Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators look to continue point streak versus Utica at CTC

Sunday January 18, 2026 vs Utica Comets (NHL Affiliate: New Jersey Devils)

The Step up: 

With seven points in their last four games, the Belleville Senators are trending upward midway through January. Picking up a revenge win against the Rochester Americans on Friday night in a 5–4 overtime thriller, Belleville now sits just one point back of Cleveland for the final playoff spot in the North and six points back of second place, with about 30 games to play. Though it is an exciting thought, the Senators have their sights set on a new challenge: the Utica Comets. These two division rivals have not met since December 28, when Belleville earned a dominant 7–0 win that included an Oskar Pettersson hat trick and a shutout by Mads Sogaard. It has been a sticky season for Utica, sitting last in the North and second-last in the league. However, they have posted a 5-3-1-1 record over their last 10 games, showing some consistency. With the Senators making their annual trek to the Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata, home of the parent Ottawa Senators, it should be an exciting matchup, as the Sens try to reassert themselves in the North before playing their seven games on the road, returning to CAA Arena on February 7th.

Roster Notes: 

On the roster front, there was only one change, as goaltender Jackson Parsons was assigned to the Allen Americans (ECHL) on Saturday, leaving a goaltending tandem of Mads Sogaard and Hunter Shepard. As of this morning, the Senators injured list still incliudes defenceman Carter Yakemchuk and forwards Jake Chiasson and Garrett Pilon continue to work their way back from injury. Full roster and lineup details will be available closer to puck drop on the Sens’ social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Previous History: 

This is the fourth meeting out of ten between these two division rivals and the Senators’ second home game against them. The Handshake City has not had the greatest luck against Belleville recently or historically. This season, the series sits at 2-1-0-0 in favour of the Senators, with a goal differential of 11–6 for Belleville. The Sens are 15-11-5-0 over the last five seasons and were 4-2-2-0 last year against the Comets. While we are still in the front half of the battle between the two North opponents, the final matchup will come on April 15th at CAA Arena.

Who to Watch: 

Since returning from his 16-game absence due to injury, Tyler Boucher has been very noticeable on and off the puck. The 23-year-old, in his four-game return, is now a point-per-game player with two goals and two assists. In Laval, Boucher was all over the ice, recording a goal and an assist to lift the Senators over the division-leading Rocket, 3–2. In that same game, Mads Sogaard also shone, stopping 25 of 27 shots in the win. His brilliance extends beyond just Wednesday night. In his last four starts, Sogaard has earned a shutout, posted a .929 save percentage, a 2.28 goals-against average, and a 2-2-0 record. The Danish netminder continues to stand tall in big moments, which will be crucial in the back half of the AHL season.

For Utica, the last seven games have been very eventful for Minnesota native Brian Halonen. Tallying six goals, eight points, and 21 shots over that span, Halonen has been a consistent presence when inserted into the lineup. With 14 points in 18 games this season, he has contributed to the Comets’ most successful stretch and will look to keep that momentum going on Sunday.

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 p.m. with David Foot and Brock Ormond and can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey,  with a free-to-listen option available 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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