Building Steam
Ottawa, ON – The Brampton Steelheads outlasted the Ottawa 67s, winning 3-1 in our nation’s capital.
The 67s came out hot, as they took the lead just over a minute after puck drop. When Ottawa dumped the puck into the zone, Chase Yanni stripped Finn Harding of the puck. The Sophomore found Caden Kelly wide open in front who jammed it home to give the 67s the icebreaker.
Brampton pushed back with a multitude of chances, but they were unable to solve Jaeden Nelson.
With 12 minutes left, Ottawa came close to doubling their lead. Will Gerrior cut from the boards to the front of the net before spinning a backhand on goal. His attempt bounced off the skate of new Steelhead Konnor Smith, where it was stopped by Gillespie.
The Steelheads were given a great chance to tie the game when they headed to a power play. At first, the 67s penalty kill looked like it was going to escape, but the Trout broke through. Porter Martone won a puck battle along the boards and found Parker Von Richter who was jumping in from the blue line. Von Richter picked his spot and sniped it top shelf to answer back for Brampton.
The Steelheads nearly took the lead when Porter Martone intercepted feed behind the 67s net. The Captain found Luke Misa in front of the net, but Nelson slid over to make the save.
In the final minute, Ottawa nearly took the lead for themselves. Will Gerrior cut to the net and chipped a shot on goal which was turned away by Gillespie. The rebound kicked out to Filip Ekberg who quickly slung it on net, but Gillespie flashed the leather to take the puck off the goal line.
Both sides exchanged power plays at the start of the second frame. First, it was the 67s who went to a man advantage when Angus MacDonell was called for roughing but Ottawa was unable to capitalize. Next, it was Brampton’s turn when Henry Mews was called for holding the stick, but they too were shut down.
Just after the halfway point in the frame, the Steelheads took the lead. Mason Zebeski carried the puck into the Ottawa zone before having it knocked off his stick. Zebeski did not give up as he pressured the 67s defender to force a turnover. Lucas Karmiris picked up the turnover and whipped it to the back door for Jack Van Volsen. JVV made no mistake, as he tapped the puck into the empty cage to give the Steelheads a 2-1 lead.
The Trout had a chance to extend their lead when Brady Stonehouse was called for interference. The Steelheads’ second unit pressed at the end of the power play, but they were unable to get one by Nelson.
Ottawa had a great chance to tie the game when they headed to a five-on-three power play at the end of the second frame, but they were unable to score before the buzzer.
The 67s power play carried over into the final frame, but yet again they were shut down by the Trout.
The Steelheads had a chance to double their lead when they went to another man advantage. They got set up and had a few good chances but they were unable to find the back of the net.
Brampton continued to press when they forced a handful of turnovers from rookie Kohyn Eshkawkogan. Kieran Witkowski intercepted the rookie’s pass in the slot and quickly snapped a shot on goal, but it was stopped by Nelson. The rebound bounced to the net front for Gabe Chiarot, but he too was stopped twice by Nelson. A trio of saves by the young netminder kept the game in reach for Ottawa.
The 67s had a chance to push for a tie when they headed to another power play, but it was the Steelheads who had the best chances. First, Vilmer Alriksson walked through a pair of Ottawa defenders, but his backhand sailed high. Next, Luke Misa broke in on a two-on-one with Mason Zebeski. Misa sent a saucer pass to Zebeski, but he too was stopped. Misa forced a turnover and sent Zebeski a feed which he one-timed on goal, but Nelson slid across for another sensational save.
The 67s’ hopes were ended when Henry Mews was called for a roughing penalty with just over a minute remaining. Down a man with their top defender in the box, the Steelheads had no difficulty pinning Ottawa in their zone for the remaining time.
The Steelheads are back in action on Friday when they travel to Kitchener to face the red-hot Rangers.
Brampton returns home on January 11 as they take on the North Bay Battalion for their First Responders game. For tickets, click here.
