Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Belleville looks to end road trip on a high note versus Phantoms

Sunday, October 25, 2026, vs. Lehigh Valley Phantoms (NHL Affiliate: Philadelphia Flyers)

The Set-Up

After a loss to the Hershey Bears last night, the Belleville Senators are looking to bounce back and finish off their three-game weekend set against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Falling 5-2 last night, the Senators’ early goals from Philippe Daoust and Phil Tomasino were not enough to get past the Bears. Belleville now sits at 4-3-2-0 on the year, with 10 points in the North Division. Following the game, head coach Andrew Campbell mentioned that the Senators would need to be hungrier as they play their third game in as many days. “We gotta be a lot hungrier, a lot faster. We were second to a lot races and battles. It’s a three in three scenario again, Lehigh is not in the same position. The schedule is the schedule so we have to find a way to dig deep and muster as much energy as we can between now and then”. Now, the BSens are hoping to put last night’s loss behind them as they travel to Allentown, Pennsylvania, for a battle against the Phantoms. After winning three games in a row, Lehigh Valley is coming off a 7-2 loss at home against the Syracuse Crunch last night, with Zayde Wisdom and Alex Ciernik scoring the team’s only goals. The Phantoms are still searching for their first home win of the season, sporting a 0-3-1-0 record while also sporting the second-most penalty minutes in the league so far, at 187, something the Senators will need to take advantage of on short rest. It will be another tough test for Belleville as the team looks to pick up two more points and close out the road trip on a positive note.

Previous History

Belleville is hoping to turn the tide against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms after going 0-2-0-0 in last season’s series. The most recent meeting came on January 3rd in Belleville, when the Senators fell 3-1, with the lone goal coming from former BSen Arthur Kaliyev. Belleville holds a 7-8-1-0 all-time record against Lehigh Valley, including a 2-5-1-0 record at PPL Center.

Roster Notes

As of this morning, there are no new roster moves. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop through the team’s social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch

Continuing his push for a contract, Shane Bowers is hoping to extend his point streak to four games as Belleville wraps up their road trip. The 27-year-old forward has made an early impact with the Senators, recording three goals and three assists through his first eight games. Originally selected by the Senators in 2017, Bowers brings valuable professional experience, having spent multiple seasons in the AHL with Colorado, Providence, Utica and San Jose. The Boston University product has fit right into the Senators’ lineup, using his deception to create plays and generate offensive opportunities. Watch for number 51 as he looks to keep producing for Belleville in what will require a full-team effort this afternoon.

Ty Murchison has emerged as an important young presence on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms’ blue line, combining physicality with offensive contributions early in the season. The 23-year-old defenceman has recorded four assists through his first seven games, already nearing his point total from last season in the AHL. Standing at 6-foot-2, Murchison uses his size and skating ability to close gaps, win puck battles and make life difficult for opposing forwards. After having his season shortened by injury last year, Murchison is looking to build on that experience and establish himself as a dependable two-way defenceman. With Murchison on a four-game point streak, he will be one to watch as the Phantoms look to close out the weekend with a win.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 3:05 p.m. ET from PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Broadcast coverage begins at 2:50 p.m. with David Foot which can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey.

Once again, the full 2026-27 Belleville Senators schedule is available by clicking here.

More information on season seat memberships, Sens on Demand ticketing, premium seating, the Business Edge program, and more can be found by visiting the Belleville Sens Website.