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OHL Brampton Steelheads

Steelheads Win the Battle for the Central Division

December 30, 2021 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Brampton Steelheads News Release


The Steelheads were able to take a stronghold on their first-place position in the Central Division and the League overall with a 5-4 win against the North Bay Battalion.

First Period

The Steelheads were looking to solidify their first place position in the Central Division in this big matchup against the North Bay Battalion. The Battalion were off to a strong start with five shots in the first four minutes of play. While quiet to start, the momentum began to change when the Steelheads earned the game's first power play. Though there were several good chances, they were unable to capitalize. The team played with stingy defence throughout the period, including several great saves from netminder Joe Ranger. Ole Bjorgvik-Holm showed off his incredible defensive skills in his first game back from representing Team Norway in the IIHF U20 World Junior Championships, Division 1 Group A tournament.

Unfortunately, the Battalion took advantage of a break in the Steelheads' strong defensive play. After a chance from Luca DelBelBelluz, Matyev Pretrov skated the puck down the ice, leading to the Battalion's first goal of the night from Mitchell Russell at the 14:28 mark. Russell's 17th goal of the season was assisted by Ty Nelson and Petrov.

The Steelheads received their second power play less than a minute after the North Bay goal. Looking to tie the game, Bjorgvik-Holm made an excellent pass to Zakary Lavoie down low, who was able to put the puck past Battalion netminder Dom DiVincentiis. DelBelBelluz also assisted the power play goal.

Shots on Goal - 15 NB/6 MISS

Second Period

The Steelheads came out flying to start the second period. Just 55 seconds into the period, James Hardie and his incredible shot capitalized on an excellent play by captain Ethan Del Mastro to put the Steelheads up 2-1. DelBelBelluz also assisted Hardie's 19th goal of the season. This goal places Hardie 3rd overall in goals scored in Steelheads' history.

The Steelheads' lead was erased shortly after, as North Bay scored two quick goals. Cam Gauvreau earned his first OHL goal at the 12:37 mark, and Brandon Coe earned his 19th of the year at the 14:08 mark. However, the Steelheads made the most of a 5-on-3 power play as Bjorgvik-Holm's wrist shot tied the game at 3-3 at the 15:35 mark. DelBelBelluz and Hardie both received the assists.

With just under two minutes left in the period, the Steelheads struck again. After the puck bounced off of DelBelBelluz's chest, Lavoie was able to track the puck and bat it out of the air to put it in the back of the net. After a review for a high-stick, the goal was deemed a good goal. Hardie was also credited with the assist.

Shots on Goal - 10 NB/8 MISS

Third Period

The third period began in a similar fashion as the second period. Just 27 seconds in, Hardie went top shelf to score his second goal of the game and 20th goal of the season, assisted by DelBelBelluz and Del Mastro. Hardie has been able to reach the 20-goal mark for two straight seasons.

Only a couple of minutes later, North Bay cut the lead to one with a goal from Liam Arnsby at the 3:35 mark. There were several great chances on both ends throughout the remainder of the period, but Joe Ranger held strong in net, leading the Steelheads to a 5-4 win.

Shots on Goal - 14 NB/8 MISS

Total Shots - 39 NB/22 MISS

Three Stars:

James Hardie (2G, 2A)

Luca DelBelBelluz (4A)

Zakary Lavoie (2G)

This win extends the Steelheads' win streak to three straight games, and the team now sits in first place in the Ontario Hockey League with 38 points (18-7-1-1). The Steelheads head on the road to play the Sudbury Wolves on New Year's Eve.

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