game day Share this Game Day Build-Up: Belleville Sens renew rivalry with Rochester to start the week October 19, 2022 Oct.19/22 @ Rochester Americans Presented by Carpenters Union Local 397 The Set-Up: With two games down in the 2022-23 American Hockey League season, the Belleville Senators find themselves in pretty good shape to start the year, to say the least. Not only are the Sens 2-0 to start the campaign (following back-to-back wins over the Laval Rocket), but their 12 goals-for have them ranked second in the AHL behind just the Ontario Reign, who have scored 15 and played one more game. Belleville will look to keep that trend alive and try to officially start the first winning streak of the season when they visit the Rochester Americans (Buffalo Sabres) tonight at Blue Cross Arena. The Amerks, meanwhile, are coming off of a season-opening split against the Toronto Marlies (4-2 at home and 3-1 at Coca-Cola Coliseum) and are trying to re-build some momentum after making a trip to the third round of last season’s Calder Cup Playoffs and being eliminated by the Rocket. Previous History: The last time the Senators faced the Amerks was Game 2 of their first round Calder Cup Playoff series last season, with Rochester picking up a second consecutive 4-3 overtime win, to knock Belleville out of the postseason. And, while Rochester had the post-season success against Belleville, it was the Senators who had controlled the 21/22 season series, compiling a record of 5-2-1-0. Lifetime against the Amerks in the regular season, the B-Sens are 14-9-3-0, with a 9-4-0-0 record here at the Blue Cross Arena. Roster Notes: There are two significant changes to Belleville’s roster tonight, compared to last weekend’s win over Laval. Matt Wedman will make his season debut, after recovering from an injury suffered in training camp, while ECHL call-up Tyler Hinam will make his American Hockey League debut on Belleville’s fourth line. He was called up from the Maine Mariners, with power forward Scott Sabourin at home with his family in Ottawa, following the birth of his second child this week. Kevin Mandolese will make his first start in goal. Despite playing about 55 minutes in the season opener after Mads Sogaard was hurt and left the game. Sogaard and Ridly Grieg are both still injured and are listed as day-to-day, with defencemen Xavier Bernard and Zach Massicotte out as healthy scratches. Who to Watch: Belleville’s reigning leading scorer and MVP, Jake Lucchini is off to an excellent start this season. The Trail, BC native has three points (one goal, two assists) through Belleville’s first two games and will look to work himself into the offence again tonight. For the Amerks, Rookie forward Isak Rosen has also made his presence felt through two games. Buffalo’s first round pick in 2021 (14th overall) has scored once and added a helper, after joining the club from Leksand of the Swedish pro league, where he has played most of his career from junior, up to pro. Follow the action: You can watch tonight’s game on AHL TV, with audio coverage available via the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network and TSN 1200 radio in Ottawa. David Foot will have the call, with pregame coverage starting at 6:45 p.m. — 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
