Gabriel Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Sens battle Bruins again as Hockey Fights Cancer Weekend continues

Saturday, November 29, 2025 vs Providence Bruins (NHL Affiliate: Boston Bruins)

The set-up:

The Belleville Senators found out first-hand last night why the Providence Bruins are one of the top teams in the American Hockey League, and why they’ve still not lost a game away from home. The Sens hung in with the Bruins through the first period last night, but Providence would pull away and hold off a Senators comeback, despite Belleville goals from Lassi Thomson, Arthur Kaliyev and Xavier Bourgault, as well as 19 saves from Mads Sogaard. Head Coach Dave Bell told reporters postgame that he wants to see a better work ethic from his team in today’s rematch against Providence, as the Sens continue to battle for positioning in the North Division. Their gap to the top of the standings is now up to four points, while their lead over fifth-place Toronto has shrunk to two, with a visit from the Marlies looming this coming Wednesday.

Previous History:

After yesterday’s loss, Belleville’s lifetime record against Providence falls to 5-3-1-2, and 3-2-0-1 at home. Today’s matchup is the second of four between the B-Sens and P-Bruins, with Belleville making visits to Rhode Island in January and February.

Roster Notes:

The Ottawa Senators made another recall from Belleville yesterday, bringing defenceman Dennis Gilbert back up the National Hockey League. Gilbert had dressed in three games with Belleville and had assists in all three, since being acquired in a trade with Philadelphia that sent Max Guenette to the Flyers. Otherwise, Oskar Pettersson missed yesterday’s game due to illness, while Hunter Shepard, Matt Andonovski, and Tyler Boucher all still injured and listed as week-to-week. Full lineup details will be available via the Sens’ social channels (@BellevilleSens).

Who to Watch:

Arthur Kaliyev continues to be the hot hand for the Senators, recording five points over his last tree games, including a goal and an assist last night. Kaliyev is also among the AHL’s top scorers with 21 points (12 goals, nine assists) and is just three points back of Syracuse’s Jakob Pelletier, who leads the league. Phil Daoust’s 19 points also have him among the league leaders, while Stephen Halliday returned from the NHL last night and notched a couple of assists, giving him four over his last three games. Carter Yakemchuk continued to make himself stand out from the crowd of rookies in the AHL with another couple of assists last night. He’s tied for 5th in rookie scoring in the AHL.

Providence has four players who all have points in back-to-back games coming into tonight. They include Fabian Lysell (two goals, two assists), Patrick Brown (two goals, two assists), Dans Locmelis (two goals, two assists), and Christian Wolanin (six assists). Meanwhile, goaltender Simon Zajicek, who backed up Michael DiPietro last night, has earned three straight wins, stopping 92 of 98 shots he faced over that span.

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 on 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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