Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Sens welcome Isles to cap off eight game homestand

Sunday, December 14, 2025 vs Bridgeport Islanders (NHL Affiliate: New York Islanders)

The set-up:

The Cleveland Monsters may have spoiled the Belleville Senators’ annual Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday, but the Sens will try again to beat the winter blues as they host the Bridgeport Islanders at CAA Arena this afternoon. The Senators cap an eight-game home stand this afternoon, as they continue to search for consistency over 60 minutes and the early-season scoring touch that’s helped to keep them in the top 10 in the American Hockey League in goals for. Despite the defeat to the Monsters, the Sens are still fourth in the North Division, tied with Toronto and Cleveland at 24 points, while Syracuse and Rochester are tied at 31 points, just ahead of them. The Islanders, meanwhile, sit seventh in the Atlantic, but hold three games in hand on their division leaders, and have won back-to-back games, including a 2-1 victory on the road against North-leading Laval last night.

Previous History:

Today’s game caps the brief two-game set between Belleville and Bridgeport, with the Senators falling 6-2 in Connecticut on the season’s opening weekend back in October. The loss at Bridgeport dropped the Sens’ lifetime record against the Isles to 9-8-0-0. Over their eight lifetime meetings at CAA Arena, the Sens are 5-3-0-0 against Bridgeport.

Roster Notes:

There were no other transactions reported for the Senators between last night’s game and this morning. Defender Dennis Gilbert, goaltender Leevi Merilainen and forwards Stephen Halliday and Olle Lycksell are all still in the NHL with Ottawa, while goalie Hunter Shepard, defenceman Matt Andonovski, and forward Tyler Boucher are out injured. Captain Garrett Pilon also missed last night’s game with an injury. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

Arthur Kaliyev notched Belleville’s Teddy Bear Toss goal in the second period last night, his 16th of the season, and has him three back of Grand Rapids’ John Leonard for the league lead. Kaliyev is sixth in points in the league, and still tops the AHL list in power play goals (10) and shots on goal (98). Rookie defenceman Carter Yakemchuk added another assist yesterday and has two (plus nine shots on goal) over his last two games. He’s also still among the AHL leaders in rookie points and assists.

The Bridgeport roster boasts a couple of familiar faces, with goaltender Marcus Hogberg and forward Matt Highmore both returning to Belleville this afternoon. Hogberg was part of the inaugural season in Belleville and earned the club’s first shutout. He played a total of 74 games over four seasons, and is third on the franchise list in games played (74), wins (36), shutouts (3), time on ice (4,205), and Saves (1,864). Highmore, meanwhile, was with the Senators from 2023 through last season and suited up in 66 games for Belleville, recording 41 points (11 goals, 30 assists). He also collected eight points (two goals, six assists) for the Ottawa Senators over 48 games.

At the Rink:

It’s the second game of our Holiday Celebration Weekend, as we host Belly’s Holiday Party! Fans can meet Belly and some of his mascot friends, plus Santa will be in the building, handing out some holiday surprises. And, there’s a postgame skate with the Sens! If you’re interested in taking part in the postgame skate, you can click here to register. Fans are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Gleaner’s Food Bank and Tri-County Food Warehouse, outside Gates 1, 2, and 3. And if you’re looking to complete more of your holiday shopping, the Locker Room Store and Gate 2 merchandise stand have plenty of gear to choose from, including brand-new, limited-edition Belleville Sens x Rien À Dire t-shirts, which drop in-store and in-arena today.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 3:00 p.m. ET from CAA Arena in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 2:50 ET with David Foot and Brock Ormond and is available on AHLTV via FloHockey or free to listen on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network.

Ticket Info:

Tickets for all Belleville Sens 2025-26 home games are now on sale via Ticketmaster or at the Belleville Sens Box Office located inside the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre. Details on season seat memberships, flex packs, premium seating, the Business Edge Program, and more can be found by visiting the Belleville Sens Website. 

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