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.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Belleville Bulls Vs Kingston Frontenacs February 29, 2012
Belleville Leaps in to 7th.
A visit from our old friends the Kingston Frontenacs is just what the Belleville Bulls needed to start a very important week. Every game will have playoff implications including this one. With a win the Bulls would leap in to sole possession of 7th place in the tight Eastern Conference. There was even playoff implications for the Frontenacs. After I said that, all I can hear in my head is Jim Mora saying "Playoffs ?, Playoffs ? you want to talk about playoffs ?". But with a lose in regulation the Fronts would be eliminated from playoff contention.
Kingston would start OA Import Igor Bobkov and Belleville would answer with Malcolm Subban for the 11th straight game. Scratches for the Bulls would be Jordan Subban with a lower body injury, who should return Friday night barring any set backs, Mack Lemmon , and Alex Carnevale, who for has been suspended indefinitely by the OHL for a hit on London Knights rookie Bo Horvat. Now I'm not sure what tape the powers that be are watching, all that I've seen is the hit itself, and the view from TV Cogeco, and in my opinion there was nothing wrong with that hit. Maybe I missed it, but when did clean open ice hits become suspendable ?
This game would also see the return of Carter Sandlak to the Belleville line-up, after missing 33 games with an ankle injury.
The 1st period started just the way Coach Burnett said it had to for the Bulls to be successful. They got to Igor Bobkov early. Less then a minute in at 0:48 Brendan Gaunce scored his 26th from Austen Brassard and Jason Shaw. The 1st period ended with the Bulls leading the Fronts 1-0 and out shooting Kingston 16-14. It was a good period for both teams.
The 2nd started good for Belleville as well when at 3:26 OA Adam Payrel hit Joesph Cramarossa with a pass and he netted his 13th to give the Bulls a 2-0 lead. The Visiting team would score their lone goal at 5:48 on the PP, when Trevor Mobeck tipped home a Micheal Moffat point shot for his 8th, Ryan Kujawinski had the other helper on the goal. With the Bulls leading 2-1 Jordan Mayer gave Belleville a 3-1 lead over his home town team when he scored his 16th 4 on 4 at 8:25 from Jake Worrad and Shaw. Bulls would finish their scoring at 9:52 when Brendan Gaunce with his 2nd of the night and 27th on the season from Worrad giving Belleville a 4-1 lead. In the 2nd the Bulls would out shot the Fronts 10-9.
There was no scoring in the third. Kingston would out shot Belleville 10-8 in the frame. Top prospect Malcolm Subban looked strong and held the lead at 4-1. The 3rd period was just what the Bulls needed, all of the Toro's penalties were in the first 30 minutes and they played very strong and discipline the rest of the way. Belleville was rolling four lines, making no mistakes and playing the type of game you should when you have a three goal lead. Belleville out shot the Fronts 34-33 in the game. Bulls PP was 0/2 and the PK was 4/5. Attendance: 2132
3 Stars: 1- Bulls Brendan Gaunce 2- Bulls Jason Shaw 3- Bulls Jake Worrad
Gaunce had 2 goals, and has scored in back 2 back games, Jason Shaw had two helpers and always plays well against the team that cut him in training camp. Jake Worrad had two helpers on the night as well and has really come in to his own in the last 4 games.
Belleville will travel to Mississauga on Friday night for a game Vs the St. Michael's Majors.
A visit from our old friends the Kingston Frontenacs is just what the Belleville Bulls needed to start a very important week. Every game will have playoff implications including this one. With a win the Bulls would leap in to sole possession of 7th place in the tight Eastern Conference. There was even playoff implications for the Frontenacs. After I said that, all I can hear in my head is Jim Mora saying "Playoffs ?, Playoffs ? you want to talk about playoffs ?". But with a lose in regulation the Fronts would be eliminated from playoff contention.
Kingston would start OA Import Igor Bobkov and Belleville would answer with Malcolm Subban for the 11th straight game. Scratches for the Bulls would be Jordan Subban with a lower body injury, who should return Friday night barring any set backs, Mack Lemmon , and Alex Carnevale, who for has been suspended indefinitely by the OHL for a hit on London Knights rookie Bo Horvat. Now I'm not sure what tape the powers that be are watching, all that I've seen is the hit itself, and the view from TV Cogeco, and in my opinion there was nothing wrong with that hit. Maybe I missed it, but when did clean open ice hits become suspendable ?
This game would also see the return of Carter Sandlak to the Belleville line-up, after missing 33 games with an ankle injury.
The 1st period started just the way Coach Burnett said it had to for the Bulls to be successful. They got to Igor Bobkov early. Less then a minute in at 0:48 Brendan Gaunce scored his 26th from Austen Brassard and Jason Shaw. The 1st period ended with the Bulls leading the Fronts 1-0 and out shooting Kingston 16-14. It was a good period for both teams.
The 2nd started good for Belleville as well when at 3:26 OA Adam Payrel hit Joesph Cramarossa with a pass and he netted his 13th to give the Bulls a 2-0 lead. The Visiting team would score their lone goal at 5:48 on the PP, when Trevor Mobeck tipped home a Micheal Moffat point shot for his 8th, Ryan Kujawinski had the other helper on the goal. With the Bulls leading 2-1 Jordan Mayer gave Belleville a 3-1 lead over his home town team when he scored his 16th 4 on 4 at 8:25 from Jake Worrad and Shaw. Bulls would finish their scoring at 9:52 when Brendan Gaunce with his 2nd of the night and 27th on the season from Worrad giving Belleville a 4-1 lead. In the 2nd the Bulls would out shot the Fronts 10-9.
There was no scoring in the third. Kingston would out shot Belleville 10-8 in the frame. Top prospect Malcolm Subban looked strong and held the lead at 4-1. The 3rd period was just what the Bulls needed, all of the Toro's penalties were in the first 30 minutes and they played very strong and discipline the rest of the way. Belleville was rolling four lines, making no mistakes and playing the type of game you should when you have a three goal lead. Belleville out shot the Fronts 34-33 in the game. Bulls PP was 0/2 and the PK was 4/5. Attendance: 2132
3 Stars: 1- Bulls Brendan Gaunce 2- Bulls Jason Shaw 3- Bulls Jake Worrad
Gaunce had 2 goals, and has scored in back 2 back games, Jason Shaw had two helpers and always plays well against the team that cut him in training camp. Jake Worrad had two helpers on the night as well and has really come in to his own in the last 4 games.
Belleville will travel to Mississauga on Friday night for a game Vs the St. Michael's Majors.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Belleville Bulls Week Review February 24-26, 2012
Belleville Bulls @ Brampton Battalion Friday February 24, 2012
The Belleville Bulls came in to the weekend with some serious questions ? Had Burnett lost the team ?, Are they a playoff team ? If they make the playoffs would it be four and out ? Is Malcolm Subban 100% ?
They answered a lot of them and showed the Eastern Conference and the rest of the OHL that they can hang with the best. Belleville went 2-1 in three games this weekend. 3 games big games in 43 hours.
Bulls where 2-1 winners over the Brampton Battalion on Friday night in Brampton , after a few forgettable game's, Malcolm Subban played a good game making 32 saves on his way to 1st star honours. All night the Troops where making Subban aware of their presence . Brampton out shot Belleville 33-25. Battalion net minders Keegan Wilson had a strong game at the other end. This game saw Micheal Curtis and Jason Shaw return to the Belleville line-up. Belleville was 0/2 on the PP and 2/3 on the PK.
Early in the first the 2392 fans at the game cheered when they thought former Bull Brett Mackie had scored, only to have the goal called back. It wasn't till 8:37of the 3rd that some one lite the lamp and it was Bulls Russian Import Daniil Zharkov with his 19th from Adam Payerl. After that Jordan Mayer scored what would be the game winner at 12:21 when he scored his 14th from Garrett Hooey and Dylan Corson giving the Bulls a 2-0 lead. Brampton wasn't about to hand the "W" to Belleville, and broke up Subban's shutout bid at 18:28 on the PP when Sam Carrick scored the home teams lone goal his 32nd from Mackie and Zach Bell.
This was a game Belleville had to win, and did, Subban played a good game and the team put in a real gritty effort in front of him. They held tight and when they got in to trouble Subban was there.
3 Stars 1- Bulls Malcolm Subban 2- Bulls Adam Payrel 3- Battalion Sam Carrick
Belleville Bulls Vs London Knights Saturday February 25, 2012
Its always a fun night when the London Knights come to town. They are without question the measuring stick of the OHL. Every season since the Hunters took over they contend. This year is no different, they not only lead the OHL but are also the number one team in the CHL.
The Belleville Bulls have beat the London Knights before but its been a while. Of course I have to mention Jonathan Cheechoo's 5 five goals in game seven of the 1999 OHL Final. What about the night in 2005 when the Knights were having what many people consider to be the best season in Jr Hockey and Bulls goalie Kevin Lalande gave the performance of his career with the Bulls. After being left out of the Top Prospects game that season Lalande had something to prove and helped the Bulls become one of the few teams to beat the Knights that season. But not much success since then, losing their last 11 Vs London and not winning on home ice since 2005.
Before the game Coach George Burnett made it very clear that his team "Will make the playoffs". Malcolm Subban would start in net for Belleville. And Making his 1st start for the Knights was Belleville native and former Bulls 1st round pick Tyson Teichmann.
The Belleville Bulls knew they needed a quick start and that's what they got when Joesph Cramarossa who played what I would say was his best game as a Bull, put his 12th goal of the season past Teichmann. OA Adam Payrel had the lone helper. With the Bulls up 1-0 the Knights were starting to surge. Then BAM, after being hit with a suicide pass London rookie Bo Horvat put his head down and Belleville rookie Alex Carnevale got him with a great open ice hit. Unfortunately for the Bulls and 2538 fans that witnessed this beauty of a hit, the zebras made the worst call I've seen at the Yardman this year and Carnevale was was gone for the game.
In the 2nd Horvat seemed to be recovered from the hit and tied the game with his 10th from Tyler Ferry and Chris Teirney. The next goal scored gave the knights the lead when Josh Anderson scored his 11th from Jared Knight and Finnish Import Olli Maatta. After 40 minutes the Knights lead 2-1.
So if the second belonged to the Knights the third belonged to the Belleville Bulls . Daniil Zharkov tied the game with his 20th from Austen Brassard at 7:45. Captain Luke Judson scored his 14th, the game winner at 12:21 from Cramarossa. Bulls win 3-2, Shots were 34-31 in favor of Belleville. PK 2/2 PP 0/3.
Out of the three games the Bulls played this was considered to be the biggest test, and they passed. Maloclm was good, Adam Payrel had an other strong game, Jake Worrad playing his former team was also very good. The 3 Star selections were bang on.
3 Stars- 1- Bulls Joseph Cramarossa 2- Bulls Daniil Zharkov 3- Bulls Luke Judson
Belleville Bulls @ Peterborough Petes Febuary 26, 2012
Well I was away at a Youth Bowling tournament. This was the one that got away from the Bulls. With a win Belleville could have really put some distance between them and Peterborough. But the boys from the lift lock city had other plans and defeated the boys from the Friendly City 4-3. Even in defeat the Bulls showed lots of good stuff in this game. Three times they came back from one goal deficits. Adam Peyrel was really good in this game and continued his strong play scoring two goals his 19th & 20th. For the Petes it was Andrew Yogan with 2 goals and Alan Quine scored the winner. Belleville out shoot the Petes 40-31, PK was 0/1 and the PP was 0/2.
3 Stars - 1- Petes Andrew Yogan 2- Bulls Adam Payerl 3- Petes Lino Martschini
The Belleville Bulls came in to the weekend with some serious questions ? Had Burnett lost the team ?, Are they a playoff team ? If they make the playoffs would it be four and out ? Is Malcolm Subban 100% ?
They answered a lot of them and showed the Eastern Conference and the rest of the OHL that they can hang with the best. Belleville went 2-1 in three games this weekend. 3 games big games in 43 hours.
Bulls where 2-1 winners over the Brampton Battalion on Friday night in Brampton , after a few forgettable game's, Malcolm Subban played a good game making 32 saves on his way to 1st star honours. All night the Troops where making Subban aware of their presence . Brampton out shot Belleville 33-25. Battalion net minders Keegan Wilson had a strong game at the other end. This game saw Micheal Curtis and Jason Shaw return to the Belleville line-up. Belleville was 0/2 on the PP and 2/3 on the PK.
Early in the first the 2392 fans at the game cheered when they thought former Bull Brett Mackie had scored, only to have the goal called back. It wasn't till 8:37of the 3rd that some one lite the lamp and it was Bulls Russian Import Daniil Zharkov with his 19th from Adam Payerl. After that Jordan Mayer scored what would be the game winner at 12:21 when he scored his 14th from Garrett Hooey and Dylan Corson giving the Bulls a 2-0 lead. Brampton wasn't about to hand the "W" to Belleville, and broke up Subban's shutout bid at 18:28 on the PP when Sam Carrick scored the home teams lone goal his 32nd from Mackie and Zach Bell.
This was a game Belleville had to win, and did, Subban played a good game and the team put in a real gritty effort in front of him. They held tight and when they got in to trouble Subban was there.
3 Stars 1- Bulls Malcolm Subban 2- Bulls Adam Payrel 3- Battalion Sam Carrick
Belleville Bulls Vs London Knights Saturday February 25, 2012
Its always a fun night when the London Knights come to town. They are without question the measuring stick of the OHL. Every season since the Hunters took over they contend. This year is no different, they not only lead the OHL but are also the number one team in the CHL.
The Belleville Bulls have beat the London Knights before but its been a while. Of course I have to mention Jonathan Cheechoo's 5 five goals in game seven of the 1999 OHL Final. What about the night in 2005 when the Knights were having what many people consider to be the best season in Jr Hockey and Bulls goalie Kevin Lalande gave the performance of his career with the Bulls. After being left out of the Top Prospects game that season Lalande had something to prove and helped the Bulls become one of the few teams to beat the Knights that season. But not much success since then, losing their last 11 Vs London and not winning on home ice since 2005.
Before the game Coach George Burnett made it very clear that his team "Will make the playoffs". Malcolm Subban would start in net for Belleville. And Making his 1st start for the Knights was Belleville native and former Bulls 1st round pick Tyson Teichmann.
The Belleville Bulls knew they needed a quick start and that's what they got when Joesph Cramarossa who played what I would say was his best game as a Bull, put his 12th goal of the season past Teichmann. OA Adam Payrel had the lone helper. With the Bulls up 1-0 the Knights were starting to surge. Then BAM, after being hit with a suicide pass London rookie Bo Horvat put his head down and Belleville rookie Alex Carnevale got him with a great open ice hit. Unfortunately for the Bulls and 2538 fans that witnessed this beauty of a hit, the zebras made the worst call I've seen at the Yardman this year and Carnevale was was gone for the game.
In the 2nd Horvat seemed to be recovered from the hit and tied the game with his 10th from Tyler Ferry and Chris Teirney. The next goal scored gave the knights the lead when Josh Anderson scored his 11th from Jared Knight and Finnish Import Olli Maatta. After 40 minutes the Knights lead 2-1.
So if the second belonged to the Knights the third belonged to the Belleville Bulls . Daniil Zharkov tied the game with his 20th from Austen Brassard at 7:45. Captain Luke Judson scored his 14th, the game winner at 12:21 from Cramarossa. Bulls win 3-2, Shots were 34-31 in favor of Belleville. PK 2/2 PP 0/3.
Out of the three games the Bulls played this was considered to be the biggest test, and they passed. Maloclm was good, Adam Payrel had an other strong game, Jake Worrad playing his former team was also very good. The 3 Star selections were bang on.
3 Stars- 1- Bulls Joseph Cramarossa 2- Bulls Daniil Zharkov 3- Bulls Luke Judson
Belleville Bulls @ Peterborough Petes Febuary 26, 2012
Well I was away at a Youth Bowling tournament. This was the one that got away from the Bulls. With a win Belleville could have really put some distance between them and Peterborough. But the boys from the lift lock city had other plans and defeated the boys from the Friendly City 4-3. Even in defeat the Bulls showed lots of good stuff in this game. Three times they came back from one goal deficits. Adam Peyrel was really good in this game and continued his strong play scoring two goals his 19th & 20th. For the Petes it was Andrew Yogan with 2 goals and Alan Quine scored the winner. Belleville out shoot the Petes 40-31, PK was 0/1 and the PP was 0/2.
3 Stars - 1- Petes Andrew Yogan 2- Bulls Adam Payerl 3- Petes Lino Martschini
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Should a OHL team move to Hamilton?
I'm not sure if any team should move to Hamilton, what would they name the franchise ? The Steelhawks or the Dukes of Hamilton, maybe the Fincups ? I'm not sure why the OHL didn't work in Hamilton the last time, and I wonder why people think it would now. Its the same building ? and The Economy is worse off ? . I think maybe Buffalo might be a better option. Securing New York born players for the league.
As far as a team moving there, I'm not sure what team should move , but I know one that could move. The Belleville Bulls.
A few reasons.
1- The Team -The on ice product isn't the problem. The Bulls have done their part on the Ice. Only missing the playoffs 3 times since 1981. Three trips to the OHL final , winning in 1999 on home ice in game 7, two trips to the Memorial Cup, five division titles. Many OHL and CHL individual awards. 56 players that have played for the Bulls have played in the NHL.
2-The Yardman- I know it was the only barn in the Ontario Hockey League to have a second level of seating until the John Labatt Centre was built, in 2002. But the Yardbarn was built in 1978, its old and over the years its had some upgrades but just band aids really, nothing that would put it on par with other rinks in the OHL. The Ice making equipment is old and this year its showing its age a bit. There is no real bar, no restaurant, it feels like the store is in an other building (because it is), during Intermissions the concourse is tight. Good luck getting a drink, using the bathroom and getting back to your seat on time.
3- The Owner- Belleville no longer have the advantages of local ownership. Gord Simmonds purchased the Bulls in 2004-2005. At the time it was known that the Yardman was in need of being seriously upgraded or replaced. Mr.Simmonds has stepped up and did his part, he's upgraded the dressing room and workout area, asked for and got the OHL All-Star Game in 2006, he was reasonable for the Yardman getting the Video Score Broad it now has, and has been more they patient with the City of Belleville. He has said he wont be signing a new lease if something is not in place. And if a City has a beautiful empty building waiting for a tenant, he is a business man , why would he not go ?if its going to be more profitable to do so ?
3-The City of Belleville- Its time for City council, to make a decision , and let everyone know what are the plans to secure the Bulls stay in Belleville ? The Mayor has stated that it can't be done on the backs of taxpayers alone and that private industry has to be on board. Okay, so get it done, get every one together and make it happen, I understand its not that black and white, but whats the hold up, get together with Mr.Simmonds, and who ever else and at least start .
4-Fans- #MORECOWBELL, We have to support this team win or lose, I think the Bulls have only topped 3000 tickets sold in 2 or 3 games this season. Old building or new building it can't sit half full. At one time Bulls fans were named the Best fans in the OHL by the Global OHL Game of the Week. All division games should be standing room only, when Kingston or Ottawa are in town it should be sold out.
So in short the Belleville Bulls could be forced to move ? The Hamilton Bulls just sounds wrong.
As far as a team moving there, I'm not sure what team should move , but I know one that could move. The Belleville Bulls.
A few reasons.
1- The Team -The on ice product isn't the problem. The Bulls have done their part on the Ice. Only missing the playoffs 3 times since 1981. Three trips to the OHL final , winning in 1999 on home ice in game 7, two trips to the Memorial Cup, five division titles. Many OHL and CHL individual awards. 56 players that have played for the Bulls have played in the NHL.
2-The Yardman- I know it was the only barn in the Ontario Hockey League to have a second level of seating until the John Labatt Centre was built, in 2002. But the Yardbarn was built in 1978, its old and over the years its had some upgrades but just band aids really, nothing that would put it on par with other rinks in the OHL. The Ice making equipment is old and this year its showing its age a bit. There is no real bar, no restaurant, it feels like the store is in an other building (because it is), during Intermissions the concourse is tight. Good luck getting a drink, using the bathroom and getting back to your seat on time.
3- The Owner- Belleville no longer have the advantages of local ownership. Gord Simmonds purchased the Bulls in 2004-2005. At the time it was known that the Yardman was in need of being seriously upgraded or replaced. Mr.Simmonds has stepped up and did his part, he's upgraded the dressing room and workout area, asked for and got the OHL All-Star Game in 2006, he was reasonable for the Yardman getting the Video Score Broad it now has, and has been more they patient with the City of Belleville. He has said he wont be signing a new lease if something is not in place. And if a City has a beautiful empty building waiting for a tenant, he is a business man , why would he not go ?if its going to be more profitable to do so ?
3-The City of Belleville- Its time for City council, to make a decision , and let everyone know what are the plans to secure the Bulls stay in Belleville ? The Mayor has stated that it can't be done on the backs of taxpayers alone and that private industry has to be on board. Okay, so get it done, get every one together and make it happen, I understand its not that black and white, but whats the hold up, get together with Mr.Simmonds, and who ever else and at least start .
4-Fans- #MORECOWBELL, We have to support this team win or lose, I think the Bulls have only topped 3000 tickets sold in 2 or 3 games this season. Old building or new building it can't sit half full. At one time Bulls fans were named the Best fans in the OHL by the Global OHL Game of the Week. All division games should be standing room only, when Kingston or Ottawa are in town it should be sold out.
So in short the Belleville Bulls could be forced to move ? The Hamilton Bulls just sounds wrong.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
I'll take is it the Coach ? For $1000 please Alex.
After the embarrassing 4-1 loss on home ice to the Erie Otters on Family Day, There are questions surrounding the Belleville Bulls. No disrespect to the Otters, but their record speaks for it self , with only 23 points on the season they are the worst team in the OHL. They have the honour of being the team that has scored the fewest goals, allowed the most goals, have the fewest wins and the most loses. But on Family Day with their great effort, coupled with the Bulls lackluster performance they looked like a playoff team. Belleville did not.
So we ask the Question, Has Head Coach and GM George Burnett and his staff lost this team ?
I've always been a big supporter of George Burnett as a Coach and GM. Something not all fans can say. He came to Belleville in 2004-2005, and right away he put a sour taste in a lot of fans mouths. Never mind that he came to town as a proven winner, having won the Matt Leyden Trophy as the OHL coach of the year for the 1990–91 and 1991–92 seasons when he coached the Niagara Thunder, No one cared that he Coached the Cape Breton Oilers of the AHL to a Calder Cup in 1993, they could have cared less that he won J. Ross Robertson Cup with the Guelph Storm in 1997-98. There was respect but not much love for the fact that he was an assistant and briefly a Head Coach in the NHL. What they cared about was the fact that he was replacing one of our own in former Bulls Winger and then Head Coach James Boyd.
Burnett came to Belleville, a year after the Bulls had missed the playoffs for the 1st time in 21 years. Belleville had new Ownership for the first time ever. And the New owners brought with them a new GM and Head Coach and fans were bitter. At one time there was even a petition going around the Yardman to have him fired.
I'm not sure if he was responsible for drafting John Hughes 1st overall, but he took the blame. He traded away some fan favorite's early as well, in Mike Roelofsen, John Adams and Cody Thornton. In my opinion trading Thornton was his smartest move, I didn't think so at the time, but when Andrew Gibbons arrived at the Yardman he was instantly loved for his work ethic and team first attitude. Starting a long line of Grinders that Burnett help turn in to fan favorites. Jeff Leavitt, Cory Tanaka, Andrew Self, Matthew Tipoff, and Brett Mackie come to mind.
Some of the best defence men in Bulls history have played under Burnett. The likes of Geoff Killing, Nick Pageau, P.K. Subban, and Shawn Lalonde.
It doesn't stop there we have seen some great Forwards on Burnetts watch as well, Marc Rancourt, Matt Beleskey, Shawn Matthias, Bryan Cameron, Tyler Donati, and Eric Tangradi. For me Coach and GM Burnett's strong suit though has been goal tenders. He had to trade away Edward Pasquale, Sebastian Dahm, Philipp Grubauer and Daniel Altshuller before we would even see their best hockey because the cupboard was full with the likes of Eric Tobia, Kevin Lalande, Parker Van Buskirk, the Great Mike Murphy and now Malcolm Subban. We have seen 14 players drafted and 8 Bulls go to the show since his arrival. With a few more to come in Brendan Gaunce and Garrett Hooey. For argument sake will will say that his weak spot with the roster has been European Imports. Its not that bad if your, Jan Mursak, Daniil Zharkov or a back up goaltender, the rest not so much.
We have seen some real beauties and this only scratches the surface of players we love from the Burnett era in Belleville.
Burnett and his boys have gave us lots to cheer about over the years, the team has never been better defensively then it is under his watch. We seen the team record for points (102), wins (48) and Least goals against (175), all be broken in 2007-08. 3 division titles in 06-07,07-08,08-09 hang in the rafters of the Yardman. All of this highlighted by a trip to the Memorial Cup in 2008. We have only not seen playoff hockey in one spring under Burnett.
With all that said, In a season where Burnett coach his 1000th game and won his 500th in the OHL we ask, What have you done for me lately ?
We could miss the playoffs this year. This is the third year that the PP has struggled big time, or that we haven't had a real top of the league point producer. Belleville fans came in to this season with high hopes, then in November those high hopes turned in to lofty expectations, in January those kind of hopes became distant memories. And the Bulls aren't just losing, its the way their losing (especially in February). 15 times this season the Bulls have lost by two or more goals.
In must wins games or games Vs beatable opponents, the Bulls have nothing, no jump, no swagger, very little drive to the net, they play soft and rarely do you see any puck support, in the process looking like anything but a playoff team.
So my Question is if the Belleville Bulls miss the playoffs for the 2nd time in three years, Is it on George Burnett and his staff ? is it not their job to build a system that these kids can play and be successful in ? They drafted or traded for them all, Why aren't they prepared for these big games ? Why such a drastic drop off in play from earlier in the year to now ?
I know injures have hurt this team, and they were playing over their heads a bit, but really ? Something is gone. I don't know what it is , maybe we needed Simon Gronvaldt more then anybody knew. I don't have the answers to turn the Bulls around.
I hope George Burnett does, if not his past success will only carry so much weight and the Question's will be asked about GM and Coach Burnett's future with the club.
So we ask the Question, Has Head Coach and GM George Burnett and his staff lost this team ?
I've always been a big supporter of George Burnett as a Coach and GM. Something not all fans can say. He came to Belleville in 2004-2005, and right away he put a sour taste in a lot of fans mouths. Never mind that he came to town as a proven winner, having won the Matt Leyden Trophy as the OHL coach of the year for the 1990–91 and 1991–92 seasons when he coached the Niagara Thunder, No one cared that he Coached the Cape Breton Oilers of the AHL to a Calder Cup in 1993, they could have cared less that he won J. Ross Robertson Cup with the Guelph Storm in 1997-98. There was respect but not much love for the fact that he was an assistant and briefly a Head Coach in the NHL. What they cared about was the fact that he was replacing one of our own in former Bulls Winger and then Head Coach James Boyd.
Burnett came to Belleville, a year after the Bulls had missed the playoffs for the 1st time in 21 years. Belleville had new Ownership for the first time ever. And the New owners brought with them a new GM and Head Coach and fans were bitter. At one time there was even a petition going around the Yardman to have him fired.
I'm not sure if he was responsible for drafting John Hughes 1st overall, but he took the blame. He traded away some fan favorite's early as well, in Mike Roelofsen, John Adams and Cody Thornton. In my opinion trading Thornton was his smartest move, I didn't think so at the time, but when Andrew Gibbons arrived at the Yardman he was instantly loved for his work ethic and team first attitude. Starting a long line of Grinders that Burnett help turn in to fan favorites. Jeff Leavitt, Cory Tanaka, Andrew Self, Matthew Tipoff, and Brett Mackie come to mind.
Some of the best defence men in Bulls history have played under Burnett. The likes of Geoff Killing, Nick Pageau, P.K. Subban, and Shawn Lalonde.
It doesn't stop there we have seen some great Forwards on Burnetts watch as well, Marc Rancourt, Matt Beleskey, Shawn Matthias, Bryan Cameron, Tyler Donati, and Eric Tangradi. For me Coach and GM Burnett's strong suit though has been goal tenders. He had to trade away Edward Pasquale, Sebastian Dahm, Philipp Grubauer and Daniel Altshuller before we would even see their best hockey because the cupboard was full with the likes of Eric Tobia, Kevin Lalande, Parker Van Buskirk, the Great Mike Murphy and now Malcolm Subban. We have seen 14 players drafted and 8 Bulls go to the show since his arrival. With a few more to come in Brendan Gaunce and Garrett Hooey. For argument sake will will say that his weak spot with the roster has been European Imports. Its not that bad if your, Jan Mursak, Daniil Zharkov or a back up goaltender, the rest not so much.
We have seen some real beauties and this only scratches the surface of players we love from the Burnett era in Belleville.
Burnett and his boys have gave us lots to cheer about over the years, the team has never been better defensively then it is under his watch. We seen the team record for points (102), wins (48) and Least goals against (175), all be broken in 2007-08. 3 division titles in 06-07,07-08,08-09 hang in the rafters of the Yardman. All of this highlighted by a trip to the Memorial Cup in 2008. We have only not seen playoff hockey in one spring under Burnett.
With all that said, In a season where Burnett coach his 1000th game and won his 500th in the OHL we ask, What have you done for me lately ?
We could miss the playoffs this year. This is the third year that the PP has struggled big time, or that we haven't had a real top of the league point producer. Belleville fans came in to this season with high hopes, then in November those high hopes turned in to lofty expectations, in January those kind of hopes became distant memories. And the Bulls aren't just losing, its the way their losing (especially in February). 15 times this season the Bulls have lost by two or more goals.
In must wins games or games Vs beatable opponents, the Bulls have nothing, no jump, no swagger, very little drive to the net, they play soft and rarely do you see any puck support, in the process looking like anything but a playoff team.
So my Question is if the Belleville Bulls miss the playoffs for the 2nd time in three years, Is it on George Burnett and his staff ? is it not their job to build a system that these kids can play and be successful in ? They drafted or traded for them all, Why aren't they prepared for these big games ? Why such a drastic drop off in play from earlier in the year to now ?
I know injures have hurt this team, and they were playing over their heads a bit, but really ? Something is gone. I don't know what it is , maybe we needed Simon Gronvaldt more then anybody knew. I don't have the answers to turn the Bulls around.
I hope George Burnett does, if not his past success will only carry so much weight and the Question's will be asked about GM and Coach Burnett's future with the club.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Belleville Bulls Vs Erie Otters February 20, 2012
On Monday Febuary 20th, The Belleville Bulls were feeling good and looking to give the 3276 fans that bought tickets something to Cheer about. The Erie Otters they weren't to worried about ruining the Bulls Family Day Party and that's want they did.
This is a game that Bulls Fans thought the Toro's should be able to win. Belleville started Malcolm Subban for the 7th game in a row. Erie would turn to Ramis Sadikov a 6'4" Russian goaltender and we all know how that usually turns out for the Bulls.
In the 1st Belleville was feeding off the large crowd at the yardman and testing Sadikov. But it didn't take long for the Otters to take the wind out of the sails of the Belleville Bulls at 8:09 import Sondre Olden scored his 8th from Nathan Glass and Nick Betz. Erie wasn't done Conner Brown scored 46 seconds later from Dane Fox and Jimmy McDowell. Not ready to stop , hitting the iron while its hot if you will, Kris Grant scored his 1st of the season at 9:25 from Brown. The !st period ended with the Otters scoring three goals in 1 minute and 16 seconds. Belleville was out shot 20-13 in the frame. Belleville played a good period minus that one minute 16 second stretch when Erie scored their 3 goals.
In the 2nd frame the only NHL drafted player on the Otters roster was at it again. Sondre Olden a Leafs prospect netted his 2nd of the night from Mitchell Eisenberg to give the Otters a 4-0 lead. Belleville out shot Erie 12-9, but really had nothing happening in the period.
The third had very little for the Yardman faithful to cheer about , one bright spot was when Jake Worrad beat Sadikov for his 4th to break the goose egg from rookie Alex Carnevale and Stephen Silas. but that was it for the Bulls. Erie wins 4-1 , Bulls would out shoot the Otters 42-33 in the game. The PP was 0/3 and the PK was 3/3.
3 Starts 1- Otters Ramis Sadikov 2- Otters Sondre Olden 3- Otters Conner Brown.
This is a game the Bulls needed to win and could not. All the credit goes to the Erie Otters they looked like and were the better team. The Victory was just Erie's 4th on the road and 9th over all. Belleville had played Vs the Western Conference this year going 12-6 before this game. But now the questions are back. Lets hope they get some answers by next weekend because it wont get any easier, They are in Brampton on Friday, home to London on Saturday and on the road Sunday in Peterborough. All three will be tough games.
This is a game that Bulls Fans thought the Toro's should be able to win. Belleville started Malcolm Subban for the 7th game in a row. Erie would turn to Ramis Sadikov a 6'4" Russian goaltender and we all know how that usually turns out for the Bulls.
In the 1st Belleville was feeding off the large crowd at the yardman and testing Sadikov. But it didn't take long for the Otters to take the wind out of the sails of the Belleville Bulls at 8:09 import Sondre Olden scored his 8th from Nathan Glass and Nick Betz. Erie wasn't done Conner Brown scored 46 seconds later from Dane Fox and Jimmy McDowell. Not ready to stop , hitting the iron while its hot if you will, Kris Grant scored his 1st of the season at 9:25 from Brown. The !st period ended with the Otters scoring three goals in 1 minute and 16 seconds. Belleville was out shot 20-13 in the frame. Belleville played a good period minus that one minute 16 second stretch when Erie scored their 3 goals.
In the 2nd frame the only NHL drafted player on the Otters roster was at it again. Sondre Olden a Leafs prospect netted his 2nd of the night from Mitchell Eisenberg to give the Otters a 4-0 lead. Belleville out shot Erie 12-9, but really had nothing happening in the period.
The third had very little for the Yardman faithful to cheer about , one bright spot was when Jake Worrad beat Sadikov for his 4th to break the goose egg from rookie Alex Carnevale and Stephen Silas. but that was it for the Bulls. Erie wins 4-1 , Bulls would out shoot the Otters 42-33 in the game. The PP was 0/3 and the PK was 3/3.
3 Starts 1- Otters Ramis Sadikov 2- Otters Sondre Olden 3- Otters Conner Brown.
This is a game the Bulls needed to win and could not. All the credit goes to the Erie Otters they looked like and were the better team. The Victory was just Erie's 4th on the road and 9th over all. Belleville had played Vs the Western Conference this year going 12-6 before this game. But now the questions are back. Lets hope they get some answers by next weekend because it wont get any easier, They are in Brampton on Friday, home to London on Saturday and on the road Sunday in Peterborough. All three will be tough games.
Belleville Bulls Vs Mississauga St. Michaels Majors February 18, 2012
Belleville Bulls Vs Mississauga St. Michaels Majors February 18, 2012
Before the game Bulls fans were asking what is happening to our Beloved Belleville Bulls the losers of 3 straight ? Earlier in the year we didn't think our boys would be battling just to reach the post season, we believed we would at the least be trying to secure home ice in the first Rd. Things have changed and fans were asking " When will Malcolm Subban regain his form ? Why aren't we scoring ? Why are we turning over the puck 55+ plus times a game (56 times VS OSH) ? Has Coach Burnett lost his team ? Why else are we looking so flat and unprepared for big games.
For one night everything was forgot and the Belleville Bulls step it up big time. The Bulls needed a win out right over the Majors to tie them with 55 points, good enough for 8th in the Eastern Conference. Coach Burnett started Malcolm Subban hoping to get his number 1 net minder back on track. St.Mikes Head Coach James Boyd a former Bulls player, assistant Coach and Head Coach would start Brendon Maxwell.
As of Saturday night both the Bulls and Majors had scored 156 goals on the season. The Belleville Bulls would be the 1st team to 157 , at 9:30 Adam Payrel scored his 18th from Brendan Gaunce and Brady Austin. Shortly after that on a PP Stephen Silas scored his career high 5th goal from Luke Judson and Gaunce. The Majors wanted to win this game too and with Gaunce in the sin bin, Rilley Brace fired his 31th past Subban at 16:44 from Jamie Wise and Dylan DeMelo to cut the lead to 2-1. Bulls Captain Luke Judson had plans that his squad would end the 1st with a two goal lead and at 18:18 on the PP Judson(13th) scored with former Majors Joesph Cramarossa and Jordan Mayer getting the helpers. The first frame would end with the home town Bulls out shooting the Majors 16-7 and leading 3-1.
In the first Belleville was generating chances by going to the net, something they have not been doing a lot of lately. But it was Riley Brace with his 2nd of the night from Sergey Kuptsov at 0:35 that opened the scoring in the second. With Belleville's lead cut to 3-2, Bulls defence man Steven Silas hammered home his second of the night with a shot he hardly uses enough at 9:28 from Cramarossa, to restore the hometown 2 goal lead. Then the gates opened up and at 10:14 less then a minute after Silas 2nd goal, Bulls OA Payrel netted his 2nd from Daniil Zharkov and Gaunce. again less then a minute later at 11:12 Mayer scored his 14th from Jake Worrad and Judson. Belleville wasn't finished scoring and much to the delight of the 2683 fans at the game Jordan Subban notched his 5th from Gaunce at 12:31. The 2nd Period would end with the Bulls leading 7-3 . The third Majors goal was scored by Justin Rasmussen his 6th.
Only one goal was scored in the 3rd ,Worrad with his third from Silas and Zharkov. The game would end 8-3 Belleville over Mississauga. The Bulls out shot the Majors 38-33, PK was 4/5 and the PP was 3/9. This was a good home game by the Bulls they scored some goals and played well for most of the night. Stephen Silas had his 1st two goal game in the OHL, Adam Payrel had 2 goals, Judson had a 3 point night, Brendan Gaunce had 4 assist on the night , making two home games in a row that he would put up that stat.
3 Stars 1- Bulls Brendan Gaunce 4A 2- Bulls Stephen Silas 2G 1A 3- Bulls Luke Judson 1G 2A.
Before the game Bulls fans were asking what is happening to our Beloved Belleville Bulls the losers of 3 straight ? Earlier in the year we didn't think our boys would be battling just to reach the post season, we believed we would at the least be trying to secure home ice in the first Rd. Things have changed and fans were asking " When will Malcolm Subban regain his form ? Why aren't we scoring ? Why are we turning over the puck 55+ plus times a game (56 times VS OSH) ? Has Coach Burnett lost his team ? Why else are we looking so flat and unprepared for big games.
For one night everything was forgot and the Belleville Bulls step it up big time. The Bulls needed a win out right over the Majors to tie them with 55 points, good enough for 8th in the Eastern Conference. Coach Burnett started Malcolm Subban hoping to get his number 1 net minder back on track. St.Mikes Head Coach James Boyd a former Bulls player, assistant Coach and Head Coach would start Brendon Maxwell.
As of Saturday night both the Bulls and Majors had scored 156 goals on the season. The Belleville Bulls would be the 1st team to 157 , at 9:30 Adam Payrel scored his 18th from Brendan Gaunce and Brady Austin. Shortly after that on a PP Stephen Silas scored his career high 5th goal from Luke Judson and Gaunce. The Majors wanted to win this game too and with Gaunce in the sin bin, Rilley Brace fired his 31th past Subban at 16:44 from Jamie Wise and Dylan DeMelo to cut the lead to 2-1. Bulls Captain Luke Judson had plans that his squad would end the 1st with a two goal lead and at 18:18 on the PP Judson(13th) scored with former Majors Joesph Cramarossa and Jordan Mayer getting the helpers. The first frame would end with the home town Bulls out shooting the Majors 16-7 and leading 3-1.
In the first Belleville was generating chances by going to the net, something they have not been doing a lot of lately. But it was Riley Brace with his 2nd of the night from Sergey Kuptsov at 0:35 that opened the scoring in the second. With Belleville's lead cut to 3-2, Bulls defence man Steven Silas hammered home his second of the night with a shot he hardly uses enough at 9:28 from Cramarossa, to restore the hometown 2 goal lead. Then the gates opened up and at 10:14 less then a minute after Silas 2nd goal, Bulls OA Payrel netted his 2nd from Daniil Zharkov and Gaunce. again less then a minute later at 11:12 Mayer scored his 14th from Jake Worrad and Judson. Belleville wasn't finished scoring and much to the delight of the 2683 fans at the game Jordan Subban notched his 5th from Gaunce at 12:31. The 2nd Period would end with the Bulls leading 7-3 . The third Majors goal was scored by Justin Rasmussen his 6th.
Only one goal was scored in the 3rd ,Worrad with his third from Silas and Zharkov. The game would end 8-3 Belleville over Mississauga. The Bulls out shot the Majors 38-33, PK was 4/5 and the PP was 3/9. This was a good home game by the Bulls they scored some goals and played well for most of the night. Stephen Silas had his 1st two goal game in the OHL, Adam Payrel had 2 goals, Judson had a 3 point night, Brendan Gaunce had 4 assist on the night , making two home games in a row that he would put up that stat.
3 Stars 1- Bulls Brendan Gaunce 4A 2- Bulls Stephen Silas 2G 1A 3- Bulls Luke Judson 1G 2A.
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