SmartStop Post Game Recap – Steelheads Battle Hard in Physical Road Test at Niagara

Niagara, ON – Following a brief break for the holiday season, the Steelheads returned to action on Sunday afternoon as they travelled to Niagara to take on the IceDogs for their sixth matchup of the season, falling 4-3 at the Meridian Centre.

A rowdy start set the tone early, as just 34 seconds into the game both teams dropped the gloves. Brampton’s Peter Green and Niagara’s Ivan Galiyanov were each assessed fighting majors, with Ivan Galiyanov also receiving a misconduct and an additional two-minute minor for instigating. The extra penalty gave the Steelheads an early power-play opportunity, but they were unable to capitalize.

At 3:48, the IceDogs made the Steelheads pay for the missed opportunity, as Ryan Roobroeck opened the scoring by beating Zach Bowen for his sixth goal against Brampton this season, giving Niagara a 1-0 lead.

Just under the 10-minute mark, the game remained a tight, back-and-forth battle, with both teams trading chances and possession evenly. Niagara held a slim 5-4 edge in shots on goal at that point.

At 15:52, Troy Patton was called for hooking, sending Niagara to the power play, but the IceDogs were unable to capitalize. 

The Steelheads then earned a power-play opportunity of their own following a hooking call on Judd Knauft at 19:20. Brampton was unable to find the back of the net before the horn, though the power play carried over into the opening moments of the second period.

It was a hard-fought and physical first period, with the Steelheads pushing to even the score heading into the second. Brampton outshot Niagara 10-8 in the opening frame despite trailing on the scoreboard.

The Steelheads got off to a strong start in the second frame, as Mason Zebeski beat goaltender Vladislav Yermolenko at 1:28 to knot the game at 1–1. The goal marked Zebeski’s ninth of the season and the 100th point of his OHL career.

Similar to the opening period, the first seven minutes of the second frame featured back-and-forth action, with Brampton gaining momentum following the tying goal despite Niagara holding a slim 3-2 edge in shots.

The IceDogs responded with a go-ahead goal at 10:30, as Ethan Czata found the back of the net with an assist from Noah Read.

At 14:53, tensions boiled over and 4-on-4 play ensued as Reed Gee and Artem Frolov were each assessed roughing minors.

Shortly after, at 16:39, the Steelheads earned a power-play opportunity when Noah Read was sent to the box for roughing. Despite strong puck movement and extended possession in the offensive zone, Brampton was unable to convert on the advantage.

Despite trailing 2–1 heading into the final period, the Steelheads remained confident, having found the back of the net and once again winning the shot battle in the second, 8–7. With 20 minutes left to play, the game was still very much within reach.

The IceDogs wasted no time extending their lead to start the third period, as Callum Cheynowski scored an insurance marker at 2:25 to make it 3-1 Niagara.

Frustration began to boil over at 2:59, resulting in another stretch of 4-on-4 play as Mason Zebeski and Hayden Reid were both assessed roughing minors.

The Steelheads were battling hard despite the two goal deficit, and it was clear the IceDogs wanted to leave no breathing room for Brampton to catch up, looking to extend the lead even more.

The Steelheads continued to battle hard despite the two-goal deficit, while the IceDogs pushed to leave no breathing room, looking to further extend their lead.

Niagara had an opportunity to extend their lead at 9:37 when Gabriel Chiarot was sent to the penalty box for cross-checking, but the Steelheads held their ground and successfully killed off the penalty.

Niagara added to its lead at 14:22 when Hayden Reid found the back of the net, pushing the advantage to 4-1.

The Trout quickly responded, as Keaton Ardagh scored at 15:28 off a setup from Zach Nyman, cutting the IceDogs’ lead to 4-2.

The Steelheads added another goal late in the third, as Gabriel Chiarot found the back of the net at 19:24, closing the gap to 4-3 and putting them within striking distance of a comeback.

Despite their effort, the Steelheads were unable to complete the comeback, as the IceDogs held on for a 4-3 victory.

Brampton will look to bounce back quickly when they face Niagara again tomorrow night, this time at home, with puck drop set for 7:00 p.m.

Shots

NIAG: 24

BRAM: 29

3 Stars of Game

1. Callum Cheynowski (1G, 1A)
2. Ethan Czata (1G)
3. Ryan Roobroeck (1G)