It didn’t take Alex Aleardi very long to make a favourable impression on his teammates – or Belleville Bulls’ fans for that matter.
Aleardi, the 17-year-old winger that was acquired from the Kitchener Rangers on Friday, picked up an assist on the Bulls’ first goal that helped them to an exciting 3-1 win over the Plymouth Whalers at Yardmen Arena on Saturday.
“I love the big ice surface,” the speedy sophomore said. “I got quality ice time. I am really glad to be here. I was a little nervous to get the first shift out of the way of course but I had a great time and we got a big win against a great team.”
It was an impressive debut performance for Aleardi and a terrific group effort that helped the Bulls to their second win in the past three games.
“For such a young guy that hasn’t played much I think we’ve got to be a little bit patient with him,” Burnett said about Aleardi, who was acquired for popular Bulls’ veteran Matt Tipoff. “I thought his speed was evident tonight and he had some good puck skills. He made a good play on the first goal. It was nice to see him get involved and he’s only going to get better.”
Luke Judson opened the scoring for the Bulls on a powerplay midway through the first period. Defenceman Stephen Silas also picked up an assist on the goal. Defenceman Shawn Lalonde, who along with Silas represented the Bulls in the SUBWAY Super Series in Barrie on Thursday, added another powerplay marker with less than five minutes to go in the second period.
Joe Gaynor replied for the Whalers to cut the lead in half with 6:01 left in the third period before Kyle DeCoste iced the win with his fourth of the season with 3:29 to go.
Adam Payerl picked up a pair of assists in the win while Lalonde, and Marc Cantin picked up single helpers.
The Bulls played a solid physical game with Cantin making a spectacular hip check in the second period and then Tyler Taylor delivered a punishing check in the third.
“We were pretty good tonight,” said Bulls’ GM/coach George Burnett. “We played with good energy. We did a lot of good things. We didn’t give up a lot of tremendous chances but when we did, Gruby was great. I thought our guys got a little momentum with the first goal they scored. It would have been nice to keep the zero up there but I thought our guys responded. It was a good win against a real good team and something that we can continue to build on.”
Aleardi, who hails from Farmington Hills, Michigan and played his minor hockey in the Whaler’s building – Compuware Sports Arena, was happy to make his Bulls’ debut against a team that he grew up watching.
“My dad always took me there when I was younger – it’s a team I grew up watching so it was great to beat them,” said Aleardi, a third round pick of the Rangers in 2008. “I was really excited (about the trade) because I knew that I was going to get some more ice time here and play in key situations which is a big thing for me. I feel like I bring a lot to the team on the big ice by using my speed and making things happen for me and my teammates.”
Bulls’ netminder Philipp Grubauer made 32 saves and helped the Bulls kill off all four Whalers’ powerplay chances.
The Bulls (9-13-1-3) return to action on Sunday when they travel to Brampton to play the Battalion in a rematch from last year’s OHL Eastern Conference finals (2:00 p.m. on TV Cogeco and AM 800 CJBQ).
Photo: Aaron Bell/QuinteHockey.ca
