GAME PREVIEW: Petes Host First Place Bulldogs to Open Two Game Week
It was another up and down few days for the Peterborough Petes last week, finishing with a record of 1-1 in two games played. After falling 6-1 to the London Knights on Thursday, Peterborough bounced back on Saturday, eliminating a 2-0 deficit to beat the Kingston Frontenacs 4-3. Peterborough’s .500 record was good enough to put them back in the OHL Power Rankings, coming into the week in 16th place.
The Petes begin another two game week on Thursday as they host the Brantford Bulldogs. The Bulldogs have been unstoppable to start the season and currently sit number one in the CHL Top 10. Thursday’s game is in partnership with MADD Canada and will feature a number of activations including an information booth and pass the bucket to raise awareness and funds for victims and survivors of impaired driving.
Peterborough will be looking for their first win against the Bulldogs this season, after losing twice in Brantford earlier this season. Petes forward Adam Levac has been on a tear as of late, scoring four goals in his last three games. The NHL Draft eligible forward has already surpassed his point total from last season (10) in 41 less games. Goaltender Easton Rye had a big bounce back game on Saturday against Kingston, stopping 21/24 for his seventh win of the season. Rye’s seven wins ties him for third place in the OHL, along with Brantford goalie and Buffalo Sabres prospect Ryerson Leenders.
Brantford comes into Thursday night’s game as the number one team in the nation, sitting first in the OHL and first in the CHL Top 10. They are yet to lose a game in regulation this season, sporting a 13-0-2-1 record through their first 16 games. The Bulldogs are led by Seattle Kraken prospect and 2024 8th overall pick, Jake O’Brien, who leads the OHL in points (32) and assists (24) in 14 games played. They also have the OHL’s goal leader in Chicago Blackhawks first round pick, Marek Vanacker, who has 15 goals in 14 games this season. Looking to their defence, Brantford has two more NHL first round picks manning the blue line in Adam Jiricek (St. Louis) and newly acquired Ben Danford (Toronto).
Tickets for the game are still available by clicking here, calling (705) 743-3561, or by visiting the Grant Thornton Box Office during business hours. The game will also be broadcasted live on YourTV Peterborough, Freq 90.5., and Flo Hockey.
