Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Senators storm into Toronto for a Battle of Ontario back-to-back

Saturday, October 25, 2025 @ Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs)

The set-up:

With their first win of the season wrapped up and out of the way, the Belleville Senators can accomplish a couple of things with a victory this afternoon, as they begin a two-game back-to-back set in Toronto against the Marlies. First, they can continue to grow their team game and build on the best performance of the year so far, which came on Wednesday in a 6-2 victory against Laval. And they can avenge a close 2-1 overtime loss to their provincial rivals in their home opener at CAA Arena a week ago. To do that, they’ll need to stay as connected offensively as they were mid-week, and play the tight-checking, physical brand of Senators Hockey fans have come to expect, especially in a Battle of Ontario rivalry game.

Previous History:

The Sens and Marlies will play rounds two and three of their 10-game season series over the next two days. Toronto edged Belleville 2-1 in overtime a week ago, with rookie forward Borya Valis scoring both goals for the visitors. Oskar Pettersson was the Sens’ goalscorer in the season series opener. The overtime loss was Belleville’s first to Toronto in the 44 games the two teams have played on Sens’ home ice, and still leaves the Sens with a 41-35-4-6 advantage in their lifetime. Belleville is 21-16-3-2 at Coca-Cola Coliseum. After tomorrow’s matchup, the Sens and Marlies will clash again during Belleville’s School Day Game on Wednesday, November 19.

Roster Notes:

There was another goaltender switch for the Senators through the week. Leevi Merilainen was recalled to Ottawa and Mads Sogaard was returned to the AHL. That leaves Belleville with the solid tandem of Sogaard and Hunter Shepard for the weekend. Shepard hasn’t played since Belleville’s second game of the season at Lehigh Valley on October 12. Full lineup details available via the Senators social media feeds (@BellevilleSens) at the start of warm-up, about half an hour before puck drop.

Who to Watch:

The Senators have four players who have picked up points in consecutive games heading into this afternoon’s contest. Forward Xavier Bourgault has two goals and an assist, after counting twice against Laval on Wednesday (his 23rd birthday), while fellow forward Wyatt Bongiovanni and veteran blueliner Cam Crotty have scored in back-to-back games. Crotty shooting percentage of 66.3% (2/3) has him tied for the league lead in that category, while Bourgault is tops in the AHL with two shorthanded goals. Phil Daoust has assists in back-to-back games, and Stephen Halliday had two helpers on Wednesday. The sophomore forward is among the AHL’s assists leaders at the start of the day.

Veteran forward Vinni Lettieri paced the Marlies to a win against Utica last Sunday, picking up a goal and two assists, while defender William Villeneuve scored twice. Bo Groulx also had a multi-point game against the Comets last weekend, while rookie Borya Valis (who scored both goals against Belleville on October 18) and four shots on goal, but was held off the scoresheet.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 4:00 p.m. ET from Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario. Broadcast coverage begins at 3:50 p.m. ET with David Foot , and can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey or heard free on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network.

Ticket Info:

Tickets for the all Belleville Sens home games in the first half of the 2025-26 season 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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