Game Day Build-Up: Belleville Sens open preseason at home to Toronto

Presented by Carpenters Union Local 397

The Set-Up:

It’s been about five months since a competitive game was played at CAA Arena, but the action returns tonight, as the Belleville Senators play their first of two preseason games this weekend. The Sens will host the Toronto Marlies, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m.  While some of the young Sens have had preseason reps together during the Rookie Showcase, or Ottawa’s training camp, this will be their first time in game-action wearing the Belleville ‘B’ in 2022-23. It’s also the first chance for Head Coach Troy Mann to evaluate the players who are in training camp on tryout offers, to see how he can best bolster his club’s depth through the regular season.

Previous History:

Belleville’s record in last year’s regular season was an even 6-6-0-0 against Toronto, though Belleville’s 5-2 win on April 30, 2022, was the most important in the season series, keeping the Marlies out of the playoffs. This will be the only meeting between the Battle of Ontario rivals in the American Hockey League preseason.

Roster Notes:

Tonight’s Belleville lineup won’t be too far off from what fans can expect to see on opening night next week. Roby Jarventie will centre the B-Sens top line, alongside Egor Sokolov who is looking to have a breakout season and Angus Crookshank, who has been impressive through Rookie Showcase and Ottawa training camp, after missing all last season due to injury. Quinte Red Devils graduate Ben Roger will also make his B-Sens debut, as one of nine players in the Sens lineup tonight trying to make an impression and crack the opening day roster.

Who to Watch:

After winning a silver medal at the 2022 World Junior Hockey Championship this past summer, Senators forward Roby Jarventie will be looking to bring that momentum into his third American Hockey League campaign. The 20 year-old from Tampere, Finland had 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists) in 70 games for Belleville last season, in his first full season in North America.

For Toronto, 22 year-old winger Orrin Centazzo is looking to make an impact at the AHL level. The native of Marwayne, Alberta put up 51 points (28 goals, 23 assists) in 51 games with the ECHL Newfoundland Growlers last season. He also had 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 18 Kelly Cup Playoff games with Newfoundland in 2021-22.

Follow the action:

The Senators will be running a test of the new Belleville Sens Entertainment Network for tonight’s game, with a free audio stream available by clicking here. Coverage will start at 6:55 p.m. with David Foot and Joel Vanderlaan.

Ticket info:

Tickets for all games in the preseason series, including tonight against Toronto, the game tomorrow afternoon between Toronto and Laval, and Sunday’s Belleville vs Laval contest, are available via Ticketmaster or at the CAA Arena Box Office. Belleville Sens Season Seat Members already have tickets to all three games.

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