SmartStop Post-Game Recap – Just Short vs. Hamilton
Despite a fast and intense battle, the Steelheads fall 4-2 to the reigning OHL Champions.
First Period
For the third time this year, the Steelheads faced off against the Hamilton Bulldogs, looking to take the lead in the season series.
The Steelheads came out strong, dominating the first few minutes of the game. With some great chances and opportunities early on, the Steelheads were able to gain momentum quickly, which worked in their favour.
Just prior to the midway point of the period, the Steelheads looked to capitalize on the power play and did not wait long to strike. Steelheads captain Ethan Del Mastro carried the puck across the ice, beating defenders to enter the defensive zone. Running out of space, the captain passed it to fellow defenceman Chas Sharpe, who beat Hamilton’s Tristain Malboeuf from the blue line. Steelheads goaltender Ryerson Leenders picked up the secondary assist to earn his first OHL point.
The Steelheads and the Bullodgs took turns dominating the play, but as the Steelheads ran into penalty trouble, the Bulldogs capitalized. With one second left on the power play, Hamilton’s Lucas Moore utilized the screen in front of Leenders to his advantage and beat the rookie goaltender high to tie the game at one.
The teams continued to trade opportunities, but both goaltenders stood strong to keep the game tied at one going into the first intermission.
Shots on Goal – 9 HAM/13 MISS
Second Period
It was a goaltenders and defenders game in the second period. While the two teams hoped to break the stalemate, neither team made it easy for the other to take the lead.
The Blue and White and had numerous great opportunities, but the best chance of the period came at the 13:30 mark of the middle frame. Zander Veccia kept the puck just onside after Hamilton upped the pressure, looking to clear the zone. Rushing the net, Veccia passed it to the newly-signed Blue Jackets’ forward Luca Del Bel Belluz just before Malboeuf’s crease. The centreman dragged it to the backhand to take the shot that was ultimately trapped in the opposing goaltender’s glove.
With neither side able to put one in the back of the net, the score remained tied at one to end the period.
Shots on Goal – 11 HAM/13 MISS
Third Period
Both teams upped the intensity and pressure to start the final frame, still hoping to be the ones to take the lead.
Just over a minute into the period, the Steelheads found themselves on the penalty kill once again. With Malboeuf leaving his crease to send the puck back to the Bulldog’s power play unit, Kai Schwindt capitalized on the missed pass and shot the puck into the empty Bulldogs net to give the Steelheads the 2-1 lead. The goal marks Schwindt’s fifth of the season and first career short-handed goal.
Still on the power play, the Bulldogs did not wait long to tie the game once again. Just 17 seconds later after the Steelheads’ short-handed goal, Hamilton’s Florian Xhekaj beat Leenders after a scramble in front to tie the game at two a piece.
The teams continued to play a fast and exciting game. However, it was the Bulldogs who struck again to take the lead for the first time in the game. Hamilton’s Artem Grushnikov sent the puck past Leenders high to give the visiting team the lead with just under 12 minutes left to play in the period.
With the Blue and White goaltender pulled late in the period, the Steelheads held control in the offensive zone, but could not beat Malboeuf for a third time. In the final 15 seconds of the period, Hamilton’s Logan Morrison sealed the Steelheads fate with an empty net goal to end the game with the score of 4-2.
Shots on Goal – 17 HAM/8 MISS
Total Shots – 37 HAM/34 MISS
Three Stars:
- Jorian Donovan (2A)
- Ryerson Leenders (33 SV)
- Chas Sharpe (1G)
The Steelheads travel across the border for a road game against the Erie Otters tomorrow before heading home on Sunday to face the London Knights in their 10th Annual Teddy Bear Toss game. You can buy your tickets for Sunday’s Teddy Bear Toss game by clicking here.
