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Bulls Earn Tie with Battalion in Preseason Action
 First round pick Tyler Randell scored both Bulls goals in a 2-2 tie with the Brampton Battalion Tuesday night in Pickering.
A shorthanded Belleville Bulls team remained winless in exhibition play but did earn a 2-2 tie with the Brampton Battalion Tuesday night in Pickering. The Bulls dressed just thirteen skaters and two goaltenders for the game but managed to earn their second tie of the preseason.
Brampton opened the scoring eight minutes into the first period when rookie forward Josh Shalla beat Bulls goaltender Edward Pasquale. The Bulls were quick to respond, trying the score just 28 seconds later when first round pick Tyler Randell scored his second goal in as many games. Stephen Johnston and Marc Cantin assisted on the goal. With the goal, Randell and Johnston have both recorded points in all four Bulls preseason games. The first period ended tied 1-1, as the Bulls outshot Brampton 12-7.
The Bulls ran into penalty trouble early in the second period and the Battalion made them pay, retaking the lead on a two man advantage on a goal by rookie forward Thomas Middup. Once again, Randell responded for the Bulls when he rang a shot off the goal post and into the net for his second of the game and third of the preseason. Cantin and Keaton Turkiewicz assisted on the goal. Randell has now scored the Bulls last three goals dating back to Saturday’s game against Ottawa. Pasquale was terrific in goal during the middle frame for the Bulls, as Brampton held the edge in shots 14-3 but the game remained 2-2.
The two teams played a scoreless third period, as the game ended in a 2-2 deadlock. Pasquale continued his strong play throughout the third period, shutting the door on the Battalion to preserve the tie for Belleville. Shots on goal in the third period were 17-7 Brampton and overall favoured the Battalion 38-22.
Pasquale enjoyed an outstanding game in goal for Belleville, making 36 saves in the tie. The Bulls power play continued to struggle, failing to score in twelve opportunities with the man advantage. The tie moves the Bulls preseason record to 0-2-2 while Brampton moves to 1-2-1. The Bulls are in action next when they travel to Napanee on Thursday to face the Kingston Frontenacs. Belleville will then wrap up their exhibition schedule on Saturday night when they host the Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors. Game time is 7:15pm at the Yardmen Arena and tickets are available at the Bulls Box Office.
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