Belleville Senators Defeated Syracuse Crunch 3-2
Xavier Bourgault scored the decisive goal in the final seconds to secure a road victory for the Senators in Syracuse.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Hockey
The Belleville Senators edged out the Syracuse Crunch with a 3-2 victory on Thursday night. Xavier Bourgault netted the game-winning goal with only 24 seconds left on the clock.
Why it matters
The narrow win highlights the competitive nature of the matchup as the teams prepare for a rematch later in the season. Efficient special teams play proved crucial for Belleville in overcoming the Crunch despite being outshot early.
Belleville successfully killed two penalties and went 0-for-1 on the power play during the contest. Syracuse held a 15-8 advantage in shots on goal through the first two periods.
The players
Xavier Bourgault
He is a professional hockey player who scored the game-winning goal for the Belleville Senators.
Mads Sogaard
He is a professional goaltender who faced a power play goal from Ryan Suzuki.
Ryan Suzuki
He is a professional hockey player who recorded a power play goal for the Belleville Senators.
Noah Steen
He is a professional hockey player who scored one of the two goals for the Syracuse Crunch.
Nick Abruzzese
He is a professional hockey player who contributed one goal for the Syracuse Crunch.
The details
Xavier Bourgault secured the win after forcing a turnover in the offensive zone in the closing moments of the game. Earlier, Ryan Suzuki converted on a power play by beating goaltender Mads Sogaard to bolster the Senators attack.
Timeline
October 10, 2026: The Belleville Senators played the Syracuse Crunch.
October 11, 2026: Belleville plays the Utica Comets at 5:00 p.m.
November 21, 2026: A rematch between the Senators and Crunch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Season Trajectory
This result follows the structure of the 2026-27 AHL regular season schedule and impacts the early standings between these two division rivals. The outcome sets the tone for their upcoming November rematch as both teams vie for position in the division.
The result leaves the Syracuse Crunch seeking a recovery in their next matchup after falling in the final seconds of this contest. Belleville enters their October 11 game against Utica with momentum following a successful penalty kill performance.
The takeaway
Maintaining discipline on the penalty kill was a decisive factor for Belleville in a tightly contested road game. Fans should note that high-pressure situations in the final minute continue to define the early outcomes of these division meetings.
What happens next
The Senators and Crunch are scheduled to face each other again on November 21, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.
Further reading
For more local coverage, see the Hockey section.
