Bulls start off 2012 with a definitive loss
Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Michael J Brethour
Click to Enlarge
Michael J Brethour, Belleville EMC
Brampton Battalion's Philip Lane trips up and sails headlong in pursuit of the puck controlled by Belleville Bulls' Brady Austin during second-period OHL action on New Year's Day.
Click to Enlarge
EMC Sports - Belleville - Half a pass behind and just a second to late.
Michael J Brethour, Belleville EMC
Belleville netminder John Chartrand watches as a loose puck bounces in front of him during the second period of New Year's Day OHL action.
That's the best way to describe the Belleville Bulls in their inaugural game in 2012, where they battled the mighty Brampton Battalion last Sunday afternoon at Yardmen Arena.
After coming back from a one-goal deficit to tie it up in the first and second stanzas, the Bulls got steamrolled in the third as they dropped a 4 - 2 decision on home ice.
Though it marked the third game in four days for the beleaguered Bulls, coach Jake Grimes noted that being tired was not an excuse, rather gave full credit to the hot Brampton team.
"I give full credit to Brampton. They play at a high pace, there is a reason that happens, sometimes preparation for each game that happens on that day or that night or even the day before. It happens because you give everything you have at every practice and workout you have. If there is a lesson we can take from this, it is everybody can give a little more."
With the final shots on goal count at 37-24 for Brampton, the Bulls managed to keep Brampton from even getting a shot on goal in the last minute of the final frame when they pulled Chartrand in favour of another attacker.
"That's Brampton's trademark, they are a well coached club. They have the least goals against in the league, their goalie made so great saves today. We tried to penetrate, we did get through a number of times but he made some good saves," he said.
Matt MacLeod got a piece of a Dylan Blujus point shot that eluded Belleville net minder John Chartrand at the last second to break a 2 - 2 tie at 1:23 of the third. Eleven minutes later, Brampton's Mitchell Porowski added another marker to the funeral cairn putting the final score 4 - 2.
MacLeod finished the game with two goals for Brampton while Ian Watters had the other.
Austen Brassard and Simon Gronvaldt had the Bulls goals while Michael Curtis, Brendan Gaunce and Adam Payerl drew assists.
The Battalion's lone loss in their last nine outings was by shootout, and Grimes said the Brampton earned its two points Sunday.
Grimes said Bulls need to rest and recharge prior to hosting the East Division rival Oshawa Generals Wednesday at Yardmen Arena.
"Oshawa has a lot of firepower and a lot of skilled guys, though they have been a little inconsistent. We just have to pre scout them and see how they are doing ... and be a little safer with the puck," said Grimes.
He noted that bike work and some light running and stretching will round out the Bulls' fitness training until the club determines their energy level.
"Going out tomorrow and skating real hard is probably not the answer," said Grimes.
blog comments powered by Disqus
