Game Day Build-Up: Belleville prepared for St. Patrick’s Day Game battle with Bridgeport

Belleville Senators Game Day Build-Up
Mar.15/25 vs Bridgeport Islanders (NHL Affiliate: New York Islanders)

The Set Up:

It seems like a little home cooking is just what the Belleville Senators needed, and they’ll look to continue that success inside the confines of CAA Arena tonight with another matchup against the Bridgeport Islanders. Six different Senators found the net on Friday, and all but one had at least one shot on goal as Belleville bounced Bridgeport 6-1, while Leevi Merilainen earned his 12th win of the season. The victory keeps Belleville on pace with the Syracuse Crunch (AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning) for the final playoff spot in the North Division, though the Sens are two points back and have a game in hand. With both teams in action again tonight, another Sens victory is critical against the struggling Islanders, who have only won back-to-back games once this season and will not qualify for this season’s Calder Cup Playoffs.

Previous History:

The Senators’ win in yesterday’s 15th all-time meeting improved their lifetime record against Bridgeport to just above .500, at 8-7-0-0, and now 4-3-0-0 at CAA Arena. Belleville has outscored the Islanders 11-3 over their trio of wins to start the season series, with tonight’s game being the last of their four-game season series.

Roster Notes: 

The AHL trade deadline passed yesterday without the Senators making any moves, though goaltender Michael Simpson was recalled from the Orlando Solar Bears (ECHL). You can click here for a full list of up-to-date transactions, with full lineup details ahead of game time via the Belleville Sens social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

One of Belleville’s most energetic wingers was their most impactful player last night, as Jan Jenik tied a franchise record with five assists in the game. The 24-year-old from Czechia, who was acquired in an offseason trade for Egor Sokolov, had as many assists yesterday as he tends to have blocked shots on most nights, and continues to find his groove in the Friendly City. Jenik has collected 20 points (eight goals, 12 assists) for Belleville this season, while also dealing with a couple of injury setbacks, and has also dressed in two games with the NHL Senators in Ottawa.

For the Islanders, two first-year players have collected points in consecutive games. Jack Randl (one goal, one assist) scored his first American Hockey League goal yesterday and fellow rookie Daylan Kueffler has picked up an assist in each of his last two games. Despite their place in the Atlantic Division standings, the Islanders roster still boasts one of the highest-scoring players in the AHL, with Chris Terry’s 57 points and 39 assists.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight set for 7:00 p.m. ET from CAA Arena in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. ET with David Foot and Brock Ormond, and can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey or heard free on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network.

At the Rink:

It’s a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at CAA Arena, complete with festive themeing and green beverage specials from OVG. Plus, fans can still take advantage of the Senators’ March Break BOGO ticket sale, and it’s the last day to take advantage of some fantastic deals at The Locker Room Store and Gate 2 merchandise stand including – 30% off T-shirts, 25% off jerseys, jersey customizations, and toques, and 20% off hats.

Ticket Info:

Tickets for all Belleville Sens home games through the 2024-25 season are now on sale via Ticketmaster, or by emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com. Hours for the Belleville Sens Box Office at CAA Arena are available here.

Fans can click the following links for more information on becoming a season seat member, purchasing a flex pack membership, or putting down a deposit for a group experience. For more details on those ticket options, plus details on premium seating and Business Elite packages, visit the Belleville Sens website or email tickets@bellevillesens.com.

The full Belleville Sens 2024-25 regular season schedule is available here. 

PREVIEW

About the Belleville Senators

The Belleville Senators are the American Hockey League affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators and have been operating in the AHL since the 2017-18 season. The Senators play their home games out of the CAA Arena at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre and have graduated more than 60 players to the NHL since moving from Binghamton, New York.

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