game day News Release Share this Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Sens visit Amerks for key clash in Rochester April 3, 2026 Friday April 3, 2026, vs. Rochester Americans (NHL Affiliate: Buffalo Sabres) The Set Up In what’s essentially the biggest back-to-back set of the season, the Belleville Senators hit the road to New York State to take on the Rochester Americans tonight, and the Utica Comets tomorrow, as all three sides battle for playoff position. Last weekend, Belleville traded shutouts with the Manitoba Moose, allowing just one goal all weekend, which came on the power play on Saturday. Leevi Merilainen made 59 saves on 60 shots last weekend, showing his NHL-calibre form is returning and giving Belleville a chance to turn the tide. Though it was a valiant effort, the loss comes at a critical time with the standings shifting. Both Utica and Rochester added to their point totals, with the Comets jumping to sixth place at 60 points and the Americans padding their lead to 65, with two games in hand. Now, the Senators head into enemy territory looking to chip away at Rochester’s playoff position. The Amerks are 4-5-0-1 in their last ten games but have picked up points in three of their last five contests, putting pressure on the teams below them. The North Division swing begins tonight as Belleville looks to push the pace and make a statement in the Flower City. Previous History This will be the final meeting of the season between the Senators and Americans, with tonight marking the eighth contest. The last time the two sides met was back on February 4th, when Belleville earned a hard-fought 3–1 road victory. Goals came from Lassi Thomson, former Senator Jan Jeník, and Keean Washkurak, while Leevi Meriläinen stopped 21 of 22 shots. Belleville holds a 3-2-2-0 record in the season series and an all-time record of 30-19-7-1 against Rochester. Roster Notes There’s been another flurry of roster moves for the Senators in recent days. Sophomore defenceman Jorian Donovan was returned from Ottawa after playing his first two NHL games last week, and veteran blueliner Cam Crotty was recalled to the NHL and played his first game for his hometown club in Ottawa last night. The Senators also signed 2023 fourth-round draft pick, defenceman Hoyt Stanley, and 2022 fifth-round pick, goaltender Kevin Reidler to entry-level contracts for 2026-27, and amateur tryouts for the remainder of this season – assigning both to Belleville. The Senators also recalled goaltender Jackson Parsons from the club’s Texas-based ECHL affiliate, the Allen Americans. In terms of injuries, Keean Washkurak remains the only player on the injury reserve as he works his way back to game condition. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens). Who to Watch Garrett Pilon’s impact on Belleville goes beyond the scoresheet, as the captain continues to be a steadying presence during a critical push for the playoffs against the Rochester Americans. The 27-year-old has put up 28 points in 49 games this season, including seven goals, chipping in timely offence while handling key responsibilities in all situations. As the Senators gear up for an important back-to-back, Pilon’s experience and leadership will be essential, setting the tone for a group that needs composure and execution in a high-stakes stretch. Konsta Helenius has been a very consistent offensive driver this season, showcasing both playmaking ability and scoring touch. The Finnish forward has recorded 55 points in 54 games, including 19 goals, putting him just over a point-per-game pace. Recently, Helenius has caught fire, riding a five-game point streak in which he has tallied 10 points, highlighting his importance in this playoff push. With No. 91 heating up, the Americans will be leaning on him heavily to be a difference maker tonight. Follow the Action: Puck drop tonight is set for 7:05 p.m. ET from Blue Cross Arena in Rochester, New York. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. with David Foot and Tyler King, 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. Season seat memberships for the Belleville Sens’ 10th anniversary season in 2026-27 are also on sale now. Fans who purchase or renew their membership will be entered into the Belleville Senators ‘30 Days of Gifting’ contest featuring daily draws for great prizes like, a team signed jersey, game used memorabilia, or popcorn for a year! To mark your spot for the 10th season of Belleville Senators Hockey, you can click here to visit the 2026-27 Season Seat Renewals Page or email tickets@bellevillesens.com. — 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
