SOTI Weekend Preview – Dog Days
The Steelheads have a light but important weekend of them, taking on the Flint Firebirds at home on Friday before battling the Brantford Bulldogs on Sunday.
Friday night’s game features a very special prize for the winner of our chuck-a-pep intermission minigame. The winner will receive an authentic reversible “flip-side” Toronto Maple Leafs jersey, designed by Canadian pop-star Justin Bieber! Don’t miss out and get your tickets here!
January 26th vs Flint Firebirds (17-23-2-1) @ 7:00pm
Tale of the Tape – The Firebirds had the upper hand in the first matchup, winning 5-1. With the scene shifting to Mississauga, the Steelheads look to flip the script and come out on top Friday night.
Player to Watch – Reed Gee was traded from Flint to Mississauga in mid-December, and has brought a physical presence to an already gritty team. The defenseman will look to make an impact in his first game against his former squad.
The Opponent – Flint is locked in a tight battle for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference, sitting in eighth place just one point ahead of the Sarnia Sting. Recently acquired forward Oliver Peer will be relied on heavily as the Firebirds make their postseason push.
January 28th @ Brantford Bulldogs (22-12-6-2) @ 2:00pm
Tale of the Tape – These clubs have been very evenly matched in their past two games, however Brantford was able to pick up victories in both meetings. Matching up for the third time in 21 days, Mississauga hopes to get back on track and pull even in their season series.
Player to Watch – Jack Ivankovic makes his return after missing a few weeks with a lower-body injury. He was one of the best goalies in the league prior to getting hurt, posting an excellent 0.916 save percentage in his rookie season.
The Opponent – Following another successful week, the Bulldogs are the hottest team in the Eastern Conference. They’re currently on a six-game point streak and have catapulted to the top of the Eastern Conference. Goaltender Matteo Drobac is coming off a shutout performance in Mississauga, and will try to continue his excellent stretch Sunday afternoon.