 On September 23, 2000, Hulton coached his first game for Belleville, as they lost 3-2 to the Kingston Frontenacs.Four nights later, Hulton earned his first win with the Bulls, as they defeated his former club, the Mississauga IceDogs 8-7.The Bulls had a very strong season, as Hulton led them to a 37-23-5-3 record, earning 82 points, and finishing in first place in the Eastern Conference.