Bulls defeat Frontenacs in a shootout thriller

 By Cam Kennedy

BELLEVILLE – The Belleville Bulls got back into the win column last night, defeating the Kingston Frontenacs 3-2 in a shootout at Yardmen Arena.

The Frontenacs got on the board first, after Ryan Kujawinski got by Bulls’ defenceman Jordan Subban and tucked the puck past goaltender Charlie Graham.

Early into the third period, Kingston pulled ahead after Lawson Crouse put a wrist shot from the top of the faceoff circle over the glove of Graham.

Kingston had the majority of the shots in the third putting 17 on the Bulls net, but Graham stood tall. He faced 40 shots in the game while the Bulls managed 26 on Kingston’s Lucas Peressini.

With under five minutes left in the third, David Tomasek tied the game for the home team. Tomasek came out of the corner, cut around the top of the Frontenac’s crease, and lifted the puck over a sprawling Peressini.

With 50 seconds left in the game, Frontenacs forward Spencer Watson was awarded a penalty shot after being brought down into the Bulls’ net. With the game on his stick Watson couldn’t manage to put the puck past Graham and the game was sent to overtime.

Both teams exchanged chances in the extra period but the winner would have to be decided in a shootout.

After both goalies stopped a couple of shooters, Welchyka ended the game after raising a back handed shot over Peressini.

Bulls assistant coach Jake Grimes recognized his goaltender after the game.

“Charlie Graham made a big difference tonight stopping the penalty shot late and then getting us through overtime and helping us out in the shootout was a huge difference,” he said.

With a few players missing from the Bulls lineup, players such as Andrew Ming were given the opportunity to see the ice more.

“With a couple of guys out, the coaches were looking for some guys to step up so I had the opportunity and tried my best,” Ming said, “I just try to bring some energy for the boys.”

The Bulls will carry their momentum into Ottawa Friday night as they take on the 67s. The reigning OHL champions, the Guelph Storm, will visit Belleville on Saturday night.