GOJHL Matchup of the Week: Brantford Titans at Pelham Panthers


Brantford Titans at Pelham Panthers
SUNDAY, 7:15

This matchup is a vital one for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.  The Brantford Titans, sitting in 8th place with 44 points, are in a playoff spot, while the Pelham Panthers are just one point behind in 9th place with 43 points. With both teams vying for the final spots, this game could be the deciding factor for who makes it into the postseason.

Season Recap and Form:
Brantford has had a strong season but has opened the door slightly after dropping three straight games to their rivals, the Caledonia Corvairs. Despite the recent skid, they’re still in the playoff picture.  On the other hand, the Pelham Panthers have been playing some of their best hockey, including pulling off surprising wins against high-ranked teams like the Ayr Centennials.  Their recent surge has kept them within striking distance of the playoffs, and they’ll be looking to keep that momentum going.

Previous Meetings:
These two teams haven’t faced off since December, but when they did, they played high-scoring affairs, with each game totaling over 7 goals. The Titans have won two of the three matchups so far this season, but with so much on the line, expect another high-intensity game.

Players to Watch:
For the Panthers, keep an eye on Caleb MacLeish, who has 1 goal and 4 points in the 3 games against Brantford.  Also, 6’4″ forward Dylan Leslie has been quiet on the scoresheet lately but is still second on the team in points and first in goals. Leslie is always a threat and could be due for a breakout performance.

For the Titans, Ethan Szabo has been a key contributor this season, particularly in high-scoring games, and sits in the top 10 in the league in points per game with 65 points. Alongside him, Tyler Crisostomo, who’s netted 34 goals this season and sits 3rd in the league in goals, is another player to watch. Together, Szabo and Crisostomo account for 43% of Brantford’s goals this season.

Keys to the Game:
Both teams have been playing well above expectations, each posting 6 wins in their last 10 games. With the playoff race tightening up, this game will be a battle of high-intensity hockey, featuring big-time offensive players and key defensive stops. Special teams will also play a crucial role, as both teams look to capitalize on every opportunity.

Expect an exciting, fast-paced matchup between the Brantford Titans and the Pelham Panthers as they fight for their playoff lives. This game promises to be a thrilling contest, and you won’t want to miss it!  Catch all the action live on Flo Hockey!