Gabriel’s Pizza Gameday Build-Up: Belleville battles in Bridgeport to conclude season-opening trip

Saturday, October 12, 2025 @ Lehigh Valley Phantoms

The set-up:

It wasn’t the start to the season the Belleville Senators were looking for in 2025-26, but following a 5-2 loss in Allentown against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Saturday, the Sens have a chance to rebound Sunday afternoon in Bridgeport against the Islanders. The bright spot, after trailing 4-0 after two periods on Friday, was that they showed their competitive spirit, fighting back with goals from returnees Keean Washkurak and Xavier Bourgault (on a shorthanded play), and outshooting the Phantoms 29-20. This afternoon, they’ll take on a Bridgeport team that’s trying to flip its fortunes after a league-worst record in 2025-26. They were edged 3-2 in overtime at home to Providence on Saturday.

Previous History:

Belleville was a perfect 4-0-0-0 against Bridgeport in 2024-25, including a 2-0 shutout and 3-2 win at Total Mortgage Arena last November and December, followed by back-to-back 6-1 home wins at CAA Arena last March. Lifetime against the Islanders, the Belleville Sens are 9-7-0-0, and an even 4-4-0-0 on the road in Bridgeport.

Roster Notes:

While no lineup news has been confirmed, a quick turnaround could lead to some changes, including in goal, where Hunter Shepard is potentially in line for his Belleville Sens debut. Head Coach Dave Bell may also choose to rotate in some of his younger players, like sophomore defenceman Djibril Toure, or rookies Landon Hookey and Matt Andonovski. The latter two players would be making their American Hockey League and professional debuts should they dress. Full lineup details will be available via the Senators social media feeds (@BellevilleSens) at the start of warm-up, about half an hour before puck drop.

Who to Watch:

Sentors forward Xavier Bourgault scored on opening night for the second consecutive season, notching a shorthanded goal in the third period on Saturday. The L’Islet, Quebec native, and former first-round draft pick to the Edmonton Oilers, is looking to find his offensive stride this season after collecting 26 points (12 goals, 14 assists) in 61 games for Belleville in 2024-25. Gritty forward Keean Washkurak also tallied for the Sens on Saturday and will continue to provide a spark for Belleville through his two-way play.

It’ll be a familiar face for Senators fans to keep an eye on tonight. Forward Matthew Highmore, who spent the past two seasons with the Senators, signed a one-year, two-way National Hockey League deal with the New York Islanders this season and was reassigned to Bridgeport. The 29-year-old from Halifax, Nova Scotia, collected 41 points (11 goals, 30 assists) in 61 career games in Belleville, and eight points (two goals, six assists) in 48 games with the NHL Sens in Ottawa. He’ll add some speed and another scoring option up front for Bridgeport this afternoon.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 3:00 p.m. ET from Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Broadcast coverage begins at 2:50 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 Belleville Senators home opener on Saturday, October 18, 2025 against the Toronto Marlies (AHL affiliate of the Toronto Maple Leafs) and all 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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