game day Share this Game Day Build-Up: Senators visit Marlies to open brief 2023-24 preseason schedule October 6, 2023 Belleville Sens Game Day Build-Up Oct.6/23 @ Toronto Marlies (NHL Affiliate: Toronto Maple Leafs) The Set-Up: Following four days of training camp practices at CAA Arena, the Belleville Senators hit the road to Toronto this afternoon, to begin their short preseason schedule against the Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs). It’s the first of two exhibition contests ahead of the American Hockey League’s regular season, which begins for Belleville on October 14. This will be the first opportunity for Sens Head Coach Dave Bell and staff to evaluate their player pool in game action, and the first chance for players to try and make an impression, as they look to confirm their spot on the opening night roster. Previous History: The AHL “Battle of Ontario” didn’t go well for the Sens in 2022-23, with Belleville posting a 4-7-0-1 record. In their final game of the season, the Sens dropped a 7-2 decision here at Coca-Cola Coliseum. However, Belleville has been quite successful in Toronto over the past five seasons, posting a 16-9-2-0 record. Roster Notes: Head Coach Dave Bell will dress eight returning players this afternoon, including forwards Angus Crookshank, Egor Sokolov, Cole Reinhardt, Brennan Saulnier and Graham McPhee, as well as defender Jacob Bernard-Docker and goaltenders Leevi Merilainen and Kevin Mandolese. The lineup also features 12 newcomers, including the likes of forwards Zack Ostapchuk, Matthew Highmore, Josh Currie, Garrett Pilon and Tarun Fizer, and defencemen Ryan MacKinnon, Donovan Sebrango, and Djibril Toure. Who to Watch: Many Sens fans will be intrigued to see how forward Egor Sokolov responds to being returned from NHL training camp earlier this week. The Belleville Sens all-time leading goal scorer was one of the bubble players in Ottawa and will need to put together a strong start to the American Hockey League season, in hopes of earning another call-up. Defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker is in a similar position, after being thought of as a favourite to crack Ottawa’s opening night roster. He was returned to Belleville this week as well, after clearing waivers and will likely have a chip on his shoulder to start the season. Follow the action: Today’s game is closed to fans and can only be heard exclusively on the Belleville Sens Entertainment Network. Coverage from Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Ontario, begins at 1:55 p.m. (ET) with David Foot. Ticket info: Tickets for all Belleville Sens home games through January 20, 2024, are now on sale online via the Belleville Sens Ticket Hub, or by emailing tickets@bellevillesens.com. Tickets for the second half of the season will be available for purchase beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday November 20, 2023, with information on hours for the Belleville Sens Box Office at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre, to be released later. Fans looking to buy second half tickets can secure those seats now, by purchasing season seat memberships, flex packs, group experiences or Business Elite memberships. Further information on the Belleville Sens promotional schedule, special events and more, are set to be released in the coming weeks. 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 Twitter: @BellevilleSens Like the Belleville Sens on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BellevilleSens Follow the Belleville Sens on Instagram: @BellevilleSens Listen to the Belleville Sens on Mixlr: www.bellevillesens.mixlr.com
