Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators look for sweet sweep in Chocolate Town

Sunday March 15, 2026, vs. Hershey Bears (NHL Affiliate: Washington Capitals)

The Set Up

The Senators are looking to keep the momentum going as they try to make it a sweet sweep in Chocolatetown, USA, against the Hershey Bears. New faces in different places was the story Saturday night, as a 6-3 win saw new addition Graeme Clarke stay hot with a three-point night, and defenders Sam Sedley, Samuel Bolduc, and Ryan O’Rourke all made Belleville Sens debuts. Rookie blueliner Carter Yakemchuk also notched his first four-point contest in the AHL, with four assists. Post-game, Interim Head Coach Andrew Campbell called the effort “a pretty complete game for us,” and the victory has Belleville just five points back of Rochester for the North Division’s last playoff spot, with 13 games to go. With a five-game home stand on the horizon, nothing would be sweeter for the Sens than capping this weekend in Hershey with another couple of points to bring back home.

Previous History

The Senators improved their record in this season series to 2-1-0-0 and have a chance to take the series tomorrow afternoon. All-time, Belleville is now even at 9-9-1-0 versus Hershey. Going into this game, Xavier Bourgault has a chance to register a point in each of the four games played, carrying four points (three assists) into this contest. A quick stats check shows the Senators outscoring Hershey 12-10 while also heavily outshooting them 99-72. Belleville’s power play is 2-for-11 (18.1%) against the Bears, while their penalty kill is 4-for-7 (57.1%).

Roster Notes

On the roster front, Lassi Thomson was recalled to Ottawa midday yesterday. He now joins defenceman Dennis Gilbert and Stephen Halliday up in the nation’s capital. Defencemen Samuel Bolduc (+1 with four shots), Ryan O’Rourke (+1), and Sam Sedley (-1 with one shot) all made their debuts for the Senators last night, helping out in some critical situations, while forward Riley Kidney joined the team but didn’t play last night. The Sens will still be without defenders Cam Crotty and Jorian Donovan, and forward Phil Daoust, who all remain on the injured list. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch

In what has been an impressive offensive start to his first AHL season, Carter Yakemchuk finds himself in a unique opportunity. With the recent call-ups and injury troubles on the back end, Yakemchuk has taken everything in stride. With six points in his last two games, bringing his season total to 33 points in 46 games, the young Albertan is not shying away from what has given him success. Playing on the top pair Saturday with newcomer Samuel Bolduc, Yakemchuk was all business in a year where the right-shot defenceman continues to learn and grow while shining bright. The rookie will play a big part in Belleville’s pushback against what will be a very hungry Hershey team tonight, as the Senators look for three straight wins.

Even in the loss Saturday night, Bogdan Trineyev made an impact on the scoresheet while also being physical. In what has been his most productive stretch of the season, Trineyev has been a force for the Bears. The Russian winger has collected seven points in his last three games with a goal in each. The 24-year-old, now in his third season, is having a career year and is on pace for 40 points. With Hershey needing a bounce-back performance, Trineyev and company will be bringing their A-game after a lacklustre effort.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 5:00 p.m. ET from Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Broadcast coverage begins at 4:45 p.m. with David Foot and can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey, with a free-to-listen option available 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. 

— 

Visit the Belleville Sens website: www.bellevillesens.com
Engage with the Belleville Sens on X: @BellevilleSens
Like the Belleville Sens on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BellevilleSens
Follow the Belleville Sens on Instagram: @BellevilleSens
Listen to the Belleville Sens on Mixlr: www.bellevillesens.mixlr.com