Game Day Build-Up: Senators at Phantoms – December 15, 2021

Presented by Carpenters Union Local 397

The Set-Up:

After picking up wins in the first two games of their four-game road trip, the Belleville Senators head into Allentown, Pennsylvania on Wednesday night to take on the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. The Senators seem to be building some momentum as they approach the Christmas Break, winning six of their last 10 games and working back to the .500 mark with a record of 11 wins and 11 losses. The Phantoms, meanwhile, have struggled through most of the season, notching just five wins, but they’ve picked up victories in their last two contests. Despite the lack of success, Lehigh Valley boasts a roster with some proven scorers in the American Hockey League and a total of 22 Philadelphia Flyers prospects.

Previous History:

The Senators and Phantoms only meet have only met six times previously, with Belleville holding an even record of 3-3-0-0. Two of those wins have come at CAA Arena and just one of them at PPL Center. The conclusion of the two-game season series will be back in Belleville on March 26, 2022.

Roster Notes:

Head Coach Troy Mann will make two changes to the lineup from Sunday. With Roby Jarventie headed to Alberta to represent Finland at the World Junior Hockey Championship, Philippe Daoust will make his first appearance on the road trip. Meanwhile on the blue line, Michael Del Zotto will make his Belleville Sens Debut, after being sent down from NHL Ottawa. He’ll take the place of Xavier Bernard. Matt Murray is slated to get his second straight start in goal, backed up by Mads Sogaard who is working his way back from a minor upper body injury.

Who to Watch:

Rookie Senators forward Cedric Pare is starting to find his footing at the pro level and has notched six points in 16 AHL games, after putting up 191 points in 261 games in the QMJHL, playing alongside New York Rangers top prospect Alexis Lafreniere. Pare has scored in back-to-back games, including the game winner on Sunday afternoon. The 6’4’’, 212 pound forward from Levis Quebec is settling into his role as a power forward for Belleville.

The Phantoms offence is paced by a trio of proven American Hockey League veterans including 2019/20 AHL MVP Gerry Mayhew, whose 13 points (nine goals, four assists) has him tied for the team scoring lead, along with Garrett Wilson. Wilson has five goals and eight assists, adding to his career total of 227 points over 460 AHL games. The third piece of Lehigh Valley’s veteran leadership is Adam Clendening, who spent the past three seasons with the Cleveland Monsters. He has 10 points this season (three goals, seven assists) and 253 points over 389 career AHL games.

Follow the action:

Tonight’s game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET and can be heard on the Belleville Sens official broadcast partner 800 AM CJBQ, with David Foot (Broadcast time is 6:50 p.m.). The game can also be streamed live on AHL TV.

Don’t forget to download the Belleville Senators app before game time and follow the Sens social media (@BellevilleSens) for updates.

Ticket info:

Single game tickets for the 2021-22 Belleville Senators season are now on sale and can be purchased via Ticketmaster, by stopping by the CAA Arena Box Office. Season Ticket Memberships and Flex Packs are also available with more information available at bellevillesens.com.