Ultimate drivers Weekend Preview : Eastern Gauntlet – The Steelheads return to action with a three-in-three against Eastern Division opponents.
Triple header
The Steelheads are in store for another busy weekend with their second straight weekend with a triple header. The Steelheads secured four of six possible points last weekend when they dominated the Battalion at home before completing a comeback win in North Bay. The Trout have an opportunity to solidify themselves within the Eastern Conference standings as they take on the Ottawa 67s, Kingston Frontenacs, and Brantford Bulldogs.
Road Rematch
In the first game of the weekend, the Steelheads travel northeast for a rematch against the 67s. Brampton and Ottawa squared off earlier this season in a thrilling game that needed a shootout to determine a victor. Both clubs enter the weekend in a similar position as they look to climb the ladder of the Eastern Conference.
Jacob Gibbons stole the show in this most recent matchup where he stopped 41 of 43 shots to secure his first win with the Trout. Whether it’s Gibbons or Jack Ivankovic, the Steelheads will look for another steady performance from their netminders to help shut down the 67s premier goal scorers.
Special teams will play a big role in Friday’s matchup. The penalty kill has been a challenge for the 67s so far this season as they sit last league-wide at just 59%. The Trout on the other hand enter the weekend on high for special teams. Brampton has scored on three of their last four power-plays on the road, while not allowing a goal over their last eight penalty kills. The Steelheads double-quarterback experiment featuring both Spencer Sova and Finn Harding on the top power-play unit has paid off early, which has allowed the power-play to thrive. Brampton will look for this unit to keep clicking as they aim to defeat the 67s.
You can watch all road games live at watch.chl.ca or listen on Sauga960.
Facing the Frontenacs
On the second day of the triple-header, the Steelheads will stay out east for a matchup with the Eastern Division-leading Kingston Frontenacs. The Steelheads swept the Frontenacs in last year’s season series, winning all four games. Despite the sweep last season, Kingston will not be an easy win this season.
The keys to Brampton’s strong performance against the Frontenacs last year were stellar goaltending and top-line production. Jack Ivankovic held the goal in three of the four matchups where he sported a 0.933 Save percentage, which earned him a spot on the three stars for each start. Much like Ivankovic, Luke Misa earned himself a spot on the three stars in every matchup, as he recorded nine points (3G, 6A) through the four games. The Calgary Flames prospect enters the weekend on a five-game point streak where he has tallied six goals and six assists. The Trout will look for Misa to continue his hot streak this Saturday as they look to get this season’s series started on the right note.
The Frontenacs are led by a Flames prospect of their own in Jacob Battaglia. Battaglia, a Mississauga native, was selected in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft and has been scorching hot to start the season. The speedy winger has scored 23 points (11G, 12A) in 16 games to start the season. Shutting down Battaglia will be the top priority for the Steelheads.
Do not miss any road action by tuning in live at watch.chl.ca or listening on Sauga960.
Home sweet home
After three straight road games, the Steelheads return home Sunday to host the Brantford Bulldogs in their annual Remembrance Day Game to honour those who fought for our country. It will be the Trouts’ second matchup with the Bulldogs this season, as they defeated Brantford 7-0 in the Steelheads home opener. It will be a heavyweight matchup as both teams enter the weekend in the top ten of the OHL’s Power Rankings.
In their prior matchup, standout performances from Captain Porter Martone and Jack Ivankovic led the way for the Steelheads. Martone tallied a goal and three assists, while Ivankovic turned away all 21 shots he faced in Brampton’s dominant victory. The Trout’s familiarity with Brantford goalie Ryerson Leenders showed, as they had no difficulty solving their former netminder – who will certainly be looking for redemption.
Even though the Steelheads dominated the home opener, the Bulldogs are not a team you can take lightly. Brantford’s roster looks far different from the team the Trout saw in September. First, the Bulldogs regained star forward and leading goalscorer Nick Lardis who returned from the Blackhawks training camp. Additionally, overage defenceman and Ottawa Senators prospect Tomas Hamara was reassigned to the club. Lastly, Adam Jiricek, the St. Louis Blues first-round pick, was assigned to the Bulldogs. Shutting down Brantford’s returning stars will be key for Steelheads to come out victorious.
It will be a star-studded matchup you will not want to miss. Secure your ticket here!
