(Belleville winger Igor Sokolov (#13) leads all AHL rookies with 15 goals)
The Belleville Senators have guaranteed they will finish the American Hockey League season with a winning record. Considering they started the shortened campaign with a 2-8 record that is a significant accomplishment.
Despite blowing a 4-0 first period lead the B-Sens beat the Toronto Marlies 6-4 for their franchise record 8th straight victory.
Parker Kelly scored the game winner at 16:46 of the third period with his 9th of the season. Angus Crookshank scored an empty netter for insurance.
Egor Sokolov’s goal at 11:48 of the first period gave Belleville a 3-0 lead. It was his 15th of the season to lead all American Hockey League rookies. Sokolov downplayed the achievement.
Sokolov says the experience gained by the many young players in Belleville’s lineup will be invaluable in the future.
B-Sens coach Troy Mann agreed.
Joseph Labate, Jean-Christophe Beaudin and Clark Bishop also scored for Belleville. Filip Kral, Noel Hoefenmayer, Scott Sabourin and Kalle Kossila replied for the Marlies.
Belleville outshot Toronto 33-27 as Mads Sogaard improved his record to a perfect 7-0.
Belleville carries an 18-15-1 record into this afternoon’s season finale against the Marlies at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa.
Kevin Mandolese will start in goal for Belleville.
