Belleville Bulls Stephen Silas and Joseph Cramarossa came away with one goal and one assist each to beat the Ontario Hockey League-leading London Knights 3-1 at Yardmen Arena Saturday.

The Bulls struck first with a solo shot by defenceman Silas within the first five minutes of play. It was a fast-paced game between two of the top teams.

Knights defenceman Paxton Leroux left the game early with cheers from the fans, after receiving a five-minute penalty for instigating an off-ice fight with the Bulls’ bench.

The Knights got on the board, tying the game, during the second period with a goal by left wing Matt Rupert assisted by Chris Tierney.

The Yardmen crowd jumped to its feet when the Bulls took the lead in the third with their second goal by left-winger Daniil Zharkov, assisted by Silas and Cramarossa. It quickly turned to boos when officials waved off the goal. 

The goal was allowed after video replay, making the score 2-1.

Cramarossa added to the lead with the Bulls’ third goal, assisted by Scott Simmonds.

Knights goaltender Jake Patterson and Bulls goaltender Malcolm Subban battled hard all game, with the hometown goalie letting in only one goal. The Bulls outshot the Knights 40-23.

The win kept the Bulls in second place in the eastern conference with the Knights lead the league.

With 3,205 people in attendance, the Bulls played before the second-largest crowd at home this season.

The Bulls next take on their local rivals, the Kingston Frontenacs, this Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Yardmen Arena.

THE PIONEER