by The Clovers
Is there a secret formula to turning things around ?
No, the boys from Belleville just need to step back , take a breath. Remember the things that made them one of the hottest teams in the OHL. A solid PK, a good fore check and back check, discipline and good goal tending, Coach Burnett has a good system that works and has been successful, you just have to play it.
8-Hero by Mariah Carey
Just a thought, but is Macolm Subban to the Belleville Bulls what Peyton Manning is to the Indy Colts, both their teams play better when they play. Macolm is by far the Bulls MVP. They need him, the kids play better when he is in the cage. No offense to John Chartrand or Charlie Graham, both are quality tenders, but this year belongs to Subban, He is ranked #1 in North America for a reason.
9-Walking on Sunshine by the Waves
This past weekend wasn't all bad, Garrett Hooey played great as did Jordan Subban. Saturday night against the Rangers was a game Belleville deserved to win, after being down 4-1 and to come back and tie it 4-4, only to lose on a late PP goal by OHL player of the week and maybe the best defense men in the OHL Ryan Murphy. Games where you do lots of things right and still lose are the toughest to recover from, hence the effort Vs Kingston.
10-Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)-Doris Day
Your Bulls are a better team then they have been showing, Come out to the games, these kids need your support. It says here not only do they make the playoffs, but when they do they make some noise .
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Belleville Bulls Vs Mississauga St.Michael's Majors, January 18, 2012
Belleville Bulls Vs Mississauga St. Michael's Majors , January 18, 2012
On Wednesday night the Belleville Bulls needed to pull out of a slump, and the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors were in town with different plans. Coming in the Bulls were 0-4 on home ice in the New Year and were yet to score a goal in the 3rd period at home. The Bulls had lost 7 of their last 8, and had just 3 wins in their last 14. They needed a win real bad, only one point separated the two teams in the tight Eastern Conference, were before last night only 15 points separated 1st place Ottawa and 9th place Oshawa.
The 2158 at the Yardman, and ex Majors Joesph Cramarossa and Jordan Mayer wanted to show former Bulls player, assistant coach and Head Coach James Boyd, now the GM/Coach in Mississauga what he has been missing. It wouldn't be easy with Both goalies Malcolm Subban and John Chartrand on the self. For the first time I can remember the Bulls went with two 16 year old goalies. Charlie Graham would get the start and be backed up by the Bulls 15th Rd pick, the 6'6" 185lbs Braydon Banitsiotis. The Majors would start Brandon Maxwell.
The 1st started like a lot of games for the Bulls as of late, with them getting no shots till almost the midway point. And letting the other team walk right in and test Graham. After a wasted PP by the Bulls, at 9:32 shortly after the Bulls registered their first shot, Jamie Wise walked right past the Bulls D and netted his 16th from Partanen and DeMelo to give the Majors the lead 1-0. Not to be beat about 3 minutes later at 12:05 , Cramaroosa beat Maxwell for his 9th from Dylan Corson and Luke Judson. But before the 1st ended Riley Brace got a bounce and netted his 22nd from Kuptsov, DeMelo. To give the Majors the lead 2-1 to end the period. After 20 minutes where the Bulls looked tired ? dead ? out of it ? I don't know but not to good. Charlie Graham was easily the Best Bull even after giving up two goals. The Bulls got out shot 17-7 and really just stood around sometimes.
The 2nd would start really good, when Mike Curtis lit the lamp for his 10th from Adam Payrel and Garrett Hooey at 2:26, to tie the game 2-2. They had 7 shots before the 10 minute mark, the same amount they had for the whole first period. But then the wheels fall off and Belleville started looking like the Bulls from the 1st. With Daniil Zharkov off for slashing. Alex Cord scored the Game Winner and his 1st of the year on the PP. Soon after Cord scored Zharkov tangled with Spenser Cobbold, in a clear miss match, but good for him for showing some life and trying to spark a club that needed one. The 2nd ended with The Bulls out shooting St,Mike 15-12 in the period., But trailing 3-2.
The Bulls came out hard in the 3rd and they dominated, by skating, and going to the net, but could not beat Maxwell(1st Star), he was really good in the 3rd. As the Bulls out shot the Majors 14-4 in the period and 36-33 in the game. The PP was 0/1 and so was the PK. When it was all said in done the Bulls lost to the Majors 3-2. With the lose The Bulls drop to 8th and the Majors jump to 7th. So the Bulls are 0-5 at home in 2012 , yet to score a 3rd period goal in that time. The Bulls have lost 8 of their last 9 and have won just 3 of the last 15. Belleville is a better team then this , as we all seen early in the year, and they better be because the always tough Kitchener Rangers lead by former Bull Tyler Randell are in Belleville Saturday Night.
On Wednesday night the Belleville Bulls needed to pull out of a slump, and the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors were in town with different plans. Coming in the Bulls were 0-4 on home ice in the New Year and were yet to score a goal in the 3rd period at home. The Bulls had lost 7 of their last 8, and had just 3 wins in their last 14. They needed a win real bad, only one point separated the two teams in the tight Eastern Conference, were before last night only 15 points separated 1st place Ottawa and 9th place Oshawa.
The 2158 at the Yardman, and ex Majors Joesph Cramarossa and Jordan Mayer wanted to show former Bulls player, assistant coach and Head Coach James Boyd, now the GM/Coach in Mississauga what he has been missing. It wouldn't be easy with Both goalies Malcolm Subban and John Chartrand on the self. For the first time I can remember the Bulls went with two 16 year old goalies. Charlie Graham would get the start and be backed up by the Bulls 15th Rd pick, the 6'6" 185lbs Braydon Banitsiotis. The Majors would start Brandon Maxwell.
The 1st started like a lot of games for the Bulls as of late, with them getting no shots till almost the midway point. And letting the other team walk right in and test Graham. After a wasted PP by the Bulls, at 9:32 shortly after the Bulls registered their first shot, Jamie Wise walked right past the Bulls D and netted his 16th from Partanen and DeMelo to give the Majors the lead 1-0. Not to be beat about 3 minutes later at 12:05 , Cramaroosa beat Maxwell for his 9th from Dylan Corson and Luke Judson. But before the 1st ended Riley Brace got a bounce and netted his 22nd from Kuptsov, DeMelo. To give the Majors the lead 2-1 to end the period. After 20 minutes where the Bulls looked tired ? dead ? out of it ? I don't know but not to good. Charlie Graham was easily the Best Bull even after giving up two goals. The Bulls got out shot 17-7 and really just stood around sometimes.
The 2nd would start really good, when Mike Curtis lit the lamp for his 10th from Adam Payrel and Garrett Hooey at 2:26, to tie the game 2-2. They had 7 shots before the 10 minute mark, the same amount they had for the whole first period. But then the wheels fall off and Belleville started looking like the Bulls from the 1st. With Daniil Zharkov off for slashing. Alex Cord scored the Game Winner and his 1st of the year on the PP. Soon after Cord scored Zharkov tangled with Spenser Cobbold, in a clear miss match, but good for him for showing some life and trying to spark a club that needed one. The 2nd ended with The Bulls out shooting St,Mike 15-12 in the period., But trailing 3-2.
The Bulls came out hard in the 3rd and they dominated, by skating, and going to the net, but could not beat Maxwell(1st Star), he was really good in the 3rd. As the Bulls out shot the Majors 14-4 in the period and 36-33 in the game. The PP was 0/1 and so was the PK. When it was all said in done the Bulls lost to the Majors 3-2. With the lose The Bulls drop to 8th and the Majors jump to 7th. So the Bulls are 0-5 at home in 2012 , yet to score a 3rd period goal in that time. The Bulls have lost 8 of their last 9 and have won just 3 of the last 15. Belleville is a better team then this , as we all seen early in the year, and they better be because the always tough Kitchener Rangers lead by former Bull Tyler Randell are in Belleville Saturday Night.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Belleville Bulls @ Ottawa 67's, January 15, 2012
Belleville Bulls @ Ottawa 67's January 15, 2012
After Saturdays 5-3 home lose to the Sudbury Wolves, The Belleville Bulls were looking for a turn around on the road, instead they got turnovers, turnovers and more turnovers, not the good apple kind but the kind that lead to goals against. On a Sunday afternoon 5946 Ottawa 67's fans got their money's worth. With the home team handing the Bulls in my opinion a real gut check of a loss, beating the Bulls 6-1.
The Bulls went with Charlie Graham in net , and the 67's answered with Petr Mrazek. Bulls fans were looking for their team to come out with a chip, maybe even a little angry, but after a early PP, that produced nothing , the Bulls lost their first battle and turned the puck over, leading to Jake Cardwell scoring his 5th from Prince & Cazzola at 7:47. Ottawa wasn't done there, they scored 2 more times in the first, when our old friend Tyler Toffoli scored his 34th on a turnover, and the tasty pastry party wasn't over there, Shane Prince who was left alone in front of the net buried his 22nd after the Bulls turned the puck over again. The 67's lead the the Bulls in shots 14-10 after 20 minutes ,but the Bulls didn't really challenge Mrazek. The 3 goals that the Bulls gave up couldn't be put on Graham as he was left out to dry on all three.
The Bulls came out pretty good in the 2nd , but couldn't beat Mrazek, and before long started playing soft in there own end giving the 67's way to much time and space and they scored on an other turnover, from a guy who must love seeing the Bulls on the docket. Dalton Smith bagged his 12th of thyear and 5th Vs the Bulls this year. But before they even announced the Smith goal , Cardwell lit the lamp again at 9:44 to make it, 5-0 for the home team, the good news, Cardwell's goal was scored on the rush not a turnover. After that it looked like the Bulls might make a goalie switch, but they didn't, leaving us to wonder, how injured John Chartrand is after the Bulls saying hes not 100%. At the 13:10 mark the Bulls tallied a goal , Joesph Cramarossa, (8) with Brendan Gaunce and Luke Judson assisting. With the assist Gaunce has a 5 game point streak going, On the play Judson was playing the point where he played all of the game, and looked okay. The Bulls gave up an other goal, on an other turnover this time to Cazzola (4)from Prince, Cardwell.
There would be no scoring in the 3rd with Ottawa playing the clock, and playing it smart, even employing the trap at times. When the Toro's did get a chance All-World goalie Mrazek was there to shut the door,the Bulls played way to soft in this game, making huge mistakes in their own end, and it wasn't rookies it was some older players, that Belleville needs to play better if they plan on making the playoffs. A good start would be a better showing Vs The Generals on Wednesday night, Ottawa out shot the Bulls 40-38, Bulls PP 0/4 PK 1/1.
After Saturdays 5-3 home lose to the Sudbury Wolves, The Belleville Bulls were looking for a turn around on the road, instead they got turnovers, turnovers and more turnovers, not the good apple kind but the kind that lead to goals against. On a Sunday afternoon 5946 Ottawa 67's fans got their money's worth. With the home team handing the Bulls in my opinion a real gut check of a loss, beating the Bulls 6-1.
The Bulls went with Charlie Graham in net , and the 67's answered with Petr Mrazek. Bulls fans were looking for their team to come out with a chip, maybe even a little angry, but after a early PP, that produced nothing , the Bulls lost their first battle and turned the puck over, leading to Jake Cardwell scoring his 5th from Prince & Cazzola at 7:47. Ottawa wasn't done there, they scored 2 more times in the first, when our old friend Tyler Toffoli scored his 34th on a turnover, and the tasty pastry party wasn't over there, Shane Prince who was left alone in front of the net buried his 22nd after the Bulls turned the puck over again. The 67's lead the the Bulls in shots 14-10 after 20 minutes ,but the Bulls didn't really challenge Mrazek. The 3 goals that the Bulls gave up couldn't be put on Graham as he was left out to dry on all three.
The Bulls came out pretty good in the 2nd , but couldn't beat Mrazek, and before long started playing soft in there own end giving the 67's way to much time and space and they scored on an other turnover, from a guy who must love seeing the Bulls on the docket. Dalton Smith bagged his 12th of thyear and 5th Vs the Bulls this year. But before they even announced the Smith goal , Cardwell lit the lamp again at 9:44 to make it, 5-0 for the home team, the good news, Cardwell's goal was scored on the rush not a turnover. After that it looked like the Bulls might make a goalie switch, but they didn't, leaving us to wonder, how injured John Chartrand is after the Bulls saying hes not 100%. At the 13:10 mark the Bulls tallied a goal , Joesph Cramarossa, (8) with Brendan Gaunce and Luke Judson assisting. With the assist Gaunce has a 5 game point streak going, On the play Judson was playing the point where he played all of the game, and looked okay. The Bulls gave up an other goal, on an other turnover this time to Cazzola (4)from Prince, Cardwell.
There would be no scoring in the 3rd with Ottawa playing the clock, and playing it smart, even employing the trap at times. When the Toro's did get a chance All-World goalie Mrazek was there to shut the door,the Bulls played way to soft in this game, making huge mistakes in their own end, and it wasn't rookies it was some older players, that Belleville needs to play better if they plan on making the playoffs. A good start would be a better showing Vs The Generals on Wednesday night, Ottawa out shot the Bulls 40-38, Bulls PP 0/4 PK 1/1.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Belleville Bulls Vs Sudbury Wolves January 14 2012
Belleville Bulls Vs Sudbury Wolves January 14 2012
In a week that started out good with rookie goalie Charlie Graham getting his first OHL win in Brampton, snapping a 5 game losing streak.
Saturday night started off on a high note with Bulls GM/Coach Geroge Burnett being honored for both his recent accomplishments with Team Canada , and his 500th Win & 1000 games coached in the OHL. For just the 7th time this season the Bulls had a healthy scratch. That's pretty much where the good news ended.
Belleville's previous victory before Thursday night in Brampton had been an OT win in Sudbury with John Chartrand stealing a win from the Wolves, So the Bulls went back to him. Sudbury would answer with there Swedish netminder, the 6'4" Johan Mattsson. The 1st period started with both teams trading a few chances, with Chartrand making some big saves and Mattsson using all of his size, sometimes I'm not sure he even seen the puck, but he's so big it just hit him. At 13:20 The Wolves got on the score sheet first with a goal by Alex Racino from Thibodeau & Hanes. On a play where the Bulls D just backed up. After this the Bulls started to fall back in to some bad habits, of standing still and playing soft in there own end. Near the end of the Period our old friend the turnover showed up and with less then a minute to go at 19:12 Andrey Kuchin gave the Wolves a 2-0 lead. So after what would best be described as not the Bulls best period.
The Bulls came in to the 2nd down by two goals, but the 2432 Bulls fans weren't worried because the last time the Bulls faced the Wolves they overcame a 2 goal defcit.
To start the 2nd the PK unit tried to gain some momentum for the Bulls by killing the Joesph Cramarossa double minor. But even after the big kill ,the building was quiet, and the Bulls weren't generating anything. For the Wolves Andrey Kuchin was, he scored his 2nd of the night from Sgarbossa to give Sudbury a 3 goal lead. That was the end of John Chartrand's night, getting the hook after letting in 3 goals on 15 shots. The Bulls would respond just 22 seconds later at 7:24 ,the newest Belleville Bull Jordan Mayer scored his 12th and first as a Bull. But Kuchin wasn't done at 8:53 on the PP with Adam Payrel in the sin bin, he and Sgarbossa set up Joshua Leivo to restore the 3 goal lead. With the Bulls on a long 5 on 3 PP, they needed to score and did, Brendan Gaunce (21) from Cramarossa and Daniil Zharkov ( Zharkov's 2nd apple of the night) to cut the lead to 2. After Derek Schoenmakers goal at 19:43 to bring the Sudbury lead back to 3, Garrett Hooey scored his 7th at the 20:00 minute mark on a Penatly Shot. to make it 5-3.
Belleville came out flying in the 3rd out shooting the Wolves 13-3 but couldn't beat Mattsson. Bulls ended the game 1/2 on the PP, & 2/3 on the PK, out shooting the visitors 34-24, but lose 5-3. the lose was Belleville's 4th straight loss on home ice after starting the year with only 4 loses at the Yardman.
In a week that started out good with rookie goalie Charlie Graham getting his first OHL win in Brampton, snapping a 5 game losing streak.
Saturday night started off on a high note with Bulls GM/Coach Geroge Burnett being honored for both his recent accomplishments with Team Canada , and his 500th Win & 1000 games coached in the OHL. For just the 7th time this season the Bulls had a healthy scratch. That's pretty much where the good news ended.
Belleville's previous victory before Thursday night in Brampton had been an OT win in Sudbury with John Chartrand stealing a win from the Wolves, So the Bulls went back to him. Sudbury would answer with there Swedish netminder, the 6'4" Johan Mattsson. The 1st period started with both teams trading a few chances, with Chartrand making some big saves and Mattsson using all of his size, sometimes I'm not sure he even seen the puck, but he's so big it just hit him. At 13:20 The Wolves got on the score sheet first with a goal by Alex Racino from Thibodeau & Hanes. On a play where the Bulls D just backed up. After this the Bulls started to fall back in to some bad habits, of standing still and playing soft in there own end. Near the end of the Period our old friend the turnover showed up and with less then a minute to go at 19:12 Andrey Kuchin gave the Wolves a 2-0 lead. So after what would best be described as not the Bulls best period.
The Bulls came in to the 2nd down by two goals, but the 2432 Bulls fans weren't worried because the last time the Bulls faced the Wolves they overcame a 2 goal defcit.
To start the 2nd the PK unit tried to gain some momentum for the Bulls by killing the Joesph Cramarossa double minor. But even after the big kill ,the building was quiet, and the Bulls weren't generating anything. For the Wolves Andrey Kuchin was, he scored his 2nd of the night from Sgarbossa to give Sudbury a 3 goal lead. That was the end of John Chartrand's night, getting the hook after letting in 3 goals on 15 shots. The Bulls would respond just 22 seconds later at 7:24 ,the newest Belleville Bull Jordan Mayer scored his 12th and first as a Bull. But Kuchin wasn't done at 8:53 on the PP with Adam Payrel in the sin bin, he and Sgarbossa set up Joshua Leivo to restore the 3 goal lead. With the Bulls on a long 5 on 3 PP, they needed to score and did, Brendan Gaunce (21) from Cramarossa and Daniil Zharkov ( Zharkov's 2nd apple of the night) to cut the lead to 2. After Derek Schoenmakers goal at 19:43 to bring the Sudbury lead back to 3, Garrett Hooey scored his 7th at the 20:00 minute mark on a Penatly Shot. to make it 5-3.
Belleville came out flying in the 3rd out shooting the Wolves 13-3 but couldn't beat Mattsson. Bulls ended the game 1/2 on the PP, & 2/3 on the PK, out shooting the visitors 34-24, but lose 5-3. the lose was Belleville's 4th straight loss on home ice after starting the year with only 4 loses at the Yardman.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Belleville Bulls @ Brampton Battalion January 12, 2012
Belleville Bulls @ Brampton Battalion January 12, 2012
Coming in to the game Vs Brampton the Bulls had been losers of their last 5 games, including a New Years Day game against the Battalion. As for Brampton they had not had a loss in regulation in their last 12. If the playoffs where to start before this game this would be a 1st round match up. With the Troops being the 2nd seed and the Toro's being the 7th.
Before the game Gm/Coach Burnett said Bulls #1 goalie Malcolm Subban who was ranked the number 1 keeper eligible for the 2012 NHL entry draft by Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings for CHL players, would return next week, if everything goes well. So after a good performance last Saturday in a tough 3-2 loss to the 67's Bulls rookie net minder Charlie Graham got the start. Earlier in the week it was announced that Graham would not be rejoining the Wellington Dukes and will spend the rest of the year with the Bulls, giving the Bulls 3 goalie's with Graham joining Subban & veteran John Chartrand. The 1752 in attendance would also get to see three other Bulls recently ranked by Central Scouting, Brendan Gaunce -11th, Daniil Zarkov -19th, and Garrett Hooey -61st. Jordan Mayer would play his first game for the Bulls after coming over from St.Mikes at the dead line.
In the 1st period it took the Bulls awhile to get going, allowing Brampton's big line to score 1st at 5:22, Goodrow from Watters and Bell. The Bulls did not register a shot till Adam Payrel potted his 13th unassisted at 9:31. Belleville was not taking lots of shots but they were making them count, on just their 2nd shot of the game, just over a minute later (10:41) Luke Judson lit the lamp for his 12th from newcomer Mayer and Jason Shaw. The 1st ended with Brampton out shooting the Bulls 7-5 but the visitors where up 2-1.
The 2nd period belonged to Charlie Graham with the Troops firing 22 shots his way. Burnett's bunch chased The Battalion starter Matej Machovsky after he gave up his third goal on six shots to Joseph Cramarossa (7) also the first shot the Bulls took in the period from Austen Brassard & Gaunce. The Apple gives Brassard points in 11 straight games. The Troops got one more by Graham ,Patrik Machac scoring from Philip Lane and former Bull Brett Mackie. to make the score 3-2. In the second the Battalion out shot Belleville 22-8, with Graham looking real good and making up for some sloppy play by the Bulls defence core.
In the third the Bulls seem to come alive a bit outshooting the home side 13-8. Overall Brampton out shot the Bulls 37-26. Belleville went 0/2 on the PP & 1/1 on the PK. This was a great game by Charlie Graham against a real good Brampton Team, He earned First Star honours ,in his first OHL win. Bulls get ready to face Sudbury Saturday night at the Yardman.
Coming in to the game Vs Brampton the Bulls had been losers of their last 5 games, including a New Years Day game against the Battalion. As for Brampton they had not had a loss in regulation in their last 12. If the playoffs where to start before this game this would be a 1st round match up. With the Troops being the 2nd seed and the Toro's being the 7th.
Before the game Gm/Coach Burnett said Bulls #1 goalie Malcolm Subban who was ranked the number 1 keeper eligible for the 2012 NHL entry draft by Central Scouting's Mid-Term Rankings for CHL players, would return next week, if everything goes well. So after a good performance last Saturday in a tough 3-2 loss to the 67's Bulls rookie net minder Charlie Graham got the start. Earlier in the week it was announced that Graham would not be rejoining the Wellington Dukes and will spend the rest of the year with the Bulls, giving the Bulls 3 goalie's with Graham joining Subban & veteran John Chartrand. The 1752 in attendance would also get to see three other Bulls recently ranked by Central Scouting, Brendan Gaunce -11th, Daniil Zarkov -19th, and Garrett Hooey -61st. Jordan Mayer would play his first game for the Bulls after coming over from St.Mikes at the dead line.
In the 1st period it took the Bulls awhile to get going, allowing Brampton's big line to score 1st at 5:22, Goodrow from Watters and Bell. The Bulls did not register a shot till Adam Payrel potted his 13th unassisted at 9:31. Belleville was not taking lots of shots but they were making them count, on just their 2nd shot of the game, just over a minute later (10:41) Luke Judson lit the lamp for his 12th from newcomer Mayer and Jason Shaw. The 1st ended with Brampton out shooting the Bulls 7-5 but the visitors where up 2-1.
The 2nd period belonged to Charlie Graham with the Troops firing 22 shots his way. Burnett's bunch chased The Battalion starter Matej Machovsky after he gave up his third goal on six shots to Joseph Cramarossa (7) also the first shot the Bulls took in the period from Austen Brassard & Gaunce. The Apple gives Brassard points in 11 straight games. The Troops got one more by Graham ,Patrik Machac scoring from Philip Lane and former Bull Brett Mackie. to make the score 3-2. In the second the Battalion out shot Belleville 22-8, with Graham looking real good and making up for some sloppy play by the Bulls defence core.
In the third the Bulls seem to come alive a bit outshooting the home side 13-8. Overall Brampton out shot the Bulls 37-26. Belleville went 0/2 on the PP & 1/1 on the PK. This was a great game by Charlie Graham against a real good Brampton Team, He earned First Star honours ,in his first OHL win. Bulls get ready to face Sudbury Saturday night at the Yardman.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
OHL dead line Trade: Biggest Impact
I think the trading of Ryan Spooner to the Sarnia Sting from the Kingston Frontenacs for Ryan Kujawinski. Involves the player(s) that will have the biggest impact on their new teams both, short and long term.The impact that Spooner will have on the Sting has been felt immediately(3GP 3G 1A). With highly ranked Nail Yakupov joining, Sarnia's another promising young 2012 prospect Alexander Galchenyuk, on the IR. Spooner comes to a 1st place club, where attendance is up 15% , the Sting are hoping for a long playoff run. Having never made it by the 2nd Rd since the franchise moved to Sarnia, the hope was that Spooner would give the Sting a nice depth scoring option, but now with Yakupov joining Galchenyuk on the IR, his role will increase. Spooner a 2nd round pick of the Boston Bruins was an invite to Team Canada’s Selection Camp this past December but could not participate after being diagnosed with mononucleosis. Ryan also is looking for more playoff success, never making it by the 1st Rd in his OHL Career with both the Peterborough Petes & Kingston. Sting GM called Spooner "one of the elite players in all of junior hockey". In order to acquire him they had to pay a very high price. That being said they feel that Spooner is another piece that will help them contend for an OHL Championship this season.”
That high price they paid was rookie centre man Ryan Kujawinski. The 6'2" 195lbs, 16 year old was Sarnia’s 1st Rd selection in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection, 4th overall. Giving the Fronts a 1st rounder from 2011 draft after trading Max Domi to the Knights of London.
“This is part of the rebuilding process,” said General Manager Doug Gilmour. Kujawinski brings an imposing size, he's a good skater for his size and loves to shoot the puck, and in the words of Gilmour has "a ton of potential". Ryan recently competed for Team Ontario at the U17’s. in two games with Kingston he has already matched his goal total he had with the Sting in 29 games. In Kingston he will get more ice and be a big part of this team moving forward.
That high price they paid was rookie centre man Ryan Kujawinski. The 6'2" 195lbs, 16 year old was Sarnia’s 1st Rd selection in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection, 4th overall. Giving the Fronts a 1st rounder from 2011 draft after trading Max Domi to the Knights of London.
“This is part of the rebuilding process,” said General Manager Doug Gilmour. Kujawinski brings an imposing size, he's a good skater for his size and loves to shoot the puck, and in the words of Gilmour has "a ton of potential". Ryan recently competed for Team Ontario at the U17’s. in two games with Kingston he has already matched his goal total he had with the Sting in 29 games. In Kingston he will get more ice and be a big part of this team moving forward.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Bulls and 67's Home & Home January 6th & 7th 2012
Bulls Home and Home with the 67's.
Coming in to the weekend the Belleville Bulls were desperate to turn things around as they have been loser's of 3 in a row. It wasn't going to be easy with a home and home with the East division leading Ottawa 67's. When the Bulls play Ottawa you can't help but think of The 1999 Memorial Cup and Luke Sellars elbow on Justin Papineau or "The" Lance Galbraith , Cory Looke & his back to back MVP seasons. Some of my favorites Matt Foy, Joe & Julian Talbot, Seamus Koty & the always ornery Elgin Reid, maybe its the fact that we traded Darren Pang there & now we get to watch Tyler Toffoli. In my opinion the Bulls rivalry with the 67's is their best.
Friday January 6 2012 Belleville Bulls @ Ottawa 67's.
On a Friday night in The Nation's Capital the Belleville Bulls would lean on John Chartrand for the 5th straight game, 4 of them loses, not all the loses are on John he's played really good in some of those games, it was also the 1st game for Joesph Cramarossa in a Bulls Jersey since coming over from St.Mikes earlier in the week for two 2nd Rd picks. The Bulls wouldn't have to face World Jr standout Petr Mrazek, as he was still unavailable, Michael Nishi got the start, Nishi has been good for the 67's sporting a 2.80GAA & a .940SV%.
Shane Prince (17) at 6:29 opened the scoring for the home team, a little later with Michal Cajkovsky in the box ,Tyler Toffoli started his assault on the Bulls this weekend, with a shorthanded goal, and his league leading 31st. At that point the 67's had scored on both shots they had had in the game. At 13:30 the Bulls got burned on a real bad call, we all thought that Daniil Zharkov had scored to make it 2-1, but instead Adam Payrel gets called for interference on the Goaltender, that replays show was not the right call, as he was pushed in. Any momentum the Bulls thought they had from an earlier scrap between Dylan Corson (5'10" 185lbs) & the much bigger Sean Callaghan (6'3" 200lbs), was gone as the game stayed 2-0 Ottawa. Until19:05 when Dalton Smith scored from Cody Ceci & Marc Zanetti. Not even a minute later at 19:50 Prince bagged his second of the game 18th on the year after a great effort from Toffoli to get the puck. The 1st period ends with the Bulls trailing 4-0. The Bulls killed them selves on turnovers, the goals read 1-Turnover, 2-Shorty, 3-Turnover 4-Take away/turnover. scoring chances favored Ottawa 11-3, The Bulls had 15+ turnovers by this point. Not the start they had hoped for.
Not a lot going on in the 2nd till Tyler Graovac took a interference penalty that lead to Austen Brassard netting his 20th at 17:09 on the PP, from Brendan Gaunce and the newest Bull Cramarossa. Period ends with the 67's leading 4-1. Brassard's goal extended his point streak to 9 games.
Three minutes in to the third Bulls rookie Alex Carevale fired home his 2nd of the year from Jason Shaw & Adam Bignell to give the Bulls some life and cut Ottawa's lead to 4-2, but after that it was all 67's all the time, Dalton Smith scored 2 more goals both from Toffoli & Sean Monahan, Ottawa rounded out their scoring when Ceci scored at 15:02 on the PP , again with Toffoli & Monahan drawing assists. Bulls were out shot 45-26 and out scored 7-2. The 7 goals are the most the Bulls have gave up this season. The PP - 1/3 PK-1/2. Ottawa was really rolling and gave the 5640 their moneys worth. How good were they? Monahan had 4pts and was plus 5 and wasn't one of the games 3 stars , those honours went to 1st-Smith 3G +3 his first goal was the GW, 2nd-Toffoli 1G 4A +5, 3rd- Shane Prince 2G +2
Saturday January 7, 2012 Belleville Bulls Vs Ottawa 67's
After taking a Capitol City sized 7-2 beat down in Ottawa the night before, The Belleville Bulls return home to the Yardman arena ready to use all of 200' x 100' ice surface , to welcome back GM/Coach George Burnett fresh off a Bronze Medal performance with Team Canada (Assistant Coach) at the World Jr's. Also back from a Bronze Medal win with Team Ontario at the U17 World Championships is rookie defence men Jordan Subban, Assistant GM Barclay Branch, who served as Director of Operations for Team Ontario & Equipment Manager Matt Sands. In net the 67's would allow Mrazek an other days rest, and stick with Michael Nishi. The Bulls without number 1 Maloclm Subban for what looks like a few more weeks, & with John Chartrand also not 100% , the Bulls went with rookie prospect Charlie Graham. Graham had only played 40 minutes with the Bulls so far this season, he has been plying his trade for Belleville's OJHL affiliate the Wellington Dukes, going 9-4 with one OTL, a 2.25GAA .923SV% with 1SO. Also joining Subban , Mack Lemmon, and Carter Sandlak, on the injured list was Dylon Corson and Adam Bignell both injured Friday night. So the Bulls go with 10 F and 7 D.
Out of the gate you could tell that Burnett was back, as we seen a few new line combos, he even had Daniil Zharkov & Garrett Hooey playing their off wings. The Bulls look like they responded , going to the net with the most urgency of the week. When Charlie Graham was tested he was good & hung on to keep it tied 0-0 at the end of the period. It was the best hockey played at the YardBarn in weeks.
With the Bulls favored in shots 12-6. after one period, the 2nd period could not have started better for the Bulls as Austen Brassard extended his point streak to 10 games (8G 5A) with his team leading 21st goal on the PP at 0:53 from Brendan Gaunce & Zharkov. As the 2nd period went along the Toro's went back to the PP but this time at 9:44 SH it was guess who ? Tyler Toffoli (32) from Sean Monahan. Wasn't long after that, with Joesph Cramarossa in the sin bin for interference, Marc Zanetti scored his 3rd from Toffoli & Monahan. But the Bulls answered the bell, Cowbell if you will, when Michael Curtis scored his 9th at 18:52 from Gaunce & Brady Austin to tie the game at 2. This was good news because up to this point Belleville had been a perfect 8-0 when Curtis lights the lamp. But like it has been all weekend the 67's top line scored at 6:57 of the 3rd, Monahan from Toffoli, and Dalton Smith to seal the deal for the visitors 3-2. Sending the 2653 home thinking, that was better, but still not good enough ?? The Bulls out shot Ottawa 35-18, Special teams=PP 1/3 PK 5/6. Charlie Graham looked pretty good in his Bulls debut stopping 15 of the 18 shots he faced, with most of the shots being of the high quality variety. But on a weekend when Tyler Toffoli was poised to make Burnett and Team Canada maybe Question his exclusion, from the team, Toffoli had 8 points in the two games Vs the Bulls, with him and line mates scoring a combined 19pts Vs Belleville. The Bulls played their best game of the losing streak, now at 5, but it just came up a little short.
As Tuesday trade deadline approaches , with depth needs up front, also in need of PP help, maybe a solid d man , and now if John Chatrand is not 100%, is a goaltender needed ? Charlie Graham can only play ten games till he has to be returned to Wellington or signed, and my guess is they want him to play & develop with the Dukes, but the Bulls could just put their collective noses to the grind stone , stay pat and get ready for the Troops in Brampton on Thursday.
Coming in to the weekend the Belleville Bulls were desperate to turn things around as they have been loser's of 3 in a row. It wasn't going to be easy with a home and home with the East division leading Ottawa 67's. When the Bulls play Ottawa you can't help but think of The 1999 Memorial Cup and Luke Sellars elbow on Justin Papineau or "The" Lance Galbraith , Cory Looke & his back to back MVP seasons. Some of my favorites Matt Foy, Joe & Julian Talbot, Seamus Koty & the always ornery Elgin Reid, maybe its the fact that we traded Darren Pang there & now we get to watch Tyler Toffoli. In my opinion the Bulls rivalry with the 67's is their best.
Friday January 6 2012 Belleville Bulls @ Ottawa 67's.
On a Friday night in The Nation's Capital the Belleville Bulls would lean on John Chartrand for the 5th straight game, 4 of them loses, not all the loses are on John he's played really good in some of those games, it was also the 1st game for Joesph Cramarossa in a Bulls Jersey since coming over from St.Mikes earlier in the week for two 2nd Rd picks. The Bulls wouldn't have to face World Jr standout Petr Mrazek, as he was still unavailable, Michael Nishi got the start, Nishi has been good for the 67's sporting a 2.80GAA & a .940SV%.
Shane Prince (17) at 6:29 opened the scoring for the home team, a little later with Michal Cajkovsky in the box ,Tyler Toffoli started his assault on the Bulls this weekend, with a shorthanded goal, and his league leading 31st. At that point the 67's had scored on both shots they had had in the game. At 13:30 the Bulls got burned on a real bad call, we all thought that Daniil Zharkov had scored to make it 2-1, but instead Adam Payrel gets called for interference on the Goaltender, that replays show was not the right call, as he was pushed in. Any momentum the Bulls thought they had from an earlier scrap between Dylan Corson (5'10" 185lbs) & the much bigger Sean Callaghan (6'3" 200lbs), was gone as the game stayed 2-0 Ottawa. Until19:05 when Dalton Smith scored from Cody Ceci & Marc Zanetti. Not even a minute later at 19:50 Prince bagged his second of the game 18th on the year after a great effort from Toffoli to get the puck. The 1st period ends with the Bulls trailing 4-0. The Bulls killed them selves on turnovers, the goals read 1-Turnover, 2-Shorty, 3-Turnover 4-Take away/turnover. scoring chances favored Ottawa 11-3, The Bulls had 15+ turnovers by this point. Not the start they had hoped for.
Not a lot going on in the 2nd till Tyler Graovac took a interference penalty that lead to Austen Brassard netting his 20th at 17:09 on the PP, from Brendan Gaunce and the newest Bull Cramarossa. Period ends with the 67's leading 4-1. Brassard's goal extended his point streak to 9 games.
Three minutes in to the third Bulls rookie Alex Carevale fired home his 2nd of the year from Jason Shaw & Adam Bignell to give the Bulls some life and cut Ottawa's lead to 4-2, but after that it was all 67's all the time, Dalton Smith scored 2 more goals both from Toffoli & Sean Monahan, Ottawa rounded out their scoring when Ceci scored at 15:02 on the PP , again with Toffoli & Monahan drawing assists. Bulls were out shot 45-26 and out scored 7-2. The 7 goals are the most the Bulls have gave up this season. The PP - 1/3 PK-1/2. Ottawa was really rolling and gave the 5640 their moneys worth. How good were they? Monahan had 4pts and was plus 5 and wasn't one of the games 3 stars , those honours went to 1st-Smith 3G +3 his first goal was the GW, 2nd-Toffoli 1G 4A +5, 3rd- Shane Prince 2G +2
Saturday January 7, 2012 Belleville Bulls Vs Ottawa 67's
After taking a Capitol City sized 7-2 beat down in Ottawa the night before, The Belleville Bulls return home to the Yardman arena ready to use all of 200' x 100' ice surface , to welcome back GM/Coach George Burnett fresh off a Bronze Medal performance with Team Canada (Assistant Coach) at the World Jr's. Also back from a Bronze Medal win with Team Ontario at the U17 World Championships is rookie defence men Jordan Subban, Assistant GM Barclay Branch, who served as Director of Operations for Team Ontario & Equipment Manager Matt Sands. In net the 67's would allow Mrazek an other days rest, and stick with Michael Nishi. The Bulls without number 1 Maloclm Subban for what looks like a few more weeks, & with John Chartrand also not 100% , the Bulls went with rookie prospect Charlie Graham. Graham had only played 40 minutes with the Bulls so far this season, he has been plying his trade for Belleville's OJHL affiliate the Wellington Dukes, going 9-4 with one OTL, a 2.25GAA .923SV% with 1SO. Also joining Subban , Mack Lemmon, and Carter Sandlak, on the injured list was Dylon Corson and Adam Bignell both injured Friday night. So the Bulls go with 10 F and 7 D.
Out of the gate you could tell that Burnett was back, as we seen a few new line combos, he even had Daniil Zharkov & Garrett Hooey playing their off wings. The Bulls look like they responded , going to the net with the most urgency of the week. When Charlie Graham was tested he was good & hung on to keep it tied 0-0 at the end of the period. It was the best hockey played at the YardBarn in weeks.
With the Bulls favored in shots 12-6. after one period, the 2nd period could not have started better for the Bulls as Austen Brassard extended his point streak to 10 games (8G 5A) with his team leading 21st goal on the PP at 0:53 from Brendan Gaunce & Zharkov. As the 2nd period went along the Toro's went back to the PP but this time at 9:44 SH it was guess who ? Tyler Toffoli (32) from Sean Monahan. Wasn't long after that, with Joesph Cramarossa in the sin bin for interference, Marc Zanetti scored his 3rd from Toffoli & Monahan. But the Bulls answered the bell, Cowbell if you will, when Michael Curtis scored his 9th at 18:52 from Gaunce & Brady Austin to tie the game at 2. This was good news because up to this point Belleville had been a perfect 8-0 when Curtis lights the lamp. But like it has been all weekend the 67's top line scored at 6:57 of the 3rd, Monahan from Toffoli, and Dalton Smith to seal the deal for the visitors 3-2. Sending the 2653 home thinking, that was better, but still not good enough ?? The Bulls out shot Ottawa 35-18, Special teams=PP 1/3 PK 5/6. Charlie Graham looked pretty good in his Bulls debut stopping 15 of the 18 shots he faced, with most of the shots being of the high quality variety. But on a weekend when Tyler Toffoli was poised to make Burnett and Team Canada maybe Question his exclusion, from the team, Toffoli had 8 points in the two games Vs the Bulls, with him and line mates scoring a combined 19pts Vs Belleville. The Bulls played their best game of the losing streak, now at 5, but it just came up a little short.
As Tuesday trade deadline approaches , with depth needs up front, also in need of PP help, maybe a solid d man , and now if John Chatrand is not 100%, is a goaltender needed ? Charlie Graham can only play ten games till he has to be returned to Wellington or signed, and my guess is they want him to play & develop with the Dukes, but the Bulls could just put their collective noses to the grind stone , stay pat and get ready for the Troops in Brampton on Thursday.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
January 4 2011 - Belleville Bulls Vs Oshawa Generals Game Report
January 4 2011 - Belleville Bulls Vs Oshawa Generals Game Report
The Bulls came in to this game on a mini 2 game losing skid, with an OT lose to Sudbury, & a New Years Day defeat to Brampton. The Bulls were looking to get back to the things that made them successful in the first half. Captain Luke Judson said "as a team, we've got to tighten-up defensively & get back into a home ice situation for the playoffs". That would prove to be no easy task with the Generals in town riding a three game winning streak.
Starting his Fourth game in a row with starter Malcolm Subban still nursing a pulled groin. John Chartrand came in to the game sporting 3.47 GAA & a .898 SV%. John has had some early season victories against the Generals. At the other end of the rink former Bulls draft pick Daniel Altshuller with 3.39 GAA & .903 SV% was looking to show the Yardman faithful what they will be missing in what should be a solid OHL career, with Belleville Native Kevin Bailie in the back up role for the Gens.
Both teams looked a little tentative in the first period, both kinda sitting back in a defensive mode waiting for the other to make the first move. Oshawa took three straight penalties in the first and to no ones surprise the Bulls hapless PP made little happen. On a 5 on 3 for a minute plus the Bulls did lots of passing up top but nothing down low and finished the period 0/3 on the PP. At 15:29 Steve Silas took the Bulls first trip to the sin bin for interference, that the 2nd ranked PK (86.1) in the league killed off. Right after Belleville killed the Silas penalty Bulls D-Man Adam Bignell (5'11" 175lbs) tangled with the bigger Scott Sabourin (6'03" 181lbs) in a spirited bout that got the 2549 in attendence on their feet.
Austen Brassard with his 19th from Adam Payrel & Brody Austin on the PP at 3:06 of the second put the Bulls up by 1. Brassard's goal extends his point streak to 8 games. But the lead didn't last long with the Generals answering back just 66 seconds later at 4:12 on the PP with Bignell in the box ,Lucas Lessio with his first of the game to tie things up. Each team took an other penalty in the 2nd and both did a nice job on there respective PK.
In the third the Bulls looked rough only generating 6 shots, being out shot 13-6 and 33-25 for the game. In the third Lessio scored his 2nd of the night and assisted on Sebastian Uvira goal to end the night with 3 points. Oshawa's Daniel Maggio rounded out the scoring with an empty netter to seal a 4-1 victory for the Generals, their 4th in a row.
On a night when the Yardman had a good crowd for a mid-week game was pretty loud thanks in part to Intell carrier night the Bulls couldn't get it going. The PP went 1/6 and the PK was 2/3. It doesn't get easier this week as the Bulls have a home and home with the Division leading Ottawa 67's.
The Bulls came in to this game on a mini 2 game losing skid, with an OT lose to Sudbury, & a New Years Day defeat to Brampton. The Bulls were looking to get back to the things that made them successful in the first half. Captain Luke Judson said "as a team, we've got to tighten-up defensively & get back into a home ice situation for the playoffs". That would prove to be no easy task with the Generals in town riding a three game winning streak.
Starting his Fourth game in a row with starter Malcolm Subban still nursing a pulled groin. John Chartrand came in to the game sporting 3.47 GAA & a .898 SV%. John has had some early season victories against the Generals. At the other end of the rink former Bulls draft pick Daniel Altshuller with 3.39 GAA & .903 SV% was looking to show the Yardman faithful what they will be missing in what should be a solid OHL career, with Belleville Native Kevin Bailie in the back up role for the Gens.
Both teams looked a little tentative in the first period, both kinda sitting back in a defensive mode waiting for the other to make the first move. Oshawa took three straight penalties in the first and to no ones surprise the Bulls hapless PP made little happen. On a 5 on 3 for a minute plus the Bulls did lots of passing up top but nothing down low and finished the period 0/3 on the PP. At 15:29 Steve Silas took the Bulls first trip to the sin bin for interference, that the 2nd ranked PK (86.1) in the league killed off. Right after Belleville killed the Silas penalty Bulls D-Man Adam Bignell (5'11" 175lbs) tangled with the bigger Scott Sabourin (6'03" 181lbs) in a spirited bout that got the 2549 in attendence on their feet.
Austen Brassard with his 19th from Adam Payrel & Brody Austin on the PP at 3:06 of the second put the Bulls up by 1. Brassard's goal extends his point streak to 8 games. But the lead didn't last long with the Generals answering back just 66 seconds later at 4:12 on the PP with Bignell in the box ,Lucas Lessio with his first of the game to tie things up. Each team took an other penalty in the 2nd and both did a nice job on there respective PK.
In the third the Bulls looked rough only generating 6 shots, being out shot 13-6 and 33-25 for the game. In the third Lessio scored his 2nd of the night and assisted on Sebastian Uvira goal to end the night with 3 points. Oshawa's Daniel Maggio rounded out the scoring with an empty netter to seal a 4-1 victory for the Generals, their 4th in a row.
On a night when the Yardman had a good crowd for a mid-week game was pretty loud thanks in part to Intell carrier night the Bulls couldn't get it going. The PP went 1/6 and the PK was 2/3. It doesn't get easier this week as the Bulls have a home and home with the Division leading Ottawa 67's.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Bulls Goaltending,Northern Road Trip,NYD Home Game
The Belleville Bulls come out of the Christmas break, with the Yardman faithful thinking, about the 2nd half. In a season with some Questions. GM/Coach George Burnett & his staff have done a good job (Minus the PP) of steering this group of kids in the right direction. And it starts in net with Malcolm Subban & John Chartrand. Both goalies are in their draft years.
One of Burnett's trademarks since coming to Belleville has been great goal tending. Year after year its been, Tobia, Lalande, Murphy and now Subban. After last year , and ex specially after his playoff performance Vs St.Mikes, It was to no ones surprise that coming in to this season Subban was going to challenge real hard for the #1 job. After Belleville native and former 1st round pick Tyson Teichmann was traded to Erie, it was clear that the #1 job was Malcolm's. Once the Bulls knew that Daniel Altshuller, wouldn't be coming to camp. It was expected that the number one job belonged to Malcolm.
Subban has been nothing short of Outstanding. Twice this year he has been named CHL goalie of the week. His number's speak for them selves . A 1.93 GAA and .938SV% both tops in the OHL, To go along with a 13-6 record. He missed some time early in the season with an ankle injury & rejoins the long list of Bulls to visit the injury list this season with a pulled groin .
An other trade mark of Burnett's tenure has been more then capable back up goal tenders, Names like Dahm, Pasquale, Van Buskirk, Grubauer and now enter John Chartrand.
Chartrand was brought in from Barrie, & what a steal. When called upon John has been really good. Early in the season when Subban was injured Chartrand showed that he can and will be prepared, & game ready when he gets the nod. John's numbers - GAA of 3.49 & a .898 SV% both are career bests to go along with 8 wins. Of the wins & in some of his loses, John has been outstanding. Being named one of the 3 stars on a number of occasions. The hope is he can hold the fort again.
On Thursday after Subban was hurt in the morning skate, in what assistant coach Jake Grimes called "very flukey and very unfortunate injury" saying that "its wasn't an accident, a fall, or a collision, he just pulled it." The Bulls called on John Chartrand. Good or bad the game Vs. The Greyhounds was all John's, no back up was available till the next night.
The Bulls had not won in the Soo since 2006, and were able to pull out a 6-5 victory with just 18 players dressed including Chartrand, who made 31 saves. As always the PK was outstanding going 5/5, the PP even added an odd goal going 1/3. Both Curtis and Payrel lead the way with 3 points (1G 2A each).Payrel's goal at 19:04 of the 3rd was the game winner. Austen Brassard had 2 goals. Zharkov and Gaunce rounded out the scoring with singles. Silas(3), Gronvald (2), Judson, and Branden Morris in his return to the line up after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in training camp all had helpers. The win was just the Bulls 5th ever in The Soo.
After a long bus ride due to bad road conditions, the Bulls arrived in Subury at 3 AM & it showed early, The Wolves scored at 5:05. Thanks to the play of Chartrand it was only 1-0 after 20 minutes. Again this time just 0:27 seconds in to the middle frame Sudbury scored. The Bulls were looking sluggish and out of sync, the wolves were like a pack attacking. The Bulls needed a goal and got one from the Skipper, Luke Judson with his 11th to make it 2-1 after 40 minutes, Thanks again to the work of Chartrand. To start the 3rd the Bulls got a quick goal from Brassard on a beauty pass from Payrel, but on a bad turn over the Wolves scored again to take the lead 3-2. Just under a minute later Belleville native Jason Shaw tied the game for the Bulls with his first career goal, scored with a shot that we rarely see. The Bulls lose in OT on a goal by Sudbury at 4:27. But thanks to John Chartrand's 43 saves the Bulls leave the North with 3 of four points.
Its been a few years since Belleville has had a home New Years Day game. On this new years day it was the red hot Brampton Battalion in town. The Toros and the Troops are very similar teams, both teams don't give up much and both teams don't score much. The game had a quick pace & was over in just 2:03. On the first goal of the game the Bulls looked very tired and were giving up the puck. Brampton scored on a rebound off a point shot with all 5 Bulls standing still. Belleville answered with a PP goal from Grodvald, their first on a 5-3 this year. After an other 5 on 3 that the Bulls had for 2 minutes where there were no goals but also no shots to be had, the Battalion next goal was scored at 17:12, but at 19:21 the home team answered with Brassard netting his 18 to keep alive his 7 game point streak and tie the game 2-2. Payrel and Curtis assisted on the goal and also have 5 and 4 game point streaks currently. the 2442 in attendance got to see the PP score and the PK go 5/5 in the third it was all Brampton and they scored 2 goals in the third to coast to a 4-2 Victory.
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