SmartStop Post-Game Recap – An Intense Game 1

In their first playoff game in almost three years, the Steelheads battled hard but ultimately dropped the game 2-1 in overtime.  

First Period

The Mississauga Steelheads kicked off their first playoff series since 2019 tonight at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre. Mississauga finished fourth in the OHL’s Eastern Conference, setting up a matchup with the fifth seeded Barrie Colts. 

The Steelheads started off strong and were able to strike first when James Hardie fired home a one-timer on a rebound from Zander Veccia’s shot. Hardie’s first of the playoffs gave the Trout a 1-0 lead over Barrie just under seven minutes into the game. Evan Brand also picked up an assist on the play.

Roman Basran got the start in goal for Mississauga and looked sharp early, stopping all three shots he faced, including a beautiful sprawling save on Tyson Forester. 

A few minutes after that, James Hardie picked up a pass in the offensive zone and dangled a Colts’ defenceman, but was unable to put it past Mack Guzda, keeping the score 1-0 for the Trout. With about seven minutes left in the period, Hardie had his third great chance of the period, off a nice pass from Charlie Callaghan, but Guzda was able to stop that as well. 

Shots on Goal – 3 BAR/11 MISS

Second Period

The second period began with some special teams action for both sides. First, Max Dodig and Chris Grisolia were given minor penalties for roughing, resulting in 4-on-4. In the ensuing play, Hardie was sprung for a breakaway, but Guzda was able to deny him. 

Just 16 seconds after Dodig and Grisolia were released from the box, Aidan Prueter and Nathan Allensen were given off-setting minors for holding and high sticking respectively, putting both teams back in a 4-on-4 situation. A few moments later, Ethan Cardwell and Hunter Haight sprung out on a 2-on-1, where Cardwell dished to Haight who finished, tying the game at 1-1.

After the game was tied up, the Trout began buzzing and looking for offence. Veccia received a great pass in tight from Hardie around halfway through the period but was unable to bury it. A few minutes later, Dodig had a great chance on a feed from Ole Bjorgvik-Holm, but Guzda was up to the challenge once again.

It wasn’t just Guzda making all of the saves though, Basran again looked strong in the second, stopping 9/10 shots he faced, including an emphatic glove save on Ian Lemieux to keep the game tied heading into the third period. 

Shots on Goal – 10 BAR/11 MISS

Third Period

The third period was more of a defensive battle, with neither team wanting to give an inch in a tie game. The Steelheads picked up a power play with 6:18 remaining when Luca DelBelBelluz was tripped by Cardwell, but the Colts were able to kill off.

Midway through the power play, Guzda went down with an injury. After a few minutes of Barrie’s trainers working on him, Guzda was able to get up and finish the period. 

With just a few moments remaining, the Steelheads had their best chance of the period when Dodig intercepted a Barrie pass and had a hard shot on goal. Guzda was able to stand tall and keep the game 1-1, heading into sudden-death overtime. 

Shots on Goal – 7 BAR/7 MISS

Overtime

The extra frame was a back and forth affair, with some great chances for both sides. Evan Brand had a great look when he hit a post with his point shot just under two minutes in. As the period continued, both Basran and Guzda were locked in stopping everything they saw.

With 3:36 left in the overtime period, Evan Vierling took a pass from Declan McDonnell and beat Basran for the game winner, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Shots on Goal – 6 BAR/10 MISS

Total Shots – 26 BAR/39 MISS

Three Stars:

1. Evan Vierling (1G, OTW)
2. Roman Basran (24SV)
3. James Hardie (1G)

The Steelheads will look to tie up the series on Sunday afternoon as they host the Barrie Colts in Game 2 at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre.