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OHL Brampton Steelheads

Steelheads Ice Dogs

February 27, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Brampton Steelheads News Release


MISSISSAUGA, ON -- Coming off of a victory against Niagara in their last game, Spencer Martin and the Mississauga Steelheads looked to continue their strong defensive play in the heat of the playoff race. They did just that and more, to freeze the IceDogs with a complete team effort on the road.

Mississauga started the game on the attack, pushing forward in search of an early goal on the road. Niagara would aid them in the scramble, being called for too many men just under three minutes into the game. The Trout took advantage midway through the opportunity as a blast by Jared Walsh beat Niagara's Brent Moran to make it 1-0 at the 4:09 mark of the first; Brett Foy and Stefan LeBlanc picked up assists on the power play marker. Mississauga turned back on defense following the goal, with Walsh shining once again with a huge open ice hit that would set the trend for physicality in the game. Mississauga found another chance on offense as Sean Day slid a great pass to Jesse Barwell in front, unfortunately the tip was wide, keeping the game at 1-0. Foy would find himself with another great chance on the power play, but was unable to get a clean shot off, before Niagara headed to a power play of their own. Boasting the league's fifth best power play unit, Niagara attempted to generate pressure, but great penalty killing by the Steelheads, led by LeBlanc would see Mississauga find offensive opportunities of their own. Niagara would crank the pressure up approaching the end of the period, however a great effort by Spencer Martin would hold on to the Steelheads lead through the first period.

"We need to keep doing what we're doing, the longer we can keep them off the board, the more frustrated they'll get. We just need to stick to our game plan and get them off of theirs, then hopefully pop a couple more in." -- Brett Foy, following the first period.

Brett's words rang true to start the second period as Damian Bourne opened the period by laying a huge hit on Niagara's Jordan Maletta. The Steelheads aggressive defensive play was supplemented by strong goaltending by Martin, as well as another strong penalty kill. Mississauga would begin to generate pucks on net, however could not beat Moran before Bourne and Cody Caron dropped the gloves. After a spirited tilt, Mississauga would continue to generate offence in a 13-shot period. Mississauga's best chance to add to their lead would be on the powerplay, as a one man advantage became two following a big hit laid by Day. Despite the advantage, Mississauga would not be able to capitalize, finishing the period with their 1-0 lead still intact.

Having not beaten Martin in close to 160 minutes, Niagara would finally break the goose egg 47 seconds into the first on a goal by Maletta. Mississauga would look to answer back immediately, however a good chance by Bobby MacIntyre was turned away. With the teams beginning to furiously exchange offensive opportunities, Head Coach James Boyd called a timeout to settle the Trout down. Working like a charm, Josh Burnside exploded onto a break immediately off the ensuing faceoff with his rebound landing on the stick of Bryson Cianfrone, who would make no mistake. After Niagara thought they had tied the game for a second time, Burnside would take matters into his own hands, scoring on a 2-on-1 with Cianfrone under 40 seconds later; Andrew Goldberg assisted on both goals as the Steelheads stretched their lead to 3-1. Niagara found themselves on the power play midway through the period, however the league's fifth-best unit was denied yet again, leading to a great opportunity for Andres Kopstals. Niagara would keep the pressure up with the empty net, however strong play by Martin and a timely shot block by Nick Zottl would seal the victory for Mississauga, their second in a row.

Josh Burnside's big third period would earn him first star honours, while Spencer Martin's 31-save performance would help him to being named third star of the game.

"It's a huge win with only eight games left, we really needed it, especially with Niagara right behind us in the standings. We just need to keep playing defense the way that we are right now and pick up two more points tomorrow night." -- Josh Burnside, following his first star performance.

The Mississauga Steelheads return home tomorrow night as Dylan Smoskowitz and the Oshawa Generals visit the Hershey Centre. Limited seats are still available, and it's your last opportunity to take advantage of the Steelheads February Fan Pack! 4 Red Tickets, 4 Popcorns, 4 Beverages and a $20 Voucher for The Bait Shop, all for only $60! You can also upgrade to Gold for $5 more, or Platinum for $10 more!

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Ontario Hockey League Stories from February 27, 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.

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