Utica Comets Blank Belleville Senators 1-0
Xavier Parent's deflected shot in the third period gave Utica the only goal, as Jakub Malek posted a 19-save shutout.
Updated on Nov. 12, 2026 in Hockey
The Utica Comets defeated the Belleville Senators 1-0 on November 12, 2026, in the second meeting between the two teams this season. Jakub Malek recorded a 19-save shutout for Utica, while Kevin Reidler stopped 26 of 27 shots for Belleville.
Why it matters
The result gives Utica a win over a division rival and leaves Belleville searching for offense as it prepares for a two-game series against the Cleveland Monsters this weekend. The outcome also sets up the next meetings between the clubs, with the first of two consecutive games scheduled for December 18.
Utica's Jakub Malek turned aside all 19 shots he faced for the shutout, while Belleville killed off one first-period penalty and went 0-for-3 on the power play. The source does not provide season-long goaltending or power-play totals for either team.
The players
Utica Comets
The Utica Comets are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, based in Utica, New York.
Belleville Senators
The Belleville Senators are the American Hockey League affiliate of the Ottawa Senators, based in Belleville, Ontario.
The details
Anton Silaev worked the puck down low to Ben Steeves, whose cross-ice pass found Xavier Parent, and Parent's shot deflected in to give Utica a 1-0 lead in the third period. Belleville killed off both Utica power-play chances in the second period, but could not solve Malek.
Timeline
November 12, 2026: Utica defeats Belleville 1-0 in the second meeting of the season.
This weekend (November 13-15, 2026): Belleville opens a two-game series against the Cleveland Monsters.
December 18, 2026: Belleville and Utica begin a pair of consecutive meetings, with puck drop at 7:00 p.m.
Season Trajectory
The result is one of several early-season meetings between Belleville and Utica within the AHL's divisional schedule, which helps shape standings in a league where affiliates compete for playoff spots. Belleville's scoring struggles this game put additional pressure on its upcoming series against the Cleveland Monsters.
Belleville's Kevin Reidler stopped 26 of 27 shots, so the loss came from limited offense rather than goaltending, a factor that matters for fantasy managers weighing Belleville skaters. Fans planning to attend the December 18 Utica meeting should note the 7:00 p.m. start.
The takeaway
The game shows how a single deflected goal can decide a low-scoring affiliate matchup, a reminder that shot volume alone does not determine the result. Belleville's upcoming series against Cleveland will test whether its offense can produce more chances in front of the net.
What happens next
Belleville opens a two-game series against the Cleveland Monsters this weekend, and the first of two consecutive meetings with Utica is scheduled for December 18, 2026.
Further reading
Explore more hockey coverage for Utica and the American Hockey League.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Quinte News.
