Steelheads Preview: November 27 – 30

November 27, 2014 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Mississauga Steelheads The Steelheads split their games this past weekend, opening with a road loss to the London Knights on Friday, and returning to Mississauga to even up their season series with the Peterborough Petes. Despite the Tip Top Tailors Play of the Week by Michael McLeod, London's Mitchell Marner stole the show on Friday night with a career-high four goal performance as the Knights picked up their 14th victory of the season. Sunday afternoon would be a different story as the Steelheads offense clicked into gear with Sam Babintsev (2 goals, 2 assists) leading the pack in a 5-1 win.

NEW ADDITIONS

Mississauga announced two new additions to their school of fish this weekend. Forward Jimmy Lodge was acquired on Friday from Saginaw, and defenceman Justin Bean was acquired on Saturday from Belleville.

Lodge was able to meet the team in London, Ontario in time for their tilt with the Knights, and wasted no time getting acclimated to his new surroundings. Lodge put the Steelheads on the board early in the second period. His hot start with the Trout continued on Sunday afternoon as he and linemates Babintsev and Bryson Cianfrone combined for nine points (3 goals, 6 assists) in the victory.

Bean made his debut playing alongside Josh Burnside on Sunday, and fit in well to the Steelheads system. He stated in an interview, "I played in the summer for (Steelheads Assistant Coach) Jason Nobili, actually, so I'm pretty familiar with how things are run here."

THIS WEEKEND

Mississauga prepares for a busy weekend, playing three games in four days against three of the top ten teams in the Ontario Hockey League. Lodge has a positive outlook for the weekend, "For me, I'll just probably take every game the same, it doesn't really matter who you're playing against, just got to play your game and play hard and good things happen that way."

The Erie Otters currently lead the season series against Mississauga, having picked up a 4-0 victory in their first meeting. Despite the notable loss of their Captain, Connor McDavid, the Otters have continued to roll, entering the game on a three game winning streak and holding down first place in the Western Conference. Newly-acquired Nick Baptiste will make his debut for the Otters on Thursday night after being picked up from the Sudbury Wolves earlier in the week.

Mississauga will have two home games this weekend, hosting the Belleville Bulls Friday and the London Knights on Sunday.

Belleville will be in the building for BMO FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT on Friday. Belleville is currently on a five-game losing streak, the longest current slump in the league. The Bulls will take on the Niagara IceDogs on Thursday as they begin a three game road trip.

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Steelheads Preview: November 27 - 30