game day Share this Game Day Build-Up: Senators look for repeat performance in Bridgeport December 1, 2024 Belleville Senators Game Day Build-Up Dec.1/24 @ Bridgeport Islanders (NHL Affiliate: New York Islanders) The Set Up: The Belleville Senators are headed into December in high spirits after a solid shutout win over the Bridgeport Islanders Saturday to continue their five-game road swing. Leevi Merilainen made a marvellous return from injury, stopping 28 shots to earn his third career shutout, while Wyatt Bongiovanni and Zac MacEwen tallied, helping Belleville hit the 20-point mark and improving their road record to a near league-best 4-1-0-1. This afternoon, they’ve got a chance to repeat Saturday’s success with another Battle in Bridgeport against an Islanders team that may show some desperation after suffering another disappointing defeat on home ice. Previous History: This afternoon’s contest is the second of four meetings between Belleville and Bridgeport this season, with the Islanders returning the favour and visiting the Sens for a pair of games in March 2025. Belleville’s win on Saturday gets them one more victory away from evening the lifetime season series between the two clubs, with the Sens at 6-7-0-0. Belleville is now 3-4-0-0 lifetime at Total Mortage Arena after Saturday’s win. Roster Notes: The only roster move since Donovan Sebrango’s recent recall to the NHL came Saturday when the Senators signed Forward Brayden Low to a Professional Tryout, and the 30-year-old made his American Hockey League debut last night. The Richmond, BC native has played more than 380 games in the ECHL and has 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 19 games with the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears this season. Along with Sebrango, forwards Cole Reinhardt and Zack Ostapchuk are both with the NHL Senators as well, as they continue their swing through California. A full list of up-to-date transactions can be found by clicking here, with full lineup details available via the B-Sens social channels (@bellevillesens) before the game. Who to Watch: Belleville forward Wyatt Bongiovanni has been a difference-maker for Belleville since recovering from a preseason injury. The second-year Senator scored Belleville’s game-winning goal on Saturday, and the club has a record of 3-0-0-0 when the Michigan native collects at least a point. Along with his goal yesterday, Bongiovanni had nine shots on the net. Zack MacEwen has also made his presence felt since joining the Belleville Sens from Ottawa, scoring a highlight reel goal yesterday, along with seven shots. Forwards Angus Crookshank (one goal, one assist) and Stephen Halliday (two assists) each have points in the first two games of the road trip so far. For Bridgeport, veteran forward Chris Terry is among the league leaders in assists, with 14 through 19 games. The 35-year-old, four-time American Hockey League All-Star is playing in his 15th season in the league and is 14 games shy of 1,000 between the AHL and NHL. Fellow forward Brian Pinho is among the AHL leaders in goals (11) and points (17). Follow the Action: Puck drop tonight is set for 3:00 p.m. from Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Broadcast coverage begins at 2:50 p.m. with David Foot and can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey, or heard free on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network. Ticket Info: Tickets for all remaining 2024-25 Belleville Sens home games are now on sale via Ticketmaster, or by emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com. Hours for the Belleville Sens Box Office at CAA Arena are available here. Fans looking to get a head start on locking up tickets for any game on the schedule can do so now by becoming a season seat member, purchasing a flex pack membership, or by booking a group experience. More information on those ticket options, plus details on premium seating and Business Elite packages is available by visiting the Belleville Sens website or emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com. About the Belleville Senators The Belleville Senators are the American Hockey League affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators and have been operating in the AHL since the 2017-18 season. The Senators play their home games out of the CAA Arena at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre and have graduated more than 60 players to the NHL since moving from Binghamton, New York. — Visit the Belleville Sens website: www.bellevillesens.com Engage with the Belleville Sens on Twitter: @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 Watch the Belleville Sens on AHLTV on FloHockey: www.watchtheahl.com
