Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Belleville visits Laval for must-win weekend

Friday, April 10, 2026, vs. Laval Rocket (NHL Affiliate: Montreal Canadiens)

The Set Up

Time is of the essence as the Belleville Senators head to Laval for a big back-to-back set against the Rocket. After picking up split results in Rochester and Utica last weekend, the Senators find themselves in a tight race to keep their playoff hopes alive. Belleville now sits at 26-32-8-1 on the season with 61 points, chasing the final playoff spot currently held by the Rochester Americans, who lead the North Division with 71 points. The Amerks need just one more point to eliminate Belleville, so the Sens will have to earn all four this weekend and hope Rochester slides the rest of the way. The Rocket present a tough challenge for the Senators because while they are playoff-bound, Laval is still battling to maintain the top spot in the North Division for a potential home-ice advantage down the stretch. However, having dropped four of their last five games, the Rocket may be showing signs of fatigue as the regular season winds down, creating opportunities for Belleville in these pivotal matchups. The Senators could also get a chance to face former netminder Hunter Shepard, who was traded back in early March, along with forward Jake Chiasson. Shepard has appeared in two games so far for Laval, posting a 0-1-0 record along with a .909 save percentage and a 2.21 goals-against average. It’s a pivotal rivalry weekend for the Sens and Rocket, with just five games left to play.

Previous History

This season, the Senators are 3-4-1-0 against Laval, with their last meeting coming back on January 14th. That contest went in favour of Belleville by a score of 3-2 in overtime at Place Bell. Tyler Boucher and former Senator Jan Jenik scored in regulation to force overtime, where Lassi Thomson netted the game-winner. Mads Sogaard stopped 25 of 27 shots in the victory. Laval has outscored Belleville 30-25 this season, though the Senators hold a 51-40-4-4 advantage in the all-time series. This will be the second-last meeting between the two teams this season, with the finale coming tomorrow night at Place Bell for a 3:00 p.m. puck drop.

Roster Notes

Belleville made several roster moves prior to tonight’s game. On Sunday, defenceman Jorian Donovan was loaned back to Belleville from Ottawa after being recalled on Saturday. Defenceman Carter Yakemchuk was also loaned back to the AHL Sens on Wednesday, after having been with Ottawa since making his NHL debut on March 24th. Additionally, forward Landen Hookey was loaned to the Allen Americans (ECHL). Hookey appeared in 49 games for Belleville this season, registering five goals and 12 points. The Senators also added a new face to their lineup, signing Luke Mistelbacher to an amateur professional tryout for the remainder of this season, along with an AHL contract for the 2026–27 campaign. Mistelbacher wrapped up his WHL season with the Brandon Wheat Kings, recording 42 goals and 88 points in 67 games, along with three goals and four points in four playoff games. In some other good news on the injury front, forward Keean Washkurak is expected to return after missing the last few weeks out hurt. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Senators’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch

After a brief stint in the NHL, Carter Yakemchuk returns to Belleville with valuable experience under his belt. The 6-foot-3 blueliner from Fort McMurray, Alberta, appeared in four games with the Ottawa Senators, registering a goal and an assist, both coming in an impressive debut, while averaging 14:32 of ice time. Yakemchuk showcased his offensive tools effectively during his call-up, displaying confidence and an ability to contribute in key moments. Now back in the AHL, he’ll look to carry that momentum forward, using what he learned at the NHL level to continue developing his game as Belleville pushes for crucial points.

Though his offensive totals don’t always jump off the page, David Reinbacher continues to demonstrate why he’s regarded as one of the most dependable young defencemen in his class. In 55 games this season, the Austrian blueliner has recorded five goals and 19 assists for 24 points. Reinbacher’s game is built on a rock-solid defensive foundation; he matches speed well and consistently takes away time and space with efficiency. Touted as one of the top prospects in the Canadiens system, Reinbacher plays a steady, composed game and is difficult to beat both on the rush and around the net. If Belleville wants to generate offence, they will need to find ways to challenge and disrupt him early.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:45 p.m. with David Foot and Zach Staden, 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