No Treats on Halloween: Steelheads Shutout in Niagara
Niagara, ON – Brampton were unable to find the net in a tough defensive battle on Halloween night, as they lost 4-0 to the Niagara IceDogs.
The Steelheads took to the ice against a familiar foe on Friday night, as they matched up against the Niagara IceDogs for what was already the 4th time in this young season.
Niagara won both contests over Brampton in the last weekend, but the Steelheads were presented with an opportunity to exercise some past demons on this Halloween evening and get back in the win column.
The game got off to an even start with both teams fighting to break an early defensive stalemate, there was only 1 collective shot on goal in the first 7 minutes of action, with clear-cut chances hard to come by on both sides.
The middle portion of the opening frame was highlighted by some solid saves from both Steelheads’ goalie Zach Bowen and IceDogs’ goalie Vladislav Yermolenko to keep the score knotted at 0-0.
A fast-moving period concluded with the score remaining tied with no score, leaving the game in the balance with all to play for in the remaining 40 minutes.
In the opening moments of the 2nd period, Kevin He of the IceDogs gets the home team off the mark, making it 1-0 just 1:28 into the period.
The Steelheads got close to a quick equalizer when MacGregor Richmond got open in the slot, but a huge save from Yermolenko maintained the Niagara shutout.
The pressure from Brampton continued as Kieran Witkowski made a slick move on a break and was only stopped by a goal-line clearance.
Brampton continued searching for an equalizer throughout the period but could not break through, despite having 16 shots on goal.
The game continued to be evenly contested and fast-paced with chances on both ends–but no more goals– and the period concluded as Niagara held a 1-0 lead headed into a decisive 3rd period.
Similarly to the 2nd period, Alexander Hage scored for Niagara just 1:38 into the final period, with a quick wrist shot getting past Bowen’s blocker side, making the score 2-0 for the IceDogs.
The IceDogs added another goal through Hayden Reid’s wrist shot from the right circle with 12 minutes left in the game.
Just a few minutes later, Niagara added a 4th goal and made it a large mountain to climb for the Steelheads to get back in the game. Brampton was continuing to get chances but could not find the back of the net.
2 penalties from Niagara gave the Trout a man advantage and an avenue to get back in the contest but both powerplay’s were unsuccessful.
The 2 quick goals from the home side proved to be the decisive blow as Brampton was unable to rally late in the game.
The clock ran down and the game ended with Niagara winning 4-0. The Steelheads get no treats on Halloween night, as Yermolenko pitches a shutout performance.
Brampton is back home tomorrow afternoon for another Blackout game. They will face off against the Kitchener Rangers @ 4pm in the CAA Centre, as they look to put a tough game behind them and get back in the win column!
Shots
NIAG: 26
BRAM: 30
3 Stars of Game
- Vladislav Yermolenko (30 Saves)
- Alexander Hage (1G, 1A)
- Kevin He (1G)
