Game of the Week: Niagara Predators vs. Bradford Bulls
Wednesday, January 15th, 2025 – Bob Fallis Arena, Bradford, ON

In a high-stakes battle for playoff positioning, the Niagara Predators secured a hard-fought 7-5 victory over the Bradford Bulls. Both teams, sitting in sixth and seventh place in the standings respectively, showcased their offensive depth in an electrifying contest. Niagara’s balanced attack and standout goaltending from Daniel Rose proved too much for the Bulls, who peppered Rose with 50 shots but ultimately fell short.

The result marked an important win for the Predators in their pursuit of a higher playoff seed, while the Bulls will aim to rebound in their next matchup against the North York Renegades on Wednesday, January 22nd.

Game Summary

First Period

The Bulls opened the scoring at 7:34 when Diego Rodriguez capitalized on a pass from Anthony Marchese. Niagara responded at 12:15 through Logan Baillie, with Luca Fernandez providing the assist. Jan Teterja gave the Predators their first lead at 17:38 with an unassisted effort. Bradford’s Maksim Bokhonov tied it up late in the period at 18:43, assisted by Julian Gough and Brady Hunter. The tightly contested period ended at 2-2.

Second Period

Niagara came out strong in the second period. Luca Fernandez scored at 1:13, with Ethan Ingram setting up the play. Bradford’s Matteo Salvagna answered at 4:39, but the Predators countered quickly. Goals from Nicholas Nicoletti (7:57) and Ethan Ingram (9:01) extended Niagara’s lead to 5-3. Despite outshooting the Predators 15-13, the Bulls couldn’t narrow the gap before the intermission.

Third Period

The Predators added to their lead early in the final frame when Rhys Jones scored at 4:30, assisted by Zackary VanderElzen. The Bulls fought back, with Kyler MacNeil netting a power-play goal at 7:42 and Conner Gardiner scoring at 15:15 to bring Bradford within one. However, Niagara’s Georgii Kholmovskii sealed the win with an empty-net goal at 19:50, capping a strong performance with a goal and an assist.

Goaltending Battle

Niagara’s Daniel Rose faced an onslaught of 50 shots, turning away 45 to earn first-star honors. His timely saves helped the Predators weather Bradford’s late push. For the Bulls, Declan McGandy and John Delaney shared goaltending duties, combining for 24 saves on 31 shots.

Key Performances

• Daniel Rose (Niagara): Made 45 saves on 50 shots, anchoring Niagara’s victory.
• Luca Fernandez (Niagara): Contributed a goal and an assist, providing critical offensive support.
• Georgii Kholmovskii (Niagara): Scored a goal and added an assist, including the empty-netter to secure the win.
• Maksim Bokhonov (Bradford): Recorded a goal and two assists, driving Bradford’s offensive efforts.

Implications and What’s Next

This victory bolstered Niagara’s playoff seeding, keeping them narrowly ahead of the Bulls in the standings. Both teams are locked in a competitive battle for sixth and seventh place, with every point proving crucial as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Since this game, Niagara has dropped a close 4-2 decision to the 1st place Northumberland Stars, showing their tenacity despite the loss. Their next challenge comes against the 4th place St. George Ravens on Friday, January 24th.

The Bulls, who have yet to play since this matchup, will face the 2nd place North York Renegades on Wednesday, January 22nd. The upcoming games will be pivotal for both teams as they continue their push for optimal playoff seeding.