The CHL on Sportsnet features an OHL Eastern Conference match-up pitting the Niagara IceDogs on the road to face the Belleville Bulls.
Niagara was projected to be a top contender in the conference, but things went sideways before the season and only now are the Dogs starting to bite. Niagara has points in seven straight games.
Arizona prospect Brendan Perlini was injured during Coyotes camp, and has played just 16 games, but he’s producing like a first-rounder. Captain Luke Mercer was lost for the season while Ryan Mantha and Cody Payne have also missed time. As a result, GM/head coach Marty Williamson went out and traded for Josh Ho-Sang who’s added his offensive flair.
In goal, Brandon Hope was brought in to push Dallas prospect Brent Moran, and has taken over the No. 1 job.
The Bulls got off to a hot start, winning eight of their first 10 games, but have just seven wins since the Nov. 7.
GM and head coach George Burnett moved veterans Remi Elie and Jake Marchment to Erie, essentially making the Bulls a team focused on the future, but likely good enough to be a playoff team this season in the extremely tight Eastern Conference.
As usual, the Bulls have a good home record as they are still the only CHL team to play on an Olympic-sized sheet.
Veteran netminder Charlie Graham has seen more than his fair share of pucks and on most nights gives the Bulls a chance. Jordan Subban is always a treat to watch, he plays with energy and almost always has a smile on his face.
Special teams have been an issue for the Bulls, ranked near the bottom on both the power play and the penalty kill. Belleville is coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the CHL’s No. 1 ranked team, the Oshawa Generals.
Be sure to see what the CHL’s best do to win with the #WhatToWin campaign.
Niagara IceDogs
17-21-2-2 (7-14-0-2 Road), 2OTL (4th Central Division, 8th Eastern Conference)
Individual Stats
In Goal
NHL Drafted/Signed Players
Brendan Perlini (ARI 12th overall 2014)
Josh Ho-Sang (NYI 28th 2014)
Blake Siebenhaler (CLB 77th 2014)
Carter Verhaeghe (TOR 82nd 2013)
Ryan Mantha (NYR 104th 2014)
Brent Moran (DAL 115th 2014)
Aaron Haydon (DAL 154th 2014)
NHL Central Scouting
PTW B
Vince Dunn
Graham Knott
Under The Radar
Anthony DiFruscia ismax effort guy who puts up decent point totals, plays physical and is very difficult to play against. Will play in all situations.
Belleville Bulls
19-18-3-2 (12-5-2-1 Home) 1L, (3rd East Division, 5th Eastern Conference)
17-21-2-2 (7-14-0-2 Road), 2OTL (4th Central Division, 8th Eastern Conference)
Individual Stats
In Goal
NHL Drafted/Signed Players
Jordan Subban (VAN 115th 2013)
NHL Central Scouting
PTW B
Matt Luff
Justin Lemcke
PTW C
Adam Laishram
Connor Hicks
Under the Radar
Stephen Harper is a former first-rounder who tried his hand playing D last year, only to be returned to his forward position this season.
