Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators and Rocket set to tangle for a New Year’s Eve showdown at CAA Arena

Wednesday, December 31, 2025 vs Laval Rocket (NHL Affiliate: Montreal Canadiens)

The Set-Up:

With the calendar set to turn to 2026 tonight, the Belleville Senators are just about at the halfway point of this American Hockey League season, playing 33 games and collecting 31 points, including two in a 7-0 shutout of the Utica Comets last Sunday. Those 31 points have the Sens sitting fifth in the North Division standings, tied with Cleveland just behind them, and eight points back of tonight’s opponent, the Laval Rocket, who sit first and have three games in hand. Since Belleville has played the most games in the North, the Sens will have to make the most of their head-to-head matchups and pry as many points as they can away from their divisional foes as the next stretch of the season begins. They’ll continue that effort this afternoon as they wave goodbye to 2025 with a matinee clash against the Rocket, who are aiming to solidify themselves as the North’s elite and keep everyone else chasing them into the new year.

Roster Notes:

Both Dennis Gilbert and Xavier Bourgault, who were recalled to Ottawa after the Boxing Day Classic last week, have both been returned to the AHL Sens. However, with Ottawa goaltender Linus Ullmark taking a leave of absence from the NHL club, Belleville’s Hunter Shepard has been recalled and is not available for this afternoon’s contest. No other transactions have been reported since Sunday’s win over Utica, with Tyler Boucher, Matt Andonovski, Carter Yakemchuk, and now Jake Chiasson on all on the injured list. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

Today’s game features a battle between the top two point-getters in the American Hockey League. Belleville’s Arthur Kaliyev is the AHL leader in goals (20), power play goals (11), and shots (119) and is second in points (33). He’s also on an eight game point streak (with five goals over that span) and was the first player in the AHL this season to reach the 20 goal plateau. Meanwhile, defender Lassi Thomson has five points (two goals, three assists) over a four game point streak. And, Olle Lycksell has three points (two goals, one assist) in his last two games.

The man Kaliyev is chasing for the AHL points lead is Rocket veteran Laurent Dauphin, who has collected 34 points (10 goals, 24 assists) in just 27 games played. 11 of those points (two goals, nine assists) have come in six previous games against Belleville this season. Dauphin is also on a lengthy, 14 game point streak (seven goals, 19 assists, 43 shots on net), and had two helpers in Laval’s 4-2 win against Syracuse at home last Sunday. Laval forward Joshua Roy is on a three-game streak with five points (two goals, three assists) and nine shots on net over that span.

At the rink:

It’s the Sens’ annual New Year’s Eve matinee at CAA Arena, including a mid-game kids’ New Year’s countdown and lots of other fun around the arena. Doors open at 2:00 p.m. Plus, it’s the last day to score some Boxing Week deals at the Locker Room Store, Gate 2 merchandise stand, or Belleville Sens online store, including 25% off replica jerseys and headwear, and Violent Gentlemen pullover jackets for only $75!

Follow the Action:

Puck drop this afternoon is set for 3:00 p.m. ET from CAA Arena in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 2:50 ET with David Foot and Brock Ormond, and is available on AHLTV via FloHockey or free to listen 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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