SmartStop Post Game Recap – Steelheads Battle Hard in Overtime Loss to North Bay
NORTH BAY, ON – Fresh off a strong 4-1 win on home ice against the Saginaw Spirit on Teddy Bear Toss night, the Steelheads headed to North Bay on Wednesday looking to carry that momentum into a tough road matchup against the Battalion. Despite a strong effort and multiple lead changes, Brampton fell 4-3 in overtime to North Bay.
The Battalion came out firing, striking early in the opening frame. At 4:32, Kaden Pitre slipped one past Brampton goaltender Luke Johnson to give North Bay a 1-0 lead.
North Bay applied heavy pressure early, controlling the pace and outshooting Brampton 17-3 just over ten minutes into the period. The Steelheads looked to hang on, match the Battalion’s intensity, and find the equalizer.
North Bay displayed sharp puck movement, executing strong passing sequences through both their defensive and offensive zones.
Brampton finally responded when Matej Stankoven found the back of the net at 14:11, assisted by Parker Von Richter, tying the game at 1-1.
Despite the game being tied, the Steelheads trailed in the shot count 20-6 at the end of the first period. Entering the second, they carried confidence, knowing that while they hadn’t generated many opportunities and had given up a lot, the game was still close. Meanwhile, the Battalion looked to maintain their aggressive pace as the second period began.
It was a similar story early in the second period, with North Bay controlling the shot total. However, the Steelheads were able to tighten up defensively and limit quality scoring chances. Eight minutes in, the Battalion led the shots 5-2, but Brampton remained in the game.
The game had been relatively tame in terms of penalties up to the midway point. At 9:33, North Bay’s lone goal scorer, Kaden Pitre, was called for a hooking penalty, giving Brampton a power-play opportunity. Despite the advantage, the Steelheads were unable to convert.
However, immediately after the power play ended, Brampton capitalized with a goal from MacGregor Richmond at 11:54, assisted by Julian Demiglio and Reed Gee, giving the Steelheads a 2-1 lead.
At 18:21, North Bay earned a power-play opportunity when Reed Gee was sent to the penalty box for holding, but the Battalion were unable to capitalize.
The second period featured competitive, back-and-forth hockey, with North Bay outshooting Brampton 18-10. Despite the shot disadvantage, the Steelheads remained composed, maintaining their 2-1 lead and looking to build on it heading into the final frame. The Battalion entered the third period hoping to finally convert on the numerous opportunities they had created throughout the game.
Just 52 seconds into the third period, North Bay came out firing and tied the game 2-2, with Parker Vaughan finding the back of the net.
It didn’t take long for the Steelheads to respond, as Joshua Avery scored to reclaim the lead at 1:48, assisted by Peter Green and William Eggleton.
At 8:03, physical play boiled over when Nick Wellenreiter was assessed a penalty for a check to the head, giving the Steelheads a crucial power-play opportunity.
This contest was tightly contested and back-and-forth, with North Bay’s Parker Vaughan tying the game at 13:49 with his second goal of the game.
Tensions rose in the final minutes of the third as both teams pushed for the game-winning goal, but neither could break through, sending the contest into overtime.
Brampton had a strong chance in overtime with a 2-on-1 opportunity but couldn’t convert. The game ended at 3:15 when Shamar Moses completed the comeback, giving North Bay the 4-3 victory.
Despite the loss, the Steelheads have to hold their head high after a very tough and competitive performance. They look to bounce back tomorrow on the road against the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds at 7:07pm.
Shots
NB: 50
BRAM: 28
3 Stars of Game
- Shamar Moses (GWG)
- Luke Johnson (46 saves)
- Parker Vaughan (2G)
