game day Share this Game Day Build-Up: Belleville Sens kick off 2024 with weekend in Winnipeg January 6, 2024 Belleville Sens Game Day Build-Up Jan.6/24 @ Manitoba Moose (NHL Affiliate: Winnipeg Jets) The Set-Up: The Belleville Senators (14-11-2-2) are looking to head into the first week of 2024 the same way they finished 2023, by earning another victory and extending their season-high four-game win streak. They’ll try to do that this afternoon, as they play their first of two games this weekend on the road at Canada Life Centre, against the Manitoba Moose (12-15-0-0). Three of Belleville’s wins on this four-game streak came against the Toronto Marlies, including a 3-2 comeback win in Toronto a week ago, finished off by a Cole Reinhardt winner and solidified by a strong performance in goal by Kevin Mandolese. It’s Belleville’s fifth of nine in a row against Canadian opponents and the second of the season against the Moose, who are coming off a loss to Texas on New Year’s Eve. Previous History: This is the second meeting of the season between Belleville and Manitoba, with two more to come in the season series. The Moose earned a 3-2 win over the Senators at CAA Arena back on November 17, with Jiri Smejkal scoring twice in the loss. Lifetime against the Moose, Belleville is 13-14-4-0, with a 6-5-3-0 record in Winnipeg. Roster Notes: It’s been a transaction-free week for the Belleville Sens, with Jiri Smejkal and Angus Crookshank still with the NHL parent club. However, Sens captain Dillon Heatherington is back in the lineup, after representing Canada at the Spengler Cup. And, Brennan Saulnier has been removed from the injured list after being hurt on November 8 vs Syracuse and missing the last 20 games. Full lineup details, including today’s alignment, will be available prior to puck drop. Who to Watch: Roby Jarventie continues to be the hottest hand for Belleville, finding the net in four straight games and earning at least a point in six straight (five goals, four assists) while operating on a point-per-game pace. Egor Sokolov has been hot of late as well, picking up points in four straight games (one goal, four assists), while defenceman Tyler Kleven has points in back-to-back contests (three assists). In the crease, Kevin Mandolese has also earned a win in each of his last three appearances. Fifth-year Moose forward Jeff Mallott has been leading the offensive charge for Manitoba, picking up points n six consecutive games (one goal, five assists). Rookie forward Nikita Chibrukov is on a four-game point streak (one goal, three assists), while sixth-year forward Kyle Capobianco has points in three games in a row (one goal, two assists). Manitoba’s roster also includes Winnipeg first-round picks Brad Lambert (30th overall in 2022) and Chaz Lucius (18th overall in 2021) who are both among Manitoba’s top 10 scorers. Ticket info: Tickets for all Belleville Sens home games for the remainder of the 2023-24 season are now on sale online, via Ticketmaster or the Belleville Sens Ticket Hub, by visiting the Belleville Sens Box Office at the Quinte Sports & Wellness Centre, or by emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com. Box Office hours are available by clicking here. Fans can also click the following links for more information on season seat memberships, flex packs, group experiences or Business Elite memberships, or send an email to tickets@bellevillesens.com. Follow the action: Today’s game starts at 3:00 p.m. (ET) and can be seen on AHL TV and heard on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network. Pregame coverage from the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, begins at 2:50 p.m. (ET) with David Foot and Jacob Stoller. The full 2023-24 Belleville Senators regular season schedule can be found by clicking here. — Visit the Belleville Sens website: www.bellevillesens.com Engage with the Belleville Sens on X: @BellevilleSens Like the Belleville Sens on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BellevilleSens Follow the Belleville Sens on Instagram: @BellevilleSens
