Bulls persevere despite loss of captain

BELLEVILLE – Bobby MacIntyre (left) of the Mississauga Steelheads fights with Brody Morris of the Belleville Bulls during Wednesday night’s Ontario Hockey League game at the Yardmen Arena. The fight resulted in a five-minutes penalty for both players. The Bulls won 5-2. Photo by Justin Chin, Loyalist Photojournalism

By Riley Maracle

BELLEVILLE – The ice surface looked a little bit different for the Belleville Bulls Wednesday night.

The Bulls came out with a 5-2 win over the Mississauga Steelheads, minus their former captain. Brendan Gaunce was traded late Tuesday night to the Erie Otters.

In return the Bulls received Stephen Harper, a first-round draft pick in the 2012 Ontario Hockey League draft.

In the game, Micheal Cramarossa put up two goals, including the game winner.

Cramarossa said he felt the team did a good job of coming together minus Gaunce.

“It’s really tough. He is our captain. He was our most valuable player. It was really upsetting, but we knew that we had to come together as a team and really work together to get the win, and that’s what we did.”

Cramarossa added that he is upset about the loss of Gaunce but is excited about the future with Harper.

“I heard he is a great guy and we are really looking forward to having him.”

Adam Bignell was a teammate of Gaunce for four years. Bignell said it was strange not seeing him in the locker room.

“It’s tough – I mean he’s been with me for four years now. I think it was just me, him, and Scott Simmonds that were left from that core, “ said Bignell. “It’s tough when you lose a guy like that but again it gives those young guys a big opportunity.”

Jake Marchment is a rookie in the Bulls organization this season. Marchment talked about the leadership that Gaunce displayed.

“He’s a pretty classy guy. He came in and said bye to all the boys,” said Marchment. “He is moving on to a pretty good team and I wish him all the best. Everyone’s just got to chip in a little extra and just keep winning.”

Harper will make his debut tonight as the Bulls are in Peterborough to play the Petes.

BELLEVILLE – Aaron Berisha scores the second goal of the night for the Belleville Bulls against Mississauga Steelheads goalie Spencer Martin. Photo by Sarah Taylor, Loyalist Photojournalism

BELLEVILLE – Brett Foy (right) of the Steelheads skates to the puck with Jake Marchment of the Belleville Bulls. Photo by Justin Chin, Loyalist Photojournalism

BELLEVILLE – Aaron Berisha (left) of the Bulls skates to the puck with Trevor Carrick of the Steelheads. Photo by Justin Chin, Loyalist Photojournalism

BELLEVILLE – Belleville’s Brody Morris and Mississauga’s Bobby MacIntyre duke it out during Wednesday night’s game. Photo by Sarah Taylor, Loyalist Photojournalism

BELLEVILLE – Aaron Berisha scores the second goal of the night for the Bulls against Mississauga goalie Spencer Martin. Photo by Sarah Taylor, Loyalist Photojournalism