SmartStop Post Game Recap – Steelheads Leave Their Mark as Season Comes to a Close
BRAMPTON, ON – The Brampton Steelheads closed out their regular season in style on Sunday afternoon at the CAA Centre, defeating the Brantford Bulldogs 6-1 in their Fan Appreciation Game, presented by Loopstra Nixon LLP. The night also marked the final OHL game for overager Zach Bowen, making the win even more meaningful for the Trout.
The Steelheads came out flying, applying early pressure and setting the tone. Their efforts paid off at 6:13 of the first period when Kieran Riley sniped home his first OHL goal and first career point off assists from Keaton Ardagh and J. DeMiglio, giving Brampton a 1-0 lead.
The opening frame remained competitive, with shots finishing 11-9 in favour of Brantford, but Brampton carried the 1-0 lead into the intermission.
The second period belonged entirely to the Steelheads. A Pizza Hut power play early in the frame saw Matej Stankoven capitalize, doubling the lead with help from Troy Patton and MacGregor Richmond.
The momentum continued as Kieran Witkowski broke in alone and buried a beautiful unassisted goal at 8:27, #13 delivering his 13th of the season.
Brampton’s power play struck again at 11:55, as Peter Green fired a shot that Witkowski tipped home for his second of the night, with Ardagh picking up another assist.
The Steelheads poured it on in the second, outscoring the Bulldogs 3-0 in the period and heading into the third with a commanding 4-0 lead.
Bowen stood tall throughout, turning aside all 21 shots he faced through two periods as shots evened at 21-21.
The third period marked Bowen’s final time taking the ice in his OHL career, and he continued to deliver. The Bulldogs managed to break the shutout with 10:33 remaining, as Vladimir Dravecky found the back of the net.
Brampton responded quickly. Quinn Patton restored the four-goal lead at 11:37, scoring in his OHL debut for his first career goal and point off a setup from Sam Black.
Stankoven added his second of the night and a possible OHL Goal of the Year candidate, going between the legs at 16:13, finishing off a feed from Troy Patton to cap off the scoring.
The Steelheads closed their season with a dominant 6-1 victory, despite being outshot 33-28. A strong finish, a milestone night, and a memorable send-off. Brampton ended their season on a high, leaving their mark in front of their home crowd.
Three Stars of the Game:
#31 Zach Bowen (32 Saves)
#27 Quinn Patton (1st career OHL goal)
#12 Kieran Riley (1st career OHL goal)
Shots on Goal:
BRAM 28 / BRANT 33
Info About Game:
It’s never too early to become a season ticket holder for the 2026-27 season. Contact us by email ([email protected]) or call a representative at (905)-502-7788.
