Until the End
Brampton, ON- The Brampton Steelheads fall in Game 6, 4-1 to the Oshawa Generals after Owen Griffin put up three points (2G, 1A). The hard-fought loss marks the end of Round 1 and the final game for the Steelheads this season.
After an intense game on Friday, the Steelheads survived elimination to push the series to today’s Game 6. With everything on the line once again, the Trout entered this game with something to prove as they began their pursuit to tie the series and force Game 7. Despite their effort, the stars were not aligned, and the victory went to the Generals.
Brayden Gillespie got the start for the Steelheads and continued off his impressive performance on Friday after Jack Ivankovic left the game. Today’s game was no different as Gillespie remained calm and collected between the pipes. He especially showed his strength after he curtailed the efforts of Calum Ritchie on a breakaway and an Oshawa 3-on-1 attempt.
The first period saw a significant amount of back-and-forth, but the Trout had an early shot at scoring, especially after Oshawa drew two consecutive high-sticking penalties from Ethan Martin and Luke Torrance. While Jack Van Volsen came close to securing the icebreaker off a nice feed from Porter Martone, he was unfortunately covered off by Jacob Oster.
While the Trout’s scoring would have to wait, Brampton showcased their defensive power on the penalty kill after Konnor Smith was given a double minor for high-sticking. Despite the intense pressure from the Oshawa power play, the Steelheads stood tall and ensured they kept the puck away from the net. Notably, Mason Zebeski had a phenomenal defensive performance on the penalty kill, blocking three incoming shots from Oshawa. Through the combined effort of Zebeski out front and Gillespie between the pipes, the Trout successfully killed off the 4-minute penalty.
Despite the effort the Steelheads put in throughout the opening minutes to remain strong defensively while generating chances on Oster, the Generals were the first to score. With only one minute to go, Ritchie set Owen Griffin up at the right faceoff dot. Unable to get a shot, Griffin dropped it back to Colby Barlow, who found an open lane and snuck it past Gillespie down low.
The momentum of this goal continued into the second for the Generals, and with several rounds of special teams putting the Trout on the defensive, it allowed Oshawa to go three unanswered. An unfortunate turnover led to the Gens’ first goal of the second. Finding the loose puck, Torrance drove in deep to get into the high slot before sending it through traffic and bar down.
This early goal quickly shifted the pace, and with consecutive special teams going in favour of the Generals, there was a lack of offensive movement for Brampton. Things got heated in Oshawa’s end, leading to Zebeski getting two minutes for slashing. While the Trout made it through the first penalty, Finn Harding was called for roughing, leading to another bout of special teams and another Generals goal.
Luca Marrelli got the puck back at the point before firing it on goal. With traffic out front, Griffin was able to tip it in past Gillespie to give the Generals a three-goal lead. As the remaining minutes of the period ran out, the Trout had their work cut out for them as they entered the third.
Not looking to back down easily, the Steelheads put their offence at full force as they consistently generated shot after shot on Oster. Finally, after many chances, the Steelheads got themselves on the board, sparking some hope of forcing a tie.
Luke Misa got the puck from Jakub Fibigr deep into the Generals’ zone. Instead of taking the shot, Misa found a rushing Rehkopf on the left side and sent the puck over. With Oster covered off on the right side, Rehkopf had an easy open lane to fire into the back of the net.
Within two, the Trout put all forces in action, but time was not on their side. Despite numerous chances in the last five minutes of play, it was no luck for the Steelheads and with Griffin getting a last-second empty-net goal, their fate was secured.
Game 6 marked the final game for the Steelheads for the series and the season. After a long season filled with ups and downs, great comebacks, and incredible displays of skill and teamwork, the Trout put on a remarkable performance that all fans will remember for a lifetime.
Thank you to all of the Steelheads fans! See you next season.
