Ultimate Drivers Weekend Preview: Welcoming the West
Proving Grounds
Tonight a trio of Steelheads will have an opportunity to cement their status as NHL draft prospects at the Connor McDavid top prospects game. Steelheads Captain Porter Martone, Star Netminder Jack Ivankovic, and first-round selection Lucas Karmiris will all make their way to Brantford for the showcase. Martone will look to show off his dynamic offensive skillset to push for the first overall pick. Jack Ivankovic will aim to display his quickness and agility as he pushes to be the first netminder taken. Lucas Karmiris will aim to establish his presence on both ends to rise up the draft boards.
Defending an Attack
The Brampton Steelheads (18-15-6-0) are back in action on Friday when they host the Owen Sound Attack (12-23-2-3). It will be the first matchup between the clubs this season. The Trout dominated last year’s two-game series, winning both games. In those games, the Steelheads outscored the attack 10-3. Brampton and Owen Sound enter the weekend in vastly different positions. The Trout have loaded up for a playoff push, while Owen Sound looked to the future at last week’s trade deadline. Friday’s game is presented by Dr. Oetker Canada, who will be giving one lucky fan free pizza for a year! Also, please be sure to pick up your free Dr. Oetker pizza coupon as you cheer on your Brampton Steelheads! You will not want to miss out, so grab your tickets here!
The storyline in this Friday’s matchup is new Steelhead Konnor Smith’s first game against his former club. The massive 6 foot 6 defenceman was acquired from Owen Sound last Wednesday, in a trade that sent a number of picks to the Attack. Smith spent parts of two seasons in Owen Sound, where he was appointed team captain entering this season. The Steelheads will look for the overager to continue to bring his patented physical, and reliable brand of hockey to their backend as they push into the playoffs.
Despite their record, the Attack are not a team to be taken lightly. With an impressive young core, they can upset any team on a given night. Pierce Mbuyi, this past year’s 7th overall pick, dominated GTHL U16 AAA last season for the Toronto Malboros and is off to a promising start to his OHL career. At the deadline, Owen Sound added 6th overall pick Cole Zurawski in a trade with the Flint Firebirds to pair alongside Mbuyi. The two rookies join Tristan Delisle and David Bedkowski, who the Attack acquired from Oshawa in the Colby Barlow trade. This young group is led by netminder Carter George. The Thunder Bay native posted an impressive .907 save percentage last year, which propelled him to a second-round selection by the Los Angeles Kings in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Rematch with the Rangers
The Trout have a quick turnaround, as they host the Kitchener Rangers (29-8-3-1) on Saturday. The clubs squared off last Friday at the Aud, where the Steelheads prevailed 5-2. Saturday will be the final time these clubs face off this regular season. With both teams solidifying their status as playoff contenders, a playoff matchup could be in the future. During Saturday’s game, the Brampton Steelheads will be hosting their annual New School Night in support of Bell Let’s Talk. This event invites the next generation of hockey enthusiasts to step into the spotlight, with seven lucky kids getting an exclusive behind the scenes experience.
If you are looking for a deal, the Family 4 pack will be available for this Saturday’ faceoff with Kitchener!
The key for Brampton to beat the Rangers is starting the game strong. In last Friday’s matchup, the Trout came out red-hot, scoring four goals in just over ten minutes. This scoring came from
throughout the lineup, with the four goals coming from three different lines. With star netminder Jack Ivankovic in goal, Brampton will fare well if they can take the lead early. Another key to success will be the special teams. The Trout power play enters the weekend on a high after they tallied three goals on the man advantage against North Bay. If they can keep clicking then the Steelheads should be able to take down one of the premier teams of the Western Conference.
Similarly to the Steelheads, Kitchener also boasts an impressive core of draft-eligible players. Defenceman Cameron Reid, and forwards Luca Romano and Adrian Misaljevic were selected for the Connor McDavid top prospects game tonight. Cameron Reid uses his exceptional skating to lead rushes and escape pressure. Luca Romano’s elite edgework and quick shot make him a threat whenever he is on the ice. Despite being an overager, Adrian Misaljevic earned his way to the prospects game with a breakout year, as he leads a loaded Kitchener team in scoring. The blend of youth and veterans has propelled the Rangers to a top spot in the Western Conference.
It will be the only chance you get to see the Rangers in Brampton, so grab your tickets here!