Through the first twelve games of the 2011-12 season, the Brampton Battalion have raised a few eyebrows with respect to their performance thus far. The Battalion currently sit 3rd in the Eastern conference with 16 points on the year.
While the 38 goals that Brampton has scored this year rank them in front of only Sudbury in their division, the Troops have been a stingy bunch in giving up goals. With only 25 goals against through the twelve games, Brampton is pacing the Ontario Hockey League in terms of defensive play.
Matej Machovsky and Keegan Wilson have been brilliant at times for Brampton this season. Machovsky is the younger of the two, but entered the season as the only goalie on Brampton’s roster with OHL experience. Wilson entered the season as a bit of a wild card, but has yet to lose in regulation for the Battalion this year. Each has recorded a shutout on the year while playing in at least five games apiece.
The Battalion defence was going to be their strength heading into this season and it certainly hasn’t disappointed thus far. The return of Zach Bell from injury has been huge for Brampton, especially considering that in his six games since returning he has put up two goals and added an assist while boasting a plus-4 rating. His defence partner Cameron Wind has a goal and four assists on the year and currently has a plus-5 rating. Dylan Blujus has stepped up his offensive game substantially this year as he leads Brampton’s defence corps with eight points while Jordan Auld, Spencer Abraham and Marcus McIver have been more than effective keeping the puck out of their own net.
Brampton’s forwards are a “score-by-committee” squad led by Sam Carrick and Phil Lane. Rookie import pick Patrik Machac leads the team with 11 points and looks poised to help guide the Battalion offence as the season progresses. Newcomer Brett Mackie has been a welcome addition since joining the Battalion via trade from Belleville. His production on the score sheet is only half of what he brings to the table for the Troops.
Brampton’s depth will create a logjam when the likes of Michael Santini and Conner Jarvis heal from their respective injuries. And once OA forward Ian Watters comes back from injury in January the Battalion will have one OA too many and be forced to make a tough decision.
Brampton will finish off the month of October with some key divisional battles on the road against Niagara (October 27th) and then at home Barrie (October 28th) and Sudbury (October 30).
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