game day Share this Game Day Build-Up: Belleville Sens begin crucial pair of home games against rival Rochester February 2, 2023 Presented by Carpenters Union Local 397 Feb.2/23 @ Rochester Americans (NHL Affiliate: Buffalo Sabres) The Set-Up: The Belleville Sens might have had a sweet start to 2023, winning the first three games of the calendar year, but January has left a bit of a sour taste in the mouth after Belleville finished the month by winning just one of their final eight games. That win came in overtime last Wednesday in Laval and was followed up by a pair of losses in Springfield, 5-1 on Friday night and 6-1 on Saturday. But the changing month brings an opportunity to start improving, and the Sens are hoping that improvement can start tonight as they welcome the Rochester Americans for the last two games before the American Hockey League takes its all-star break. Previous History: This will be the fifth meeting this season between the Sens and Amerks, with Belleville holding a 2-1-1-0 record. It’s only the second time, though, that Rochester has visited Belleville as they make their first appearance since the Sens picked up a 3-2 shootout win on November 12. Lifetime against the Amerks, the Sens are 16-10-4-0 in 30 meetings, with a 6-5-3-0 mark at CAA Arena. Roster Notes: Viktor Lodin will return to the lineup after missing Saturday’s game in Springfield following a blocked shot on Friday. Lodin had been on crutches and in a walking boot for a couple of days but received good news after getting X-rays done back in Belleville. He’s expected to play on a line alongside Cole Reinhardt and Roby Jarventie tonight. Jacob Larsson also returns to the blueline and Mads Søgaard to the crease after both were reassigned from the NHL this week. However, neither Ridly Greig nor Mark Kastelic, who was also sent back this week, will play. Troy Mann gave an update on plans for them in this week’s edition of Troy Talks. In other roster news, Antoine Bibeau is healthy again but won’t dress tonight and Cole Cassels has been added to the injured list. Kristians Rubins and Jack Dougherty are the other scratches for Belleville. Joe Carroll was also released from his professional tryout this week and has rejoined the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL. Injury Report: # Name Pos. Last Game Games Missed Timeline Notes 8 Jayce Hawryluk RW Jan.13/23 vs TOR 3 6-8 Weeks Foot 10 Philippe Daoust C Nov.23/22 @ UTC 24 Season Ending Shoulder 12 Cole Cassels C Jan.28/23 @ SPR — TBD Hand 20 Matt Wedman C Dec.31/22 @ UTC 10 Long Term Lower Body 47 Mark Kastelic C — — Day-to-Day Upper Who to Watch: With the offence sputtering of late, there are no Senators on significant point streaks coming into tonight. Kyle Betts and Matt Boucher chipped in with points in last Saturday’s loss, while defender Jacob Bernard-Docker finished the game with a +1 rating, despite the 6-1 scoreline. Sens fans will also be excited to see Roby Jarventie and Lassi Thomson tonight as they return to home ice for the first time since their respective injury breaks. Jarventie is still looking for his first shot on goal and point after failing to register either of those last weekend. Thomson had three shots on goal and a +1 rating through two games in Springfield. The Amerks boast a number of top prospects in their lineup, including Isaak Rosen and Jiri Kulich, who have each played eight games since representing their countries at the World Junior Hockey Championship. Rosen has two points (one goal, one assist) over that span, while Kulich has five points (one goal, four assists) since getting back from his silver medal performance with team Czechia. Kulich also had a pair of helpers in Rochester’s last game. Follow the action: Tonight’s game can be seen on AHL TV or heard live on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network. Pregame coverage starts at 6:45 p.m. (ET) with David Foot and Joel Vanderlaan. Ticket info: Tickets for all Belleville Sens home games are available via Ticketmaster or at the CAA Arena Box Office, with more information on group experiences, promotional packs and more available on the Belleville Sens website. — Visit the Belleville Sens website: www.bellevillesens.com Engage with the Belleville Sens on Twitter: @BellevilleSens Like the Belleville Sens on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BellevilleSens Follow the Belleville Sens on Instagram: @BellevilleSens Listen to the Belleville Sens on Mixlr: www.bellevillesens.mixlr.com
