SmartStop Post Game Recap – Steelheads Battle Hard in Tough Loss to Wolves
SUDBURY, ON – After a tough 4-3 loss to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, the Steelheads hit the road on Sunday afternoon for a matchup with the Sudbury Wolves. Looking to bounce back from the narrow defeat, Brampton aimed to reset, refocus, and put together a strong performance away from home against a familiar opponent. Ultimately, the Wolves came out on top, handing the Steelheads a 5-1 defeat.
The Wolves came out firing to start the game, as Patrik Ula opened the scoring at 2:39 of the first period, netting his first OHL goal off a perfect setup from Artem Gonchar and Alex Pharand to give Sudbury a 1-0 lead.
The Steelheads soon earned a power-play opportunity to respond when Mason Walker was assessed a four-minute penalty at 4:57. However, the advantage was cut short as Julian Demiglio was called for high-sticking at 7:31, resulting in 4-on-4 action.
At 8:54, the Wolves added to their lead as Kieron Walton put it past goaltender Zach Bowen, giving Sudbury a two-goal advantage less than 10 minutes into the game.
The Wolves continued their strong start at 16:24, as Daniel Berehowsky found the back of the net with assists from Alex Pharand and Rowan Henderson, extending Sudbury’s lead to 3-0.
Although Brampton battled hard, the wear of the road trip began to show as they struggled to limit Sudbury’s shot volume, falling 11-4 in shots during the opening period. Frustration surfaced at the horn, as Gabriel Chiarot was assessed a roughing minor at 20:00, handing the Wolves a power play to start the second period.
The Steelheads entered the middle frame looking to find their legs and get on the scoreboard, while Sudbury aimed to build on their momentum and add to their lead.
Despite starting the first two minutes of the second period shorthanded, the Steelheads held their ground and prevented the Wolves from capitalizing on the power play.
However, immediately after the power play expired, Trevor O’Dell scored at 2:26, extending Sudbury’s lead to 4-0 with an assist from Blake Clayton.
Following Sudbury’s fourth goal, the Steelheads made a goaltending change, with Luke Johnson replacing Zach Bowen in net.
Despite the early goal against in the second period, Brampton responded well, outshooting Sudbury 5-3 over the first six minutes of the frame.
The Steelheads built on that momentum at 6:54, as William Eggleton found the back of the net with assists from Sean Matthew Goyette and Troy Patton, getting Brampton on the board and cutting the deficit to 4-1.
At 10:41, the Steelheads sent the Wolves to the power play as Matej Stankoven was called for slashing, but Brampton’s penalty killers stood firm and prevented Sudbury from capitalizing on the opportunity.
At 14:37, the Steelheads earned a power-play opportunity when Rowan Henderson was sent to the penalty box for tripping. Brampton generated a few quality looks but couldn’t find the back of the net.
4-on-4 play occurred at 16:50, as William Eggleton was called for cross-checking, while Sudbury was also assessed a too-many-men penalty.
Another penalty was called late in the period at 19:43, as Ethan Dean was assessed a hooking minor, giving the Steelheads a power play to close out the second period and carry into the early moments of the third.
Despite trailing by three goals and being outshot 14-10 in the second period, the Steelheads headed into the third with optimism after getting on the board and showing a more controlled, composed response following a difficult opening frame. Brampton looked to build on that momentum, while the Wolves aimed to create more separation on the scoreboard.
The Steelheads were unable to capitalize on the remaining time of the power play to start the third period, leaving them 0-for-4 on the man advantage.
At 2:32, the Steelheads went on the penalty kill after Owen Cartwright was assessed a tripping call. The Wolves quickly took advantage, as Jan Chovan scored at 2:59, beating Luke Johnson to extend Sudbury’s lead 5-1.
Shortly after, at 3:27, Sudbury earned another power-play opportunity following a kneeing call on Peter Green, but the Wolves were unable to convert.
At 11:20, tensions boiled over as Reed Gee was assessed a five-minute major for instigating a fight, while Brayden Bennett received a five-minute major for fighting and an additional two minutes for instigating.
This gave Brampton one final power-play opportunity, but they were unable to convert, finishing the game 0-for-5 on the man advantage.
Despite the significant deficit, the Steelheads continued to battle in the final minutes, generating several shots on goal. The Wolves held their ground to close out the game, securing a convincing 5-1 victory.
Despite the loss, the Steelheads can hold their heads high after a challenging road trip. They’ll look to bounce back on Friday at home against the Barrie Colts at 7:00 p.m.
Shots
SBY: 35
BRAM: 26
3 Stars of Game
- Trevor O’Dell (1G)
- Bjorn Bronas (25 saves)
- Luca Blonda (+1)
