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‘Sens-ational’ shootout win in Nation’s Capital Sunday

By Brock Ormond Jan 18, 2026 | 9:32 PM

Utica Comets vs Belleville Senators January 18,2026 © Tim Austen/Freestyle Photography

Story by Belleville Senators

The Belleville Senators travelled up to Ottawa for a game inside the Canadian Tire Centre, facing off against the Utica Comets, winning in a shootout thriller 5-4.

It was a lively first period between these North Division opponents, as the Comets struck early. A turnover caused by Xavier Parent in the Senators’ zone allowed him to walk in and beat Mads Sogaard for a 1-0 lead.
The Senators struck back with a slick passing play. Keean Washkurak netted one, scoring in back-to-back games off quick passes from Carter Yakemchuk and Dennis Gilbert to tie the game at 1-1. Utica did not waste any time regaining the advantage. Off a faceoff win by the Comets along the boards, Shane Lachance made a short pass to Nathan Legare, who scored his fourth of the year to make it 2-1.

The second period saw many goal lights go off, though it was all Senators. Hard battles down low in the Utica zone led to Wyatt Bongiovanni feeding Tyler Boucher, who used his body well right in front to bury his fifth point in five games and tie the contest at 2-2.

Two minutes later, Belleville added another tally to the scoreboard. A keep-in by Tomas Hamara at the blue line allowed the Senators to work the puck up high, with a shot from Lassi Thomson getting on net and Xavier Bourgault potting home the rebound to give Belleville a 3-2 edge.

The Senators added one more goal before the final frame. Off a two-on-one, Stephen Halliday used deception to sauce the puck over a defender’s stick for Arthur Kaliyev, giving Belleville a 4-2 cushion.

The third period saw the Comets make a push of their own. A low-to-high pass from Lachance allowed Ethan Edwards to fire a point shot, creating a rebound for Legare, who cut the game to 4-3.

Late in the period, Utica was able to knot the score once again. A mad scramble in front of the Senators’ net saw Brian Halonen chip in his eleventh of the year, forcing overtime.

The extra frame, though hectic and full of chances for the Senators, solved nothing, and a shootout was needed.

It went right down to the final skater for Belleville after Xavier Parent scored to keep the shootout alive.

Arthur Kaliyev had a chance to win it, and he did exactly that, beating Nico Daws for the extra point and a 5-4 victory.

Belleville returns home briefly before heading out on a seven-game road trip, beginning in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton against the Penguins (AHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins) for their first meeting of the season. It will be an evening affair, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Mohegan Arena at Casey Plaza.