SmartStop Post-Game Recap – Bounce Back Win in North Bay
Porter Martone’s hat trick helps the Steelheads win the second game of their back-to-back road trip in a thriller against North Bay.
First Period
On the second night of a back-to-back, the Steelheads found themselves in North Bay to face off against the Battalion, who they’ve not seen since last year’s Easter Conference Quarter Finals. The pace of the game was relentless from puck drop, both teams taking their space, quickly cycling the puck and finding extended offensive zone possession. While Mississauga would get the first powerplay, they were unable to convert, and North Bay would ultimately score the first goal. The Steelheads would respond quickly in the form of a two on one, where Adam Zidlicky would find Porter Martone for his 4th goal of the season.
The Steelheads would take their first lead of the game on their second powerplay opportunity, where Chas Sharpe would take a powerful shot that rang off of the post before finding the back of the net. It would be his 7th goal of the season. The Steelheads would be awarded another powerplay with one second left in the period, setting them up for the man advantage heading into the first intermission, where they led the Battalion 2-1.
Shots on Goal – 12 NB/10 MISS
Second Period
The powerplay that carried over from the end of the first period would prove to be useful for the Steelheads, as Porter Martone would find the back of the net for his second of the night. North Bay would cut the lead to one shortly thereafter. Jack Ivankovic would be injured on a play in front of the net, causing him to be removed from the game. Ryerson Leenders would take his place. Leenders made a good save on the first play he saw upon coming into the game, but North Bay would tie the game only minutes later.
On another Steelheads powerplay, Porter Martone would score his third of the night, taking control of the game with his first hat trick of the season. The lead would be short lived, however, as the Battalion scored three unanswered goals as the period drew to a close. The Steelheads would look to bounce back in the final frame as they trailed by a score of 6-4.
Shots on Goal – 15NB/4 MISS
Third Period
Will Eggleton’s first goal of the season came only three minutes into the third, sparking the offence with a much needed boost as the team cut the deficit to one. The Steelheads would kill a penalty well, Marc Boudreau seeing a good shorthanded opportunity, before they would find themselves once again at even strength, and once again level in score, as Jack Van Volsen was able to put one away to bring the score to 6-6. Mississauga would take the lead then through Adam Zidlicky’s first of the campaign, a wrap around coming from a heads-up play.
The final few minutes of the game were full of action, with Mississauga killing a penalty and trying to capitalize on two powerplays of their own. Extracurriculars took over nearing the end of the period, and with the puck in the Steelheads end, the Battalion would pull their goalie for the extra attacker. Mississauga defended sturdily, ensuring no damage was done, and despite North Bay’s opportunities in the final few seconds of the game, the Steelheads would emerge victorious, with a final score of 7-6.
Shots on Goal – 8 NB/10 MISS
Total Shots – 35 NB/24 MISS
Three Stars:
- Porter Martone (3G, 1A)
- Anthony Romani (2G, 1A)
- Jakub Fibigr (3A)
The Steelheads are back in action at home on Saturday, October 21st for their annual Pink at the Rink game. Get your tickets by clicking here .
Photo credits to Tom Martineau
