OHL Eastern Conference Playoffs - (7) Belleville Bulls Vs (2) Ottawa 67's Game 4 Review

The 2363 fans who did their part to #packtheyard, were rewarded with a thrilling over time victory by the home town Belleville Bulls.  Belleville defeated the Ottawa 67's 4-3 in OT and tied the series at two games each.

Before the game there was a real buzz going around the Yardman, the fans,  the media,  Bulls staff and players, every one was fired up for game 4.  After winning Game three in OT on Sunday afternoon, and with momentum now on Belleville's side,  this was Belleville's game to lose.

Bulls Charlie Graham, Alex Carnevale, and Mack Lemmon were all victims of the numbers.  After leaving Sunday's game on his own with an upper body injury Dylan Corson also didn't dress.

67's scratches would be Shayne Campbell, Daniel Broussard, John McFarland, and Daniel Walsh.  Earlier in the day the 67's learned they would be without Captain Marc Zanetti for the next three games.  Zanetti was suspended 5 games for a spearing incident that happened during the pre-game warm-up in game two.

Belleville got off to a great start and scored at 0:52 of the 1st.  Bulls playoff goals leader Micheal Curtis scored his 3rd, when he finished a real nice passing play from Game 3 hero Jordan Mayer and Captain Luke Judson.  Its nice to see Curtis get rewarded,  after netting 19 goals in his rookie year followed by totals of 9 in 2010-11 and 13 this season, the offence hasn't came easy for Curtis , but he has turned in to a great defensive player that the Bulls have been known for under Burnett.  Belleville would keep the pressure strong in the games first few minutes.  At 3:11 Ottawa's Taylor Fielding took a 4 minute double minor for high sticking that lead to top NHL prospect Brendan Gaunce 1st post season goal from Judson and Daniil Zharkov.  The goal would break a slump of 0/14 on the PP in the postseason.  Belleville was clearly the better team in the 1st carrying the play and out shooting the 67's 14-6

The second period was scoreless with both teams firing 14 shots on net.  This was one of the most exciting scoreless periods I've seen this season.  Both goalies played very well,  both teams were skating well, some nice hard hits.  Everyone in Black was blocking shots.   Mayer blocked two in a row on one shift and Brady Austin had a great period and was up and down the ice leading the way for the Bulls.

The third period started good when Austen Brassard scored his 1st of the post season from Joesph Cramarossa and Garrett Hooey at  8:30 to give the Bulls a 3-0 lead.  But then everything changed Belleville started sending one guy,  maybe two and not skating the way they were in the 1st and 2nd.  We all know what happens when you stop skating , you take penalties.  So with Carter Sandlak in box 67's Tyler Toffoli scored his 3rd of the playoffs on the PP from Michal Cajkovsky and Mike Cazzola.  All of a sudden the Belleville Bulls are back on there heels and before you can say "Bay of Quinte" Ryan Van Stralen made it 3-2 on his 1st from Shane Prince.  Ottawa had taken the momentum back and was looking for the tying goal and at 18:22 Jake Cardwell  tied it 3-3.  in the third Ottawa out shot Belleville 16-11.

In OT both teams had 5 shots and it looked like they wanted to end it.  With everyone in the building on their feet, holding their breath and ringing their cowbells Brady Austin skated with the puck from inside his own blue line after a pass from Jake Worrad and ripped the winner home at 7:46.

This game was the third of the first four to go to OT.  Good goal tending has been the norm.

Petr Mrazek was good, just like he has been in every game and stopped 40 of the 44 shots he faced.  In the second and when the visitors where picking up steam in third, he was at his All World Best.

Malcolm Subban was also at his All World Best making 38 saves on 41 shots and was named the games 2nd Star.

3Stars -  1- Bulls Brady Austin   2- Bulls Malcolm Subban   3- Bulls Luke Judson.

This was a great game with lots of back in forth action. It didn't have the same edgy feel that Game 3 had , it had more of an lets get this win,  feel from both teams.  saying that there was plenty of hits, after whistle stuff, and Worrad and Giftopoulos dropped the mitts in the 3rd.  Ottawa took the games first 8 minor penalties and finished 6/7 on the PK.  Belleville went 2/3 on PK.  Game 5 goes Friday night in Ottawa.

OHL Eastern Conference Playoffs - (7) Belleville Bulls Vs (2) Ottawa 67's Game 3 Review

OHL Eastern Conference Playoffs - (7) Belleville Bulls Vs (2) Ottawa 67's Game 3 Review

In the playoffs when teams are down like the Belleville Bulls were to the Ottawa 67's two games to none,  they look forward to coming home and turning it around,  Belleville did just that winning 4-3 in OT on Sunday afternoon.   The win cuts Ottawa's series lead to 2-1.

Game 3 in the most important game in a 7 game series.  If the series is tied , it gives the winner a lead in the series,  if the team that wins game 3 is already up 2 games like the Ottawa 67's were coming in.  it gives that team a stranglehold on the series, and on the other side if your a team down 2 games like the Belleville Bulls were, you have to win game 3 to have any chance to claw your way back in to it. 

In Belleville they don't have $1 hot dogs (they should), they have $2 cowbells and they know how to use them.  The Yardman doesn't get lots of credit for being a loud building every night, mainly because its not. But when motivated it can be and today the 2509 in attendance were super motivated.  There was a strong group of Ottawa fans at the Yardman and you could hear them.  To be honest they brought the best out of the Yardman faithful and the atmosphere was the best its been in Belleville in a long time.

The 1st period was scoreless with Belleville out shooting the 67's 13-8.  It didn't take long for the tone of the game to be set, at 0:54 Micheal Curtis and Mike Cazzola each headed to the sin bin for slashing.  After every whistle sticks got high, and someone took a face wash.  It's easy to see that a strong dislike for each other is building in this series.

Belleville's version of the "Russian Rocket" Daniil Zharkov scored his 1st of the post season to open the scoring at 1:00 mark of the 2nd. The lead was Belleville's first in the series.  The crowd was already fired up from some great music selections from the Bulls DJ, and the Zharkov goal really got them going.  Unfortunately the Ottawa 67's also like Gun and Roses and scored the next three goals.   Tyler Graovac at 5:09 tied the game.  Next it was Brett Gustavsen scoring his 2nd of the series from Nicholas Foglia and Cody Ceci at 5:50.  Sean Monahan scored his 3rd a shorthanded beauty from Tyler Toffli and Bratislava Slovakia native Michal Cajkovsky putting the 67's up 3-1 after 40 minutes.  The visitors had the edge in shots 14-11 in the 2nd.

The 3rd started kinda flat for the Bulls and Ottawa was looking like they were ready to cruse to a 3 games to none series lead, when at 4:43 with Joseph Cramarossa in the sin bin Belleville's Micheal Curtis scored his 2nd of the series on a shorthanded break a way, after breaking up a play at his own blue line.   The goal brought the building and the Bulls bench back to life, all of a sudden it was the Bulls bringing the play to the 67's.  At 5:41 Jake Worrad tied the game on a long shot that Petr Mrazek got a piece of and the puck literally trickled across the goal line.  Carter Sandlak wearing a full cage and Jason Shaw picked up helpers on the goal.  Belleville out shot Ottawa 15-13 in the third.

In overtime the Belleville Bulls ended it real quick when Kingston native Jordan Mayer found the back of the net at 0:14 with his first as a Bull in the post season from Adam Payerl and Shaw.  Belleville had the only shot in OT. and out shot Ottawa in the game 40-35

This game lived up to the hype and was just as good as the first two held in Ottawa.  Both Malcolm Subban and Petr Mrazek played well.  Subban faced 35 shots and made 32 saves in his 1st career OHL playoff victory.  Mrazek made 36 saves on 40 shots.  Mrazek's best work in the game was after the Bulls tied it up 3-3, Belleville was pushing to end it in the 3rd and he shut the door forcing the game to OT.

Both Clubs went 4/4 on the PK.  And in the series so far Ottawa's PP is 1/12, and Belleville's  PP is 0/13. We knew Belleville was a good penalty killing team and bad power play team, but Ottawa's PK has been very strong looking just as dangerous offensively at times as they do 5 on 5. This game had a nasty edge to it and was very entertaining,  Game 4 goes Tuesday in Belleville,  Lets hope we can #packtheyard. 

3 Stars 1- Bulls  Jake Worrad  2- Bulls Michael Curtis  3- 67's Tyler Graovac

OHL Eastern Conference Playoffs - (7) Belleville Bulls Vs (2) Ottawa 67's Game 2 Review.

OHL Eastern Conference Playoffs - (7) Belleville Bulls Vs (2) Ottawa 67's Game 2 Review.

After two strong games in Ottawa to start this series the Belleville Bulls find themselves down two games to none. The Bulls would drop Game 2 Friday night in the Nations Capital 4-2.

Belleville knew before the game that they had got the 67's attention Thursday night in Game 1. The result was a pre-game scrum, in the warm-up that lead to Ottawa's Captain Marc Zanetti taking a Match penalty for spearing before the game even started. The Bulls coaching staff called the penalty a compliment saying that "its means we are getting to them"
The rough stuff didn't end in the warm up. The teams combined for 34 minutes in penalties in the 1st period, and that doesn't included 10 minute misconducts to Belleville's Joesph Cramarossa and Ottawa's Tyler Graovac. The home side took two more minors in the 2nd and the visitors keep their noses clean the rest of the way. Both clubs were perfect on the PK, Belleville went 5/5 and Ottawa was 4/4. Both OTT and BEL had lengthy 5 on 3's.
The this game a real edge to it, at times it felt like you were waiting for something to break out after the whistle. The game was indeed OHL playoff hockey at its first round best. Both teams played with loads of intensity. Things got heated a couple times with Cramarossa and Graovac dropping the gloves as well as Adam Payerl and Dalton Smith.

The Bulls had 2 line up changes, rookie Jordan Subban who had a rough night in Game 1, was scratched in favor of veteran Branden Morris. Bulls also used John Chartrand as the back-up after using Charlie Graham in the first game. Mack Lemmon and Alex Carnevale were victims of the numbers.

Malcom Subban played in his 21st straight game including the regular season, and after a great effort in Game 1, he turned in a strong effort in game two as well. Malcolm faced 32 shots and stopped 29.
The Detroit Red Wings might have got an other later round gem in Petr Mrazek. The 5th round pick in the 2010 NHL Draft was great in Game 2. Mrazek turned away 44 of the 46 shots he faced. Petr was named the games 1st Star and made save after save on the Bulls, showing that he can be his teams best player when need be.

It was Ottawa getting the lead in the 1st, something Belleville is yet to do in the series, when Brett Gustavsen scored after some bad defensive play by the Bulls and a big rebound was kicked out by Subban. The goal came at 2:21 and was assisted by Remy Giftopoulos and Jake Cardwell. Belleville tied the game just under three minutes later at 5:18 when Micheal Curtis deflected home a Cramarossa shot. The goal was reviewed and was upheld. The 67's took a 2-1 lead in to the middle frame thanks to Sean Monahan who netted his first of the series at 9:53 from Graovac and Smith.
Belleville was out shot by Ottawa 13-12 in the 1st.

The second period was scoreless, but not without some good play from both sides. Both clubs killed off a 5-3, Both goalies played well with Belleville out shooting Ottawa 18-8.

The final frame was kinda like the first frame minus the penalties with the 67's scoring twice and the Bulls only able to lite the lamp once. At 4:59 it was Sean Monahan with his 2nd on the night from Tyler Toffoli, giving the home team a 3-1 lead. Belleville would tie it up when Joesph Cramarossa scored his 1st post season goal as a member of the Belleville Bulls. With the goal Cramarossa would complete the Gordie Howe Hat trick. Garrett Hooey and Carter Sandlak picked up apples on the play. If one dollar hot dogs weren't enough to send the crowd of 8598 home happy, Shane Prince did when he hit the empty net at 19:23 from Mike Cazzola and Cody Ceci, sealing the deal for the 67's 4-2. Belleville out shoot Ottawa 16-12 in the period and 46-33 in the game.

3 Stars 1- 67's Petr Mrazek 2- 67's Sean Monahan 3- Bulls Joseph Cramarossa

Belleville returns home on Sunday for a 2:00pm game, down two games in the series. To be successful and get back in this, Belleville needs to get production from their offensive leaders Brendan Gaunce, Austen Brassard and Daniil Zharkov. The Bulls top three regular seasons scoring leaders have combined for 1 point in the 1st two games. If Belleville wants to win those three and the power play that is 0/9 in the series have to get it going.

(7) Belleville Bulls Vs (2) Ottawa 67's OHL Playoffs Game 1 March 22, 2012

(7) Belleville Bulls Vs (2) Ottawa 67's OHL Playoffs Game 1 March 22, 2012

Game 1 of this 1st round Eastern Conference series started out pretty good for the Belleville Bulls,  and ended great for the Ottawa 67's.  Ottawa wins 3-2 in OT, and lead the series 1-0 

These two teams are alot closer then we think, but only when it comes to playing everyone else in the OHL not each other.  In the season series Ottawa owned the Bulls, out scoring Belleville 41-18 and winning 7 games and only losing once and that was in over time.  Ottawa picked up 15 of 16 possible points Vs the Bulls. The 67's and Bulls ended 17 points apart with 88 and 71 point total's respectfully, but if you eliminate the games against each other there point totals are alot closer. The 67's would have 73 and the Bulls would sit at 69.  So if Belleville plays like they can and Ottawa plays Belleville like they play every one else ? We might not only have a game, but we will also have a series.

The home team went with the pride of Ostrava, Czechoslovakia Petr Mrazek.  As advertised Mrazek was good and played well in the victory.  His most work came in the 1st when he faced 19 shots.  He allowed 1 goal in the 1st, but he held the 67's in the game.  After a little bit of a shaky start Belleville played a very good first frame.  They had a great best chance on a very good PP where they did everything but score.  Petr wasn't to busy the rest of the way only facing 11 shots combined in the 2nd and 3rd.  He faced 30 shots in total and none in OT.

Like they do and who could blame them, the Belleville Bulls would start Malcolm Subban and he didn't disappoint, he showed that he is the Number 1 ranked goalie in North America.  Malcolm faced 43 shots and stopped 40, he had his most work in the 2nd period facing 26 shots including stopping Taylor Fielding on a penalty shot.  With that stop Subban remains perfect on penalty shots and shootouts this season.  Subban showed he's ready to play and it wont be easy for the 67's.  Malcolm had a very strong effort, I expect him to be just as good on Friday.

Ottawa got on the score sheet first when the OHL regular season goal leader Tyler Toffoli scored his 1st of the playoffs on the PP with Garrett Hooey in the box for tripping from Shane Prince and Marc Zanetti at 16:44 of the 1st.  Before the period ended Belleville Bulls Captain Luke Judson tipped home a Jason Shaw point shot to score his 1st at 19:14 to tie the game 1-1.  Belleville out shot Ottawa 19-8.

In the middle frame it was Ottawa that broke the Tie at 9:11 when Steven Janes lite the lamp for the 1st time this post season from Zanetti and Prince.  Belleville tied it up 2-2 at 16:08 when Pittsburgh Penguins Prospect Adam Payerl slipped one past the goal line with Top NHL Prospect Brendan Gaunce drawing the lone helper.

The 3rd period was scoreless. 

In over time Ottawa didn't want Belleville to get set up in their trap and grind things out.  They wanted to end it early.  It took 2:02 and future  Los Angeles King Tyler Toffoli scored his 2nd of the night on a break a way from Michal Cajkovsky and Janes to send most of the 4284 in attendance home happy.  Bulls were 0/5 on the PP, and Ottawa was 1/3.

3 Stars 1- 67's Marc Zanetti  2- Bulls Malcolm Subban  3- 67's Tyler Toffoli

This was a good game, and at times both teams looked great, with Belleville owning the 1st and Ottawa owning the 2nd.  If  not for the Play of Mrazek in the 1st and Subban in the 2nd this is a way different game. Toffoli showed why he was recognized in the Coaches Poll.  It wont take long to find out what club benefits from the quick turn around as game 2 goes Friday night in Ottawa. 

The Team most likely to Upset

The team most likely to upset the higher seed in the first round is the Eastern Conference 6th seed Mississauga St. Michaels Majors over the 3rd seed Barrie Colts.

Barrie is a good young team on the rise who finished last in the league last year and really turned things around. But I think the experience that some of the Majors picked up in last years playoff run is the factor that will push them to the upset. Majors goalie Brandon Maxwell played very well down the stretch winning his last 5 games posting three shutouts and is playing as well as any tender in the OHL is right now.
I like the way Coach James Boyd has brought his team together
Riley Brace, Stuart Percy and Jamie Wise lead the charge and all will play a big part in the Majors moving on.

Belleville Bulls (7th) Vs Ottawa 67's (2nd)

The 7th place Belleville Bulls will play the Eastern Conference 2nd seed and East Division winner the Ottawa 67's in the 1st round of the 2012 OHL Playoffs.  Ottawa won the season series 7-1.  At times the 67's handed it to the Bulls.  In February Ottawa defeated Belleville 9-0, that was good for the 2nd worst lose in Bulls history. 

The last couple seasons Vs the 67's have not been kind to the Belleville Bulls.  They haven't won in the Nation's Capital since November 2008.  Something they will get an early chance to change as the 1st two games will be played in Ottawa on Thursday and Friday. 

Belleville and Ottawa have met 7 others times in playoff history with the Bulls holding the edge, 4-3.  Last time they met in the post season was 2006-2007 with Belleville ousting Ottawa in 5 games in the 1st round.

 

 

Goal tending : Very few series are won without good goal tending, This series should be no different. Both teams have very capable net minders that have the tools to lead their team to the next round.  Ottawa will go with World Jr's stand out and Detroit Redwings Prospect  Petr Mrazek. He played in 50 games this season,  winning 30 while posting a 2.84GAA and a .917SV%

Belleville will go with Top NHL Prospect Malcolm Subban.  Malcolm was slow to recover from a mid-season groin injury, but looks to be coming around and ready to carry the Bulls.  Subban finished the year strong and was an amazing 16-2 when he faced 30 shots or more this season.  His 2.50GAA and .923SV% are both top ten numbers in the OHL.   Belleville will go as far as Subban can carry them.

Advantage- Bulls

 

Home Ice:  Home ice will be huge in this series,  If Belleville wants to win, they have to win at least one game in Ottawa, something they don't do.  With the 1st two games in Ottawa the Bulls have to at least take one and come home with the split. You don't want to be down 2-0 early.  Ottawa was 20-11-2-1 at home this season,  Belleville was 14-19-1-0 on the road. 

At the Yardman the Bulls have a 21-13-0-0 record.  The 67's are a very good road team at 20-9-3-2 on the season.  The big ice doesn't hurts the 67's and the standard ice doesn't hurt the Bulls. Fans in Ottawa come out strong in support of their 67's, anything less then 7000+ a game will be a surprise.  The Belleville Bulls had a hard time drawing over 3000 fans a game this season, but should top that in their home games.  When motivated the Yardman faithful and their cowbells can be loud.

Advantage - 67's

 

Forwards:  Belleville's group has started to come together.  The Bulls have a Top NHL Prospect in Brendan Gaunce who is a point per game player.  You could also argue that Gaunce is the best two way player available in this years NHL cattle call.  Austen Brassard will be counted on along with import Daniil Zharkov and OA's Adam Payerl and Jordan Mayer to provide the bulk of the Bulls scoring. Captain Luke Judson, Joesph Cramarossa and Micheal Curtis all will chip in.  Belleville has a good tight defensive group of forwards, who can and have all played together at some point this season. 

Ottawa is loaded up front. The OHL's  Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy winner Tyler Toffoli and his league leading 52 goals and 100 points lead the way.  Toffoli,  Shane Prince and Sean Monahan's numbers are all double digits higher then the Bulls leading scorer. 

Every year the 67's have player that saves his best for Belleville.  This year its Dalton Smith.

Smith has 15 goals this season, 5 have come Vs Belleville..

Advantage - 67's 

 

Defense:  Ottawa has veteran's Cody Ceci, Marc Zanetti and Jake Cardwell for a very nice top three, who combined for 32 goals this season.  Pims leader Michal Cajkovsky is  +21.  Every regular d-man in the 67's line up is a plus player.  Belleville's group is not as high powered as the Ottawa group.  But every member of the Bulls blue line brings something different.  Jason Shaw and Brady Austin have been playing some of their best hockey of late.  Stephen Silas had a career best 6 goals.  Rookie Jordan Subban will make some mistakes, but at 16 the long term reward will be worth letting him play good minutes.  If the Bulls keep it simple and play together they will be fine.

Advantage - Draw

 

Special Teams:  Bulls have a slight edge on the PK, at 83.2 to Ottawa's 81.0.  On the PP its all about the 67's.  The Bulls have the least ranked PP in the OHL and some nights it looks every bit the part.

Advantage - 67's

 

To end the season the Ottawa 67's where on a little bit of a slide losing their last two and going 4-5-1 in their last ten.  Belleville on the other hand was heating up at the right time going 6-4-0 in their last ten and enter the playoffs on a three game winning streak, their 1st since early Dec. I like the Bulls chances in this series if they can steal a early win in Ottawa, if Malcolm Subban does his thing and allows his team to settle in to their game, Belleville  will drag this out.  A longer series favors Belleville.  The Ottawa 67's are capable of ending this real quick, a few times this season Ottawa has laid some huge beatings on the Bulls out scoring them 41-18  and if they start rolling and lighting the lamp, it will be over before it starts.

Belleville Bulls Weekend Review March 16-17 2012

Belleville Bulls @ Kingston Frontenacs, Friday March 16, 2012

The Belleville Bulls have picked the right time to turn the ship around. After Wednesday nights 3-2 OT win over the visiting Oshawa Generals, The Toro's knew what they had to do to avoid a 1st round playoff death match with the Niagara Icedogs. They had to win both of their remaining games and they did. They defeated the Frontenacs 4-3 in a shoot out in Kingston Friday night, followed by a 2-0 home win over the Sudbury Wolves on Saturday evening. With the Victories the Bulls improved their record to 35-32-1-0 with 71 points. The Bulls did everything they could and were rewarded as they finish the season in 7th and will now face the Ottawa 67's in the 1st round.

In Kingston, to no ones surprise the Bulls would start Malcolm Subban. Kingston would answer with their Regular season MVP, OA Russian import Igor Bobkov. earlier in the week Igor was named in the Eastern Conferences coaches poll. With 10 points he tied Frank Corrado of the Sudbury Wolves for 3rd Most Improved Player.

Both goalies played well in the game. Bobkov faced 34 shots in regulation and OT and stopped 31. In the shootout he stopped Brendan Gaunce before allowing the shootout winner to Bulls OA Adam Payerl. The winner had to be reviewed but it stood.

Malcolm Subban was also named in the Coaches Poll, Malcolm tied Belleville native Kevin Bailie of the Oshawa Generals for the 3rd Best Puck handling Goalie honours. Subban made 34 saves on 37 shots. But it was in the shootout Malcolm showed why he also was named Best Shootout Goalie in the Coaches Poll. He stopped all three of the Fronts shooters, leading scorer Darcy Greenaway, former Bull and Fronts Captain Cody Alcock and Super Rookie Ryan Kujawinski. With the 3 stops Subban is now 12/12 in shootouts and the Bulls improved to 5-0 in shootouts.

The Kingston faithful of 2571 had thought they had a victory when Conner Stokes slipped one past Subban in overtime, only to have the goal disallowed.

Kingston got goals from David Mazurek his 7th and two from Billy Jenkins his 9th and 10th. Ryan Kujawinski had two assists and now has 6 points in four games Vs Belleville this season. Michael Moffat, Stokes, and Tervor Morbeck added single helpers.

For Belleville it was defence men Brady Austin with his 5th, a real beauty of a goal. A nice rush by the big man, something he has been doing a lot of recently, something we hope he keeps up. Austin also scored his 6th. Bulls import Daniil Zharkov netted his 23 on the PP. The Bulls got helpers from Luke Judson, Jordan Mayer, Micheal Curtis, Stephen Silas and Brendan Gaunce, who was also named in the Coaches Poll as the 3rd Best Play maker.

The Bulls PP went 1/6 and the PK went 5/5. Bulls win 4-3 in a Shootout

3 Stars 1- Kingstons Billy Jenkins 3- Bellevilles Brady Austin 2- Kingstons Ryan Kujawinski

Belleville Bulls Vs Sudbury Wolves Saturday March 17, 2012

Belleville would finish 12-9 in their last 21 games. What does this mean ?

It means the goal the Belleville Bulls set for them selves on Feb 3rd to break their last 21 games down in to three 7 game series and win the 3 series, they would be a playoff team. Two games before it was over the Bulls knew they would be in. But they still didn't know where they would finish. So after a strong game Vs the Wolves that the Bulls won 2-0, The answer was division rival the Ottawa 67's.

Saturday night started in Belleville with the Bulls 3 over age players Jordan Mayer, Adam Payerl and Captain Luke Judson being honoured for their time in the OHL and with the Bulls. Also before the game Captain Luke Judson was awarded the Jake Gilmour awarded. The "Gilly" is voted on by the fans and is awarded to the player who best demonstrates the qualities that Gilmour exhibited as a valued and extremely popular member of the team from 2001-2003. The "Beast from the East" always showed pride in the Bulls jersey, a love of the game, and equal respect for teammates opponents and fans. Luke Judson does all these things.

Judson is only the second 3 year Captain in Team History, the other being the Bulls 1st Captain Dunc MacIntyre, who also holds the honour of having his number 15 hang from the rafters the only Bull to have that honour. Its very fitting that Judson won this award for the 3rd straight season.

Sudbury would start Joel Vienneau and he was very good stopping 34 of the 36 shots he faced. But in this goaltender's duel it was Malcolm Subban who stole the show. Subban was great for the Bulls in his 19th start in a row, making 39 saves for his 3rd shut out of the season.

Coming in to the playoffs Malcolm is looking real strong something the Bulls need if they hope to have any success. Subban finishes the season with some good numbers. In 39 games played he has a 2.50GAA and a .923SV% to go along with a 25-14-0-0-0 record.

Both of the Bulls goals were scored in the last ten minutes of the 3rd by Adam Payerl his 21st and 22nd in his last regular season OHL game. Brendan Gaunce, Carter Sandlak and Jason Shaw drew assists. Jason Shaw played what was easily his best game in the OHL.

The PP went 0/2 and the PK went 5/5. Attendance: 2532

3 Stars - 1- Bulls Malcolm Subban 2- Bulls Adam Payerl 3- Wolves Joel Vienneau

Belleville starts the Playoffs Thursday night in Ottawa.

Belleville Bulls Vs Oshawa Generals March 14, 2012

The Belleville Bulls came in to Wednesday nights home game Vs the Oshawa Generals knowing that they were going to the playoffs, thanks to Oshawa.  The Generals defeated the Peterborough Petes 4-3 Tuesday night and eliminated them from play contention and sealing a spot for the Bulls.

To start the night Belleville sat in 8th and was looking at a 1st round match-up with the Niagara Icedogs.  If the Bulls want to avoid that death match, they will have to win all three remaining game.  They got off to a good start with a 3-2 OT victory over the visiting Generals. They gave up the extra point to the Generals,  making 6th spot, a real tough stretch, but 7th is still up for grabs. At this point though the Bulls just need to get on a roll, try and gain some momentum, because 7th or 8th, the Icedogs or the Ottawa 67's,  it wont matter if the Bulls are not playing at their very best.

The Bulls would start Malcolm Subban for the 17th straight game. The Generals would go with Belleville native Kevin Bailie.  Scratches for the Bulls were  Austen Brassard (injured), Jason Shaw (injured), Alex Carnevale (last game of an 8 game suspension), and John Chartrand (numbers)

To start the 1st it looked like the Bulls might be giving the Generals a thank you present, Belleville was out of sync.  The Bulls didn't register there first shot till the 7 minute mark, but they turned it around and had some chances.  At one point they even evened out the shots. The Generals would out shot the Bulls 16-10 in the frame, and lead  1-0 after 20 minutes, on a goal by Christian Thomas at 17:29 his 33rd from Scott Laughton.  At times in the period, the Bulls would play their version of the trap.  I'm not against Burnett's trap I've seen it work, but your already in, go for it, at some point you have to attack.  It felt at times like the Bulls were playing with the lead.   In any system you have to move your feet,  something Belleville doesn't always do when they settle in to their defensive mode.  Malcolm Subban played well in the 1st and was the reason the Bulls were only down by one.

In the 2nd Brendan Gaunce scored his 28th unassisted, short handed at 7:38 to tie the game 1-1.  The shorty was his 4th on the year, the Bulls as a team only have 5  short handed goals total.  The Generals are dangerous and have lots of guns, but on the same PP they retook the lead 2-1 when Geoffrey Schemitsch scored his 2nd on the year and 1st on the PP from Boone Jenner and Julian Melchiori.  The Generals would out shoot the Bulls 12-10

 

Belleville out shot Oshawa 10-9 in the third and tied the game at 5:38 when Brady Austin scored his 4th from Micheal Curtis and Jordan Mayer.  It was nice to see Austin rewarded,  he played a strong game.

In OT it was Jake Worrad who won the game for the Bulls.  Worrad's goal his 5th from Joseph Cramarossa and Gaunce was his 3rd game winner of the year and his 2nd OT goal. 

Belleville's PK was 3/4, and the PP went 0/3.  The Generals outshot the Bulls 40-31.

Attendance: 2503

 

3 Stars : 1- BEL Brendan Gaunce 2- OSH Christian Thomas 3- BEL Brady Austin
 Malcom Subban and Jake Worrad also could have been named stars.

 

Belleville will travel east on Friday to face the Kingston Frontenacs.

Belleville Bulls Weekend Reports March 9 & 10, 2012

 

The Belleville Bulls came in to the weekend only needing one point to clinch a playoff spot.  With a 3-1 loss to the Sudbury Wolves Friday night in the Nickle City and a 3-0 loss in Barrie to the Colts on Saturday night they didn't get it.  With three games remaining the Belleville Bulls have a record of 32-32-1-0 for 65 points.  If the Bulls fail to gain a point in any of their last 3 games and the Peterborough Petes win their last three, The Bulls will be forced to play a one game playoff at home Vs the Petes to determine the 8th seed in the Eastern Conference.

 

The Bulls have made it clear that Top NHL Prospect Malcolm Subban will be their guy for what looks like the rest of the way.  Subban has started 16 straight for the Bulls and took both loses on the weekend road trip giving him a record of 22-14-0 with 2 shut outs, a 2.58GAA and a .919SV% in 36 games played.  The Bulls have gone 8-8 over those 16 games and have been out scored 61-38.  Malcolm played well in both games this weekend and has played very well in some games over his current run.  He has showed why earlier in the season he was named CHL goaltender of the week twice.  But for the Bulls to be successful moving forward it will depend on the play of Malcolm Subban,  its not a big secret that Belleville will need Subban to be at the top of his game if they plan on winning a playoff series.

 

Friday Night Vs the Wolves Belleville fired 30 shots at  Swedish Import Johan Mattsson.  Mattsson is big at 6'04" 192 and played very well.  He was named the games first star and was just under 5 minutes away from his 1st career OHL shut out when Micheal Curtis buried his 13th from Garrett Hooey and Branden Morris at 15:12 of the 3rd.

 

Saturday night Barrie's goalie Alex Fotinos did earn his 1st career shut out in the the OHL.  Stopping 38 shots on his way to 1st star honours.

 

 With OA Adam Payerl already on the shelf with a shoulder injury, Austen Brassard would join him Saturday night as a late scratch after taking part in the pre game warm.   No excuses but with their 2nd and 3rd leading scorers out of the line up, the Bulls who are hard pressed for goals at the best of times, just couldn't beat two goalies having great nights.

 

The Bulls look to get back in the win column on Wednesday at home Vs division rivals the Oshawa Generals.

Belleville Bulls Vs Peterborough Petes Wednesday March 7th 2012

In sports teams turn to their leaders when everything is on the line.  Last night Vs the Peterborough Petes the Belleville Bulls turned to their leader.  And he came through, pushing the hometown Bulls to a 6-5 victory over the visiting Petes.

With the victory the Bulls jump to 6th place in the Eastern Conference playoff race.  The loss keeps the Petes in 9th.  Its really tight and the Bulls can't afford to lose to many.

• 6th - Belleville Bulls 65 Games Remaining - 5
• 7th - Oshawa Generals 64 Games Remaining - 5
• 8th - Mississauga St. Michaels Majors 63 Games Remaining - 6
• 9th - Peterborough Petes 59 Games Remaining - 4

The Bulls would start Malcolm Subban for the 15th straight game.  Malcolm gave up 5 goals for the 2nd straight game,  In this game he was better then he was in the Niagara game, one of the Petes goals was on a PP, an other was on a two on none.  Tonight he wasn't the best we have seen him,  but he made the stops when he had to.  At the other end for Peterborough it was Mike Morrison . Bulls out shot the Petes 40-37

Belleville would give the 2166 fans at the game something to cheer about at 9:49 when Captain Luke Judson scored his 16th from Jordan Mayer and Micheal Curtis to put the Bulls up 1-0.  Andrew Yogan tied it for the Petes at 12:05 with his 34th from Lino Martschini and Stephen Pierog.  Mr Yogan wasn't done there he netted his 35th and 2nd of the night at on a nice individual effort at 16:16 on the PP.  It looked like Belleville might end the 1st down 2-1, but there was Luke Judson to pull his team out of the hole and tie the game.  The Captain scored his 17th from Brady Austen and Mayer at 19:40 and the Bulls and Petes were tied 2-2 after 20 minutes.  Belleville was out shot 12-11 in the frame.

The 2nd would start at 00:34 when Belleville took the lead 3-2 on a Joesph Cramarossa goal, his 14th from Daniil Zharkov and Judson. Just like the 1st Belleville gave up the lead shortly after taking the lead, allowing Nick Ritchie to tie the game with his 15th from Martschini and Jonathan Jasper.  All night long Judson was carrying this team, and he was rewarded for all his hard work when he scored a nice goal from Mayer and Curtis in close at 13:42. The goal was Judson's 3rd of the night and 18 on the year, more importantly it put Judson's club up 4-3.  Peterborough had some guys stepping up as well. And  before the 2nd was over Ritchie scored his 2nd in game from Yogan at 19:18 tying the game 4-4.  Both Yogan and Ritchie had real strong games for the Petes.  Richie's 2nd goal and his16th on the season was his 6th Vs the Bulls this year.  The Petes out shot the Bulls by one , 13-12,

The 3rd was the best period in the game.  As it seen Peterborough jump out to the lead at 3:17 when Martschini, who also had a big game for the Petes, hammered home his 20th from

Alan Quine and Yogan. The Petes lead of 5-4 would last till 11:39 when Zharkov lite the lamp with his 22 on the PP from Stephen Silas.  Belleville took the lead for good when Mayer bagged the game winner at 12:43 his 17th from Austen and Judson.  

Belleville hands Peterborough a 6-5 loss.  Bulls had the edge in shots 40-37 out shooting the Petes 17-12 in the final period.  Bulls PK went 1/2 and the PP was 1/7.

 

3Stars: 1- Bulls Luke Judson    2- Bulls Jordan Mayer    3- Petes Andrew Yogan

 

Luke Judson had a career night when his team needed him, he scored 3 goals and had 2 assist for 5 points.  He wasn't going to let his Bulls lose this one, he set the bar and others followed.  Bulls OA Jordan Mayer had his best game as a member of the Belleville Bulls scoring the Game winner and adding 3 helpers for 4 points.  Petes Andrew Yogan looked dangerous on every shift.

 

Bulls head on the road for the weekend. It starts Friday night in Sudbury

Who is the best player in the OHL who is already drafted ?

Who is the best player in the OHL who is already drafted ?

My vote goes to Kitchener Rangers defence man Ryan Murphy. Mr Murphy was drafted 12th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Ryan signed a three-year, entry level contract with Carolina, and began the 2011-2012 season in the NHL. He is a very gifted offensive defense man who has great vision. Few D-Man in the OHL are as dangerous on the PP as he is. Murphy is a wonderful skater. he's very elusiveness, a great passer and has a great shot.

The Rangers selected Murphy 3rd overall in 2009. As a 16 year old he put up 39 points in 62 games and was named to the OHL First All-Rookie Team
He followed up his stellar rookie campaign by helping the Rangers proceed to the third round of the OHL Playoffs with 17 points in 20 games, leading the Rangers defence in scoring.
Murphy broke out his sophomore season, leading the OHL in defence men goal scoring with 26 goals. He added to that, 53 assists for 79 points in 63 games, good enough for second in defence men scoring in the league.
Murphy was named to the OHL First Team All-Star team for the 2010-11 season.
He played for team Canada at the World Under 18 Championships in 2011.
At the Under-18s, he was very impressive and was named defence men of the tournament, scoring 13 points and leading the tournament in defence men scoring, as well as leading Canada to a 4th place finish as their leading scorer.

Earlier this season Murphy suffered a severe concussion and as a consequence, he was placed in "complete shutdown mode" by the Rangers. Since then he was cut and missed a chance to play for Team Canada at the WJC.
He has returned to form, looks great and is producing at a better then a point per game clip. Enjoy him because he's a real treat to watch. I believe that Ryan Murphy will lead Team Canada back to Gold at next years World Jr Tournament. I could be wrong, he could be playing on a young rebuilding Carolina team.

Belleville Bulls Vs Niagara Icedogs Saturday March 3, 2012

Belleville Bulls Vs Niagara Icedogs Saturday March 3, 2012

Saturday night the Class of the OHL was in Belleville to face the Bulls. The Niagara Icedogs. What can I say about the Niagara Icedogs that hasn't already been said ? One thing I can tell you is, that this isn't your fathers Icedogs. They are really good. The Icedogs in my view are the most complete team in the league from top to bottom. And they where in fine form on Saturday night giving the the Bulls the Business. Defeating the Toro's 10-3

The Bulls started Malcolm Subban for the 13th straight game. Malcolm played well and keep the Bulls in the game for the 1st frame, stopping 15 of the 17 shots he faced. In the 2nd the coaching staff gave Subban the hook after 3 NIA goals, in total he gave up 5 goals on 28 shots. In came former Icedog John Chartrand. John has been on the self for 15 games and it showed. He allowed 2 goals on the first 3 shots he faced, and in total he gave up 5 goals on 17 shots. At the other end of the rink the only thing standing in the Bulls way was the net minder who should be not only the OHL goaltender of the year , but for my money the CHL goaltender of the year in Mark Visentin. It might not have been Visentin's best night, he only faced 17 shots . Seven in the 1st and 2nd, and a measly three in the 3rd and allowing 3 goals. Not a real busy night. Saying that with the score 10-3, Visentin made a save that was easily highlight of the night material.
Niagara out shot Belleville 45-17 in the game.

With the 10-3 win NIA sweeps the season series with BEL 4-0 with a combined score of 26-3. Belleville's PP went 0/1 and the PK was 2/4.
Scoring for the Bulls were Carter Sandlak with his 5th in the first to tie the game at 1-1, Captain Luke Judson netted his 15th in the second, and to round out the Bulls scoring Scott Simmonds beat Visentin for his 3rd. Dylan Corson, Sandlak, Brendan Gaunce, Garrett Hooey and Jason Shaw all had single helpers.

Niagara is a real strong, deep team. They have 12 NHL drafted players on their roster, 5 players from team Canada's WJC entry. But I didn't see them being this strong. Belleville is a good team , but injuries and inconsistent play has hurt them. But when the Bulls are firing on all cylinders they can be a top team in the East. But Saturday night the Icedogs did what they wanted, sometimes looking like they were on the PP when it was 5 on 5.

They got 3 goals each from Steven Shipley and Freddie Hamilton. Brock Beukeboom chipped in with 2 goals. Andrew Agozzino and Myles Doan had singles.
NIA Assists - Ryan Strome(4), David Pacan(3), Shayne Rover(2), Jesse Graham(2). Seven different Icedogs added single helpers.

3Stars : 1- Freddie Hamilton 2- Steven Shipley 3- Ryan Strome

Belleville Bulls @ Mississauga St.Micheals Majors Friday March 2,2012

The Belleville Bulls came to Mississauga Friday night feeling good about themselves. Last weekend they took four of a possible 6 points, and look pretty good doing so. They defeated Kingston at home on Wednesday. And tonight they defeated St.Mikes 4-2.

On February 3 the Belleville Bulls coaching staff broke the 21 remaining games in to three 7 game series, saying that if they could win 4 out of each 7 and maybe a few more, that they should be in a playoff position. After tonight's win the Bulls are 8-6 in the first 14 games. They didn't win the 1st series of games but picked up the desired 8 wins in 14 games. The Eastern Conference is still tight for the last 3 playoff spots :

6-Belleville 63 pts
7-Mississauga 63pts
8-Oshawa 60pts
9-Peterborough 59pts

The Sudbury Wolves sit in 5th with 69pts and are in reach with a good run and some luck.

The Belleville Bulls have a pretty good goalie in Malcolm Subban who was starting his 12th straight for the Visitors. Subban played good and is starting to return to form. He made 25 saves on the night and none bigger then when with less than a minute to go he stopped the Majors on two attemps. He was named the games 3rd star. The home team Majors have a pretty good goalie of thier own in Brandon Maxwell the reigning OHL player of the week. Maxwell made 20 saves in the lose.

Before the game we learned that Bulls rookie Alex Carnevale was suspended for 8 games for a hit on Bo Horvat of the London Knights. I'm not sure why this happened, but I have seen the hit , He doesn't leave his feet, doesn't use his elbow, knee, or stick. It looks like he delivered a good hard clean hit. Horvat was hit with a suicide pass, put his head down and got caught. The belief is that with his helmet popping off it made the penalty so harsh. On the OHL website video, the Discipline Rationale was - unsuspecting player (He put his head down)- Blind side hit( Carnevale hits him in the middle of his chest with his shoulder) - then a funny one that says "- Contact to the head, is not the head, what does that mean ? So he is disciplined for hitting to the head , but didn't ? It also says -No injury on the Play, but we knew that because after the hit Horvat scored a beauty.
Fresh off signing his 1st NHL contract, it was announced that Adam Payerl could miss up to 2 weeks with an upper body injury. John Chartrand returned to the lineup, so that meant Charlie Graham would be a healthy scratch along with Branden Morris.

Belleville and Mississauga traded goals in the 1st. For the Bulls it was Daniil Zharkov at 12:44 with a beauty his 21st from Brendan Gaunce and Austen Brassard. For the Majors it was Mika Partanen on the PP with his 16th from Riley Brace. Shots were even at 10 each.

In the second frame the Bulls where out shot 9-5 but still hit the score sheet with a goal when Carter Sandlak jumped out of the penalty box and scored his 4th from Brady Austin and Jordan Subban at 5:42.

The 3rd started slow with Belleville protecting their lead. With less then 5 minutes to go at 14:26 Tervor Carrick tied the game with his 5th from Partanen and Brace. Belleville's go a head goal and the game winner was originally gave to Brady Austen his 5th from Jordan Subban. It was later given to Sandlak for his 2nd of the night. Rookie Jordan Subban's assist was the 20th point of the season for the rookie rear guard. Micheal Curtis rounded out the scoring with his 12th at 19:54 in to an empty net. Belleville out shot the Majors 9-8 in the third, Mississauga had the edge in the game 27-24. Bulls PP was 1/2 and the PK went 4/5. Attendance: 2080

3 Stars:1-Bulls Carter Sandlak 2G, 2-Majors Mika Partanen 1G 1A, 3-Bulls Malcolm Subban 25 saves.

Bulls will face the Niagara Icedogs Saturday night at the Yardman.

Adam Payrel signs with the Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced that they have signed Belleville Bulls overage forward Adam Payrel to a three-year entry-level contract. The deal begins in the 2012-13 season and runs through the 2014-15 campaign

The 6-foot-3, 216-pound Payerl started his OHL career with the Barrie Colts and joined the Bulls in 2009-2010 in a trade that sent Bryan Cameron to Barrie.

To start the 2011-12 season the Kitchener native attended the Columbus Blue Jackets training camp, he play in the Traverse City prospects tournament and suited up in a pair of exhibition games with the Jackets. He returned to Belleville and has been a real force for the Bulls this season. He has already set career number with 20 goals and 45 points. Adam is a big body who plays well along the boards and is a right handed shot. Payrel isn't afraid to step up when needed and leads the Bulls with 104 penalty minutes.

This year Adam Payrel has really been a leader on the Bulls, scoring, standing up for teammates, playing hard every game, doing what it takes to help this team win. This year Payrel has played the best "Character" hockey I've seen him play in the OHL. He is emerging as real strong leader. During January 2012 in what was one of the worst months in team history, Adam Peyrel was doing his part to try and pull his team out of their funk. He's play carried the team to a better February. Adam scored seven goals, four assists and 11 points in 12 games, including a three-game point streak (2G-2A) to finish the month.