Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators look to bounce back versus Americans

Sunday, October 4, 2026, vs. Rochester Americans (NHL Affiliate: Buffalo Sabres)

The Set Up

Coming off a 5-2 loss to the Hammers in their home opener, Belleville will look to turn the tides as the Rochester Americans come to town for an afternoon affair inside CIBC Place. Xavier Bourgault started things off for the Senators in Friday’s matchup, scoring in his third straight home opener, while Shane Bowers also lit the lamp in his BSens debut. Eskild Bakke Olsen secured his first AHL and BSens point, while Tyler Boucher also picked up a helper. However, a Mitchell Chaffee hat trick, along with some big saves from goaltender Vitek Vanecek, helped propel Hamilton to their first win in franchise history, pushing Belleville to an 0-1-0-0 start. Postgame, Head Coach Andrew Campbell said that discipline is going to be important after the Senators took seven penalties. “They have good players over there that make good plays, so we have to be more disciplined. The poor penalties at inopportune times will come back and teams will find a way to score on those, so we need to be better in that area.” Now the Senators face off against the Americans who come into Sunday with an eager mentality after a 3-1 win against the Marlies in their season opener. Matthew Villalta had a standout performance, stopping 35 of 36 shots on Friday night. Today’s meeting will be the first of six between the Senators and the Americans, as both sides look to establish some footing in what will be a tough North Division this season. The game gets underway at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon.

Previous History

Looking back to last season, these two sides had their fair share of battles. Last year, Belleville did have the advantage over Rochester, posting a 4-2-2-0 record, a winning feeling that the Sens would like to continue. The last meeting came back on April 3rd, 2026, when the Senators won 5-2 on the road, with Xavier Bourgault doubling up on the goal-scoring side, while Philippe Daoust recorded two assists in the victory. All-time, Belleville is 31-19-7-1 versus the Americans as they will try to improve on what has been a successful stretch against their North Division opponent.

Roster Notes

The Senators got some last-minute blueline reinforcements on Friday, with rookie defenceman Hoyt Stanley returning to the AHL and dressing in Belleville’s home opener. With Ottawa defenceman Jake Sanderson leaving their NHL season opener in Toronto last night, and the parent club playing in Boston tomorrow, there could be some movement again today. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Senators’ social media channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch

A new addition to the Senators’ back end this offseason, Christian Kyrou is a dynamic defenceman looking to make some waves. The 23-year-old right-shot blueliner brings a new feel to the Senators’ defence after signing an NHL deal with the Senators as a free agent this summer. Kyrou spent last season split between the Texas Stars and Lehigh Valley Phantoms, putting together a solid campaign with 10 goals and 34 points in 55 AHL games. Now entering a new chapter with the Senators organization, Kyrou gives Belleville another mobile defenceman who can contribute offensively and move the puck up the ice. While Kyrou only played twice against the Amerks last year, he put together two points in two games, including a goal. The Toronto, Ontario, native is one to watch tonight as he hopes to make an impact on Belleville’s defensive core.

Riley Fiddler-Schultz enters tonight as a forward to watch after taking a major step offensively last season. The Edmonton, Alberta, native recorded 37 points in 62 games with the Rochester Americans in 2025-26, including a career-high 21 goals and his first AHL hat trick. Fiddler-Schultz carried that momentum into Rochester’s season opener, scoring a power-play goal in the Americans’ 3-1 win over the Toronto Marlies. The 24-year-old has developed into a reliable offensive contributor after having the Senators’ number last season, recording four goals and seven points through seven contests. With Fiddler-Schultz coming off his first 20-plus-goal AHL campaign and already finding the back of the net this season, the Senators will need to keep an eye on number twelve whenever he’s on the ice.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 3:00 p.m. ET from CIBC Place in Belleville, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 2:45 p.m. with David Foot and Zach McGibbon, and 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.