By Paul Svoboda - Belleville Intelligencer

In the boxing vernacular, it's called a straight right. And it can be one of the most devastating punches a pugilist can employ.

Belleville Bulls captain Luke Judson knows exactly how it feels to get tagged with a straight right, as he took one on the chin from his Kingston Frontenacs counterpart, Tyler Brown, during a late second-period bout Friday in Kingston where the Bulls trounced their 401 rivals, 8-1.

Though he suffered the TKO and was kept out of Belleville's 4-1 win over the Windsor Spitfires Saturday at Yardmen Arena, the Bulls' overage skipper was happy to report Tuesday that he believes he could be ready to resume active duty Thursday when the Brahmas begin a 3-in-3 western road trip in Windsor.

"That's never happened to me before," said Judson. "It scared me more than anything. I've had no ill effects except for a sore cheek. There's a lot to be thankful for."

Head shots, concussions and the ongoing issue of whether or not fighting should be eliminated from hockey are currently hot-button issues in the shinny world today, but Judson said his recent knuckle-duster hasn't changed his mind on the subject of trading blows on the ice. Fighting has it's place in the game, he says.

"I think it'll always — and should — be a part of the game," said Judson. "I knowingly took the risk when I dropped my gloves. I have to accept the result."

In fact, Judson says he'd gladly do it again. With the score tied 1-1 at the time of the fight, Bulls went on to score seven unanswered goals — including one by Austen Brassard just 24 seconds after the bout — to claim the lopsided 8-1 win.

"Anyone could see the effect (the fight) had on the momentum of the game," said Judson. "I'll take a beating every game if the boys respond like that."

The Thunder Bay Kings minor hockey product said sitting out Saturday's victory over Windsor, which extended Belleville's current win streak to six, was purely a pre-cautionary measure.

"I guess any time it's contact to the head, we have to be sure there's no problems," said Judson. "It's now been four days with no symptoms, even after two bike rides, so I'm confident there are no issues. I get back on the ice (Tuesday) and as long as we stay on the same track, playing Thursday looks good."

And who can blame Judson for wanting to get back into the lineup as quickly as possible? Breathing deeply in the rarefied air of their six-game win streak, the captain says spirits are high in the Belleville dressing room right now. 

"Everybody's enjoying coming to the rink every day," said Judson. "I think there's a real excitement over the possibilities this season."

While No. 1 netminder Malcolm Subban boasts OHL-leading numbers in GAA (1.78) and save percentage (.943) in 15 games, plus a tie for fourth with a dozen wins, the Belleville offence has also broken out — in a big way. Last in the league just a month ago, Bulls have outscored the opposition by a whopping margin of 29-6 during their 6-and-0 streak and are now ranked 16th in OHL goal production.

Stingy team defence, always a must for clubs coached by Belleville GM-coach George Burnett, has also kept pace. Bulls are currently first in the league with just 70 goals allowed in 28 games.

As they prepare to hit the road this weekend, Bulls are currently tied for first place in the East Division with 19 wins and nine losses for 38 points, plus a game in hand on Ottawa. The 67's share the perch at 17-8-3-1, also for 38 points.

"I think it all comes down to confidence," said Judson, explaining Belleville's new-found success. "There's not many — if any — guys on our team that you could say are under-achieving. Guys are taking pride in their roles and doing all the little things that add up to making a winner.

"Guys are blocking shots, getting the puck out at our blueline, winning battles on the boards. Those are things we thrive on.

"Collectively, we're doing those things well right now."

After visiting Windsor Thursday, Bulls are in Plymouth to face the Whalers Friday. Both games are 7:05 p.m. starts.

Saturday, Bulls are in Saginaw (7:10 p.m.). Next home game is Dec. 14 against Kingston.

BULL BITS ... Three Bulls are over the 10-goal mark with JUDSON (nine) on the threshold. Leading scorer BRENDAN GAUNCE has 16 goals and 16 assists for 32 points; BRASSARD has 13-11-24 scoring totals while overage ADAM PAYERL is at 10-12-22 ... Import forward DANNY ZHARKOV continues to impress after recovering from a broken collarbone suffered in training camp. The rangy Russian now has 11 goals in 11 games ... Members of the STIRLING ATOM A and BANTAM BLUES minor hockey teams helped clear the ice Saturday at Yardmen Arena after the annual TEDDY BEAR TOSS. Stirling, which is vying for this season's nationwide KRAFT HOCKEYVILLE contest title, used the occasion to ask Bulls fans for their votes. CINDY BRANDT, who is chairing the Stirling Hockeyville committee, said 700 letters of support were submitted after Saturday's game. (The committee's total goal is 5,000). Anyone wishing to support the Stirling Hockeyville entry can visit www.stirlinghockeyville.com for information.

(Photo Credit: Aaron Bell/OHL Images)