Game Day Build-Up: Senators vs Marlies – December 30, 2021

Presented by Carpenters Union Local 397

The Set-Up:

It’s now been more than two weeks since the Belleville Senators last played a game and the team is itching to get back to action, following an extended holiday break, which included a period of COVID-19-related shutdown and isolation. The Senators will host the Toronto Marlies tonight to kick off a stretch of three straight games between the divisional rivals. Belleville has won two games in a row, picking up wins in Providence (4-1) and Bridgeport (3-2). Toronto, meanwhile, has lost three games in a row. Most recently a 4-2 loss at home to Syracuse on December 15, 2021.

Previous History:

Tonight’s meeting is the third of 12 between the Senators and Marlies this season, with Toronto picking up wins in the first two matchups, both by 5-2 score lines on October 29 and 30. Lifetime against the Marlies, the Sens are 22-18-2-2, with a 9-12-0-1 mark at CAA Arena.

Roster Notes:

Despite going through the recent COVID-19 shutdown, the Belleville Senators will put a strong lineup on the ice tonight, with the Sens top scorers all on the game sheet. Among the notable additions and subtractions, Rourke Chartier returns after missing the last 20 games due to an injury, while Clark Bishop is also back from a three-game layoff. Tyler Parks has been called up from ECHL Atlanta and is slated to start in goal. he’ll be backed up by Kevin Mandolese. Belleville’s scratches tonight include Philippe Daoust, Kam Kielly, Mitch Hoelscher, Chris Wilkie, Colby Williams, Tyrell Goulbourne, Cody Goloubef, Roby Jarventie, Mads Sogaard, Hugo Roy and Jonathan Aspirot.

Who to Watch:

Veteran forward Andrew Agozzino has been Belleville’s top goal-scorer in the AHL Battle of Ontario so far, notching a pair of goals, while Parker Kelly has assisted twice in the season series. Mark Kastelic and Jake Lucchini have chipped in with single goals, while Philippe Daoust and Egor Sokolov have both had helpers against Toronto this season.

For the Marlies, Josh Ho-Sang has performed the best offensively against Belleville, putting up three goals in two games. Rookie forward Alex Steeves has a trio of points (two goals, one assist) against the Senators this season, while defender Joseph Duszak has three assists.

Follow the action:

Tonight’s game starts at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be heard on the Belleville Sens official broadcast partner 800 AM CJBQ, with Jack Miller and 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.