game day News Release Share this Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators ride momentum into crucial clash with Comets April 4, 2026 Saturday April 4, 2026, vs. Utica Comets (NHL Affiliate: New Jersey Devils) The Set Up After a big 5–2 win last night in Rochester, the Belleville Senators now have a Saturday night date with the Utica Comets, as they continue to fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. A dominant first period set the tone for Belleville as they swiped two points from the Amerks, who still hold the final playoff spot in the North Division. The Senators were led by a two-goal night from Xavier Bourgault, along with tallies from Garrett Pilon, Tomas Hamara, and Arthur Kaliyev. Jackson Parsons, in his first AHL start since early January, stopped 31 of 33 shots, carrying over his strong play from the ECHL to Belleville. The win brings the Senators to 61 points (26–31–8–1), moving them ahead of the Comets and within four points of Rochester. However, the second half of this back-to-back will not be easy, as Utica has been playing solid hockey as of late. Winners of three of their last four games against teams like Cleveland and Laval, the Comets come in with plenty of confidence to face an equally hungry Belleville squad looking to build on some momentum. Previous History The last time these two teams met was back on March 7th, an emphatic win for Belleville at CAA Arena. The 7-3 victory was highlighted by an impressive Belleville Senators debut from Graeme Clarke, who notched two goals and four points, while Olle Lycksell had an equally strong night with three assists for four points. Mads Sogaard backstopped the win, making 23 of 26 saves. The Senators are 4–4–0–0 against Utica this season and hold a 27–22–5–0 all-time record, looking to improve that mark tonight. This is the second-to-last meeting in the 10-game season series between the Sens and Comets, with the finale going on Wednesday, April 15, at CAA Arena which is Belleville’s next home game. Roster Notes There’s been one roster move for the Senators today, as defenceman Jorian Donovan was recalled back to Ottawa, where he played two games for the NHL Senators last week. He was called up again to bolster the Ottawa blue line in a matchup tonight with Minnesota at Canadian Tire Centre. Last night, two new faces and two familiar ones were slotted into the lineup. The new signees in Kevin Reidler and Hoyt Stanley dressed, with Stanley seeing some ice time and finishing as a plus-one. Reidler did not start but served as the backup. Meanwhile, Jackson Parsons made 31 saves in his return to Belleville, following a strong stretch with the ECHL’s Allen Americans since his last AHL start on January 10th. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Senators’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens). Who to Watch Though he has been held off the scoresheet at times this season, Tomas Hamara has started to show more confidence in his game as of late. In 47 games, the Prague, Czechia, native has recorded four goals and two assists for six points. The six-foot, left-handed defenceman has found a groove recently, scoring two goals in his last three games while looking noticeably more dynamic with increased ice time. With his growing confidence and ability to contribute from the back end, Hamara is a player to watch as he continues to build momentum at such an important time. Calen Addison has been a steady presence on the back end this season, contributing both offensively and in key situations. The 2018 second-round pick has recorded five goals and 26 points in 58 games, providing reliable production from the blue line. Recently, Addison has found another gear, riding a five-game point streak in which he has tallied two goals and five points. His play has helped anchor the defence during a stretch that has pushed the Comets back into playoff contention, making this matchup even more intriguing this evening. Follow the Action: Puck drop tonight is set for 6:00 p.m. ET from Adirondack Bank Center in Utica, New York. Broadcast coverage begins at 5:45 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
