Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Battle of Ontario concludes on Indigenous Communities Night at CAA Arena

Saturday, January 10, 2026 @ Toronto Marlies (NHL Affiliate: Toronto Maple Leafs)

The Set-Up:

The American Hockey League’s 2025-26 Battle of Ontario is only lasting about half a season, as the Belleville Senators get set to play their final game against the rival Toronto Marlies at CAA Arena tonight. About a third of Belleville’s 36 games played so far have been against their provincial foes, including a 6-1 loss at Coca-Cola Coliseum last night, but they’ll only see each other again this season if they meet in the Calder Cup Playoffs. And, in order for that to happen, the Sens need to close the six-point gap between themselves and fifth-place Cleveland by making a second-half charge up the standings. They can start that charge tonight by dishing out some payback against a Toronto team that will continue to provide stiff competition, with the Marlies sitting just four points back of first-place Laval, after beating Belleville yesterday.

Roster Notes:

Along with, signing veteran netminder James Reimer to a professional tryout yesterday, the Ottawa Senators announced a trio of transactions this morning. In a goaltender swap, Mads Sogaard is being loaned back to Belleville, while Hunter Shepard is being recalled back to Ottawa. And, forward Stephen Halliday is being loaned to the AHL Senators and if he dresses tonight, will play for Belleville for the first time since November 30th vs Providence. Belleville also got forward Tyler Boucher back from a 16-game injury layoff yesterday, but added captain Garrett Pilon to the injured list. He joins fellow forward Jake Chiasson and defenceman Carter Yakemchuk, who are also hurt and won’t play tonight. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Previous History:

Yesterday’s loss puts Belleville’s record against Toronto this season at 4-3-2-0, and now 46-37-5-6 over their 95 lifetime meetings. Belleville is 23-20-1-4 in 48 meetings at home against Toronto since 2017/18. The Senators have outscored the Marlies 31-29 so far over the first nine games of the 2025-26 season series. Arthur Kaliyev has been Belleville’s biggest point producer against Toronto this season with nine points (four goals, five assists) in eight games, while Jacob Quillan has paced the Marlies’ attack in the season series, with 10 points (five goals, five assists), in eight games.

Who to Watch:

Belleville forward Xavier Bourgault had the only goal in Toronto last night, extending his point streak to three games (three goals, one assist). Arthur Kaliyev had four shots last night, but saw his point streak end at 10 games (six goals, seven assists). Kaliyev still leads the AHL in power-play goals (12) and shots on goal (137). He also sits second in AHL points overall (37) and second in goals (21).

Marlies forward Jacob Quillan made an emphatic return from the NHL Maple Leafs last night, notching four points, including a hat-trick. A couple of Toronto power forwards are on point streaks as well, with Mark Johnstone collecting points in four straight games (three goals, two assists), and Michael Pezzetta in three straight (one goal, two assists).

At the Rink:

A sellout crowd is expected for Indigenous Communities Night, so fans are encouraged to arrive early at CAA Arena; doors open at 6:00 p.m. The Senators’ specialty game-worn jersey auction is already live, and fans can also purchase souvenir or game-used pucks, and participate in a second-period Chuck-A-Puck, with funds raised going towards the Mohawk Language School on the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory, and the Little Native Hockey League. The Sens are also proud to be joined by anthem singer Natasha Fisher and members of the National Lacrosse League’s Ottawa Black Bears to help celebrate the occasion!

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from CAA Arena in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:50 ET with David Foot and Brock Ormond. Watch live on AHLTV via FloHockey or listen for free 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. 

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