Game Day Build-Up: Senators begin final stretch to Christmas Break with visit to Laval

Belleville Senators Game Day Build-Up
Dec.20/24 @ Laval Rocket (NHL affiliate: Montreal Canadiens)

The Set Up:

The countdown to Christmas is down to just two games and the Belleville Senators will aim to shake off a tough weekend at home last week, with a back-to-back set of games that begins tonight in Laval, against the Rocket and finishes tomorrow at home to the Springfield Thunderbirds. Belleville’s pair of losses to Rochester last weekend were among their worst of the season, but once again, not an example of how the Senators have played through the majority of the first 22 games of the campaign. The goal in Laval tonight is to find the form they had at the start of the month and pick up another win in one of the toughest buildings in the American Hockey League. A victory would also keep points away from one of the North Division’s top teams, which’s also hit a bit of a speed bump of late, with only four wins in their last 10 games.

Previous History: 

Tonight’s matchup marks the midway point in the 10-game season series between Belleville and Laval, with the Senators holding a record of 2-1-0-1 against the Rocket this season. This is just the Sens’ second trip to “La Belle Province” this season, though, as they earned a 4-2 win back on November 22nd at Place Bell. Lifetime against Laval, Belleville is 46-33-2-5 over 86 contests, with a mark of 22-19-1-0 in 42 road games.

Roster Notes:

There has been a flurry of transactions since the Senators faced Rochester at home last Saturday. Since then, Forward Cole Reinhardt, and goaltender Leevi Merilainen were both called up to NHL Ottawa, while defender Djibril Toure was returned to ECHL Orlando. Belleville hasn’t made any corresponding roster moves or call-ups, but Head Coach Dave Bell said this week that both Jan Jenik and Hayden Hodgson are available to see action this weekend. Jamieson Rees remains on the club’s injured list heading into the weekend.  Click here for a full list of up-to-date transactions. Full lineup details will be available via the B-Sens social channels (@bellevillesens) before the game.

Who to Watch:

Despite Belleville’s struggles last week, one player continues to be a picture of consistency, as forward Stephen Halliday extended his points streak to eight games (three goals, seven assists). Seen primarily as a passer, the former Ohio State University Buckeye is finding a penchant for shooting as well and is developing into an offensive double-threat. Meanwhile, defenceman Max Guenette played in his 200^th career AHL games last weekend and, the Quebec-native could become the first Belleville player to reach the 100 point plateau if he notches one tonight.

For the Rocket, rookie forward (and former Quinte Red Devils product) Owen Beck leads the team in scoring with 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) in 26 games of his first full American Hockey League season. But, it was another fellow rookie stealing the show in Laval’s win at Bridgeport last weekend. Forward Florian Xhekaj (younger brother of Montreal defender Arber Xhekaj) had five points last Sunday, scoring a hat-trick, adding a pair of helpers, and four shots on goal.

Follow the Action:

Puck drop tonight is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Place Bell in Laval, QC. Broadcast coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. ET with David Foot and can be seen on AHLTV on FloHockey, or heard free on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network.

Ticket Info:

Tickets for all remaining 2024-25 Belleville Sens home games are now on sale via Ticketmaster, or by emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com. Hours for the Belleville Sens Box Office at CAA Arena are available here.

Fans looking to get a head start on locking up tickets for any game on the schedule can do so now by becoming a season seat member, purchasing a flex pack membership, or by booking a group experience.

More information on those ticket options, plus details on premium seating and Business Elite packages is available by visiting the Belleville Sens website or emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com.

About the Belleville Senators

The Belleville Senators are the American Hockey League affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Ottawa Senators and have been operating in the AHL since the 2017-18 season. The Senators play their home games out of the CAA Arena at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre and have graduated more than 60 players to the NHL since moving from Binghamton, New York.

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