OHL Brampton Steelheads

Steelheads Fall to Otters in Preseason Opener

Published on August 30, 2014 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Brampton Steelheads News Release


All eyes may be on Connor McDavid and Dylan Strome entering their NHL draft year; however the visiting Mississauga Steelheads were able to steal some of that attention. Showcasing young talent like 2014's fifth-overall draft pick Mike McLeod and offseason trade acquisition Noah Robinson, Head Coach James Boyd gave Dawson Carty the nod to open the 2014 OHL Preseason.

After appearing in 12 games for the Blue and White last season, Carty would be tested early. Mississauga-native Dylan Strome opened the scoring for Erie, with the power forward capitalizing on a pass from Jake Evans. Strome nearly notched his second of the game shortly after, however Carty shut the door.

Coming off a strong postseason and a great training camp, Jared Walsh would score the first goal of the preseason for the Steelheads. Despite a quick answer from Evans to put the Otters up once again, Cody Thompson could not be stopped on the power play, tying the game at 2. It was the fourth goal in two days for the hometown talent, as Thompson notched a hat-trick in Friday's Blue and White inter-squad game.

With under a minute left to play in the first frame and Erie shorthanded, Nick Betz stole the puck and squeezed it past Carty to head into the first intermission up 3-2.

In the second frame, Taylor Raddysh attempted a wrap-around shot early, but was denied by Carty. This created some momentum for the Steelheads, helping them to a strong penalty kill. Carty continued to steal the show when DeBrincat tested the third year goalie with 3:48 to play in the middle frame.

Tempers began to flare not long after, with Erie heading to the man advantage on a tripping call. Mississauga maintained their composure, however, and Shaun Bily ended Erie's man advantage early, taking a hooking penalty to end the scoreless period.

Just four minutes into the third, overager Lucas Venuto tied the game at 3. Carty followed the beautiful goal with some attractive plays of his own, turning aside consecutive chances by Mason Marchment, Strome and Evans.

The schedule may not contribute to the standings, but passion didn't take a summer break for the teams as a scrum behind the net would result in an Erie powerplay. Despite the Steelheads' impressive penalty kill efforts, last season's top-ranked powerplay broke through on their sixth man advantage of the game, with Strome scoring on a wrist shot to make it 4-3. He would add an empty net goal to finish off the hat-trick and seal a 5-3 Erie victory.

The Steelheads will continue their string of three games in three days with a 2:00 matinee in Kitchener on Sunday afternoon. The Trout will wrap up the long weekend with a 2:00 visit to Guelph on Monday afternoon.

The Steelheads will kick off their home exhibition schedule on Friday, September 5 at 7:00 PM as the Guelph Storm visit the Milton Sports Centre. The Trout will then welcome the Kitchener Rangers to Vic Johnston Arena in Streetsville on Sunday, September 7 at 2:00 PM, before wrapping up the preseason at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville against Erie on Sunday, September 14 at 3:00 PM. Tickets to all preseason contests will be available on location for $5.00.

Check out the Brampton Steelheads Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Ontario Hockey League Stories from August 30, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central