The Mississauga Steelheads are leading the OHL with ten wins to start the regular season. Can they keep this up? Or will their momentum slow down eventually?
Mississauga has won 10 out of 13 games to start the regular season, as they lead the league in wins and points. The Steelheads weren't even projected as one of the league's top teams to begin the year, as they began 8th overall in the OHL Preseason Power Rankings.
The Steelheads' young guns have been getting it done early on. 2024 NHL Draft prospect Luke Misa — the brother of exceptional status pick Michael Misa — leads the team with 20 points, while 2025 NHL Draft prospect Porter Martone trails him with 18.
Luke Misa has had a picture-perfect start to his draft season. Being a late-2005 born player, he has already played two full OHL seasons. There was concern of his stagnant development over the past two years, but he has certainly taken some strides over this past off-season. Misa appears more confident than ever, and he has been taking shot opportunities much more frequently. His shot is becoming a tool in his game. Combining his shot with his elite quickness, deceptiveness, and high paced game is making him a threat on every shift.
When watching Porter Martone for this first time, you'd think that he is a veteran in this league. Martone is a 2025 NHL Draft Prospect, and a late-2006 born player. He was originally drafted 5th overall by the Sarnia Sting, before being sent to Mississauga in the Ethan Del Mastro trade last season. Martone immediately made an impact with the Steelheads, and he has been able to flourish further so far this season. For a player that stands at 6-foot-3, he has a lethal finishing-ability and he moves around the ice well. Martone scores most of his goals around the front of the net, as he has an incredible knack for finding loose pucks and getting open in the slot. He has two hat tricks so far this season, along with five multi-point games.
Despite the hot start for these two, they have been getting contributions throughout their lineup.
Overage captain Chas Sharpe is a point per game from the back-end, including 7 goals. Sharpe is chasing a professional contract by season's end, and he is looking increasingly confident to start the season.
Angus MacDonell, Marc Boudreau, and Mason Zebeski each have 5 goals thus far.
MacDonell was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 6th round this past offseason, and has been one of Mississauga's main play drivers.
Boudreau joins the Steelheads after being acquired from the Sudbury Wolves in a trade. The overage forward plays with loads of fight and compete, and never fails to get his team going.
Zebeski is a consistent secondary producer for the Steelheads, and has 6 points through 13 games.
The Steelheads' 2023 first round CHL Import Draft pick has made a name for himself as well. Czech defender Jakub Fibigr has been a threat on both special teams units and has 11 points through 13 games with the club. He's been playing on the first defensive pair alongside captain Chas Sharpe. Fibigr is entering his draft-eligible season, and his hot-start has put his name on many draft lists early on. He possesses an incredible defensive stick and mobility, and there aren't many flaws in his game.
Last but definitely not least, the Steelheads have been absolutely stellar in the goal crease. Ryerson Leenders and Jack Ivankovic have both played their part in the team's success. They have become one of the best — yet one of the youngest — goalie tandems in the OHL.
Just by looking at the numbers, it is clear to see just how good Leenders has been. He has a 2.72 GAA (Goals Against Average) and a .920% save percentage. Leenders' athleticism is phenomenal and he is relentless in the crease. He has eight of his team's wins, and he has saved many games for them. Leenders has made a real-good case for himself as the top NHL Draft-eligible goaltender in the OHL so far.
Jack Ivankovic — the 2007-born rookie goaltender — has played in 4 games and has put up good numbers. His standout performance came against the Guelph Storm on October 13th, where his team took a 3-2 win and he made 35 saves. Ivankovic's ceiling is sky-high, and the OHL 7th overall pick will battle alongside Leenders for the next few years.
Ivankovic is representing Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in PEI, which gets underway this upcoming week.
The Mississauga Steelheads have had a miraculous start to the season, and for good reason. They have an abundance of depth in every position. Even though they are a young team, they have been electric offensively, and stellar in their own zone. The Steelheads still have room for one overage roster spot, and this gives them the opportunity to add another big asset to this squad at some point.
The Steelheads head across the border next weekend to face the Saginaw Spirit and Flint Firebirds in back-to-back games, where they will look to return home with all four points.