Steelheads Fall in Season Opener Against Petes

Brampton strikes early but penalties and special teams prove costly in 6–3 loss to the Petes.

September 18, 2025 Alwin Marshall-Squire Mississauga Steelheads, Sports 0

Steelheads goalie Zach Bowen makes a save while teammates and Peterborough Petes players battle in front of the net during the 2025 OHL season opener. — Brampton Steelheads goaltender Zach Bowen defends the crease as Peterborough Petes forwards battle for position during the 2025–26 OHL season opener at the Peterborough Memorial Centre. (image source: X / @OHLSteelheads)

The Brampton Steelheads dropped their 2025–26 Ontario Hockey League season opener 6–3 to the Peterborough Petes on Thursday night.

Brampton started strong, striking twice in the first period. Keaton Ardagh opened the scoring on a power play at 12:02, assisted by Mason Zebeski and Sean Matthew Goyette. Just over a minute later, Julian Demiglio doubled the lead with help from MacGregor Richmond.

Peterborough responded quickly. Matthew Soto and Leon Kolarik each tallied before the end of the first, tying the game 2–2. The Petes took control in the second period with a power-play goal from Colin Fitzgerald at 10:51, and never looked back.

In the third, Peterborough extended their lead with goals from Brennan Faulkner and Francis Parish, plus Fitzgerald’s empty-netter. Brampton’s David Green found the back of the net at 4:33, assisted by Demiglio and Kieran Witkowski, but it wasn’t enough to shift momentum.

Back at it tomorrow 👊 pic.twitter.com/1moqCZpMmY

— Brampton Steelheads (@OHLSteelheads) September 19, 2025

Player Spotlight

Julian Demiglio (F) – The third star of the game, Demiglio recorded one goal and one assist, contributing to two of Brampton’s three goals on the night.

By the Numbers

Shots on Goal: Peterborough 39, Brampton 31
Power Play: Brampton 1/5, Peterborough 2/6
Penalty Minutes: Brampton 16 (8 infractions), Peterborough 14 (7 infractions)
Attendance: 3,761

Standings Update

With the loss, Brampton starts the season 0–1–0. The Steelheads will be looking for their first win on home ice.

What’s Next

The Steelheads return to action on Friday, September 19, hosting the Niagara IceDogs at the CAA Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

👉 Follow GTA Weekly Sports for more Steelheads coverage and local sports updates. #GTAWeekly #GTAToday

About Alwin Marshall-Squire 15514 Articles

Alwin Marshall-Squire is the Editor-in-Chief of S-Q Publications Inc., overseeing editorial strategy for GTA Weekly, GTA Today, and Vision Newspaper. He leads the publications’ mission to deliver bold, original journalism focused on the people and communities of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada, and the global Caribbean diaspora. Also writes for GTA Weekly and GTA Today.