SmartStop Post-Game Recap – Steelheads Stay Hot
Ryerson Leenders’ 35 save performance gives the Steelheads their ninth win of the season with a 4-1 victory over the Kitchener Rangers.
First Period
It was pink at the rink night in Mississauga and the Steelheads were looking to add to their lead atop the Eastern Conference, playing host to the high-flying Kitchener Rangers who lead OHL in goals scored.
The home side would get on the board early, as shortly after a power play expired, Stevie Leskovar lofted a shot towards the net that went off a defender’s stick. The deflection landed right on the blade of Zander Veccia, who fired it into the back of the net to give Mississauga the 1-0 lead.
With 3:48 to go in the first, Rangers forward Mitchell Martin was sent to the box after taking an elbowing penalty. This proved costly as just eight seconds later Mason Zebeski deflected a Luke Misa shot past goaltender Jackson Parsons to extend the lead.
Shots on Goal – 11 KIT/11 MISS
Second Period
The Rangers had an opportunity to get back into the game when Parker Von Richter took a tripping penalty. They managed to set up what looked like a certain one-timer goal, but Ryerson Leenders made his best save of the season to keep the home team up 2-0.
With 7:43 left in the second, Justin Dezoete went in on a solo effort from the blue line, driving wide and cutting to the net holding off a pair of defenders before slamming it home to extend the Steelheads lead to 3-0.
Both teams would get close to finding the scoresheet later in the period, but a pair of shots off the post kept things at 3-0 after two.
Shots on Goal – 11 KIT/8 MISS
Third Period
Kitchener had another power play early in the third, but it was the Steelheads with the best chances. Mississauga had three odd man rushes shorthanded, but were turned aside on a few excellent saves by Parsons.
Tempers started to boil over halfway through the frame, as there were roughing penalties and misconducts handed out to both teams after a scrum in front of the Kitchener net.
With just under four minutes remaining, the Rangers pulled the goalie looking to get a spark and they got just that when Carson Rehkopf notched his league-leading 11th goal of the season to bring it back to 3-1.
The comeback was thwarted moments later however when Porter Martone intercepted a pass and deposited the puck into the empty net, capping off a 4-1 Steelheads victory.
Shots on Goal – 14 KIT/11 MISS
Total Shots – 36 KIT/30 MISS
Three Stars:
- Ryerson Leenders (35SV)
- Zander Veccia (1G)
- Mason Zebeski (1G)
The Steelheads are back in action at home on Friday, October 27th against the Barrie Colts. Get your tickets by clicking here.
