by Mike Ries, Staff Writer, AHL Report
BRAMPTON, ON — After a horrible start to the 2017-’18 ECHL season, the Brampton Beast have turned things around. Coming into a weekend series against the Reading Royals, the Beast had reeled off three straight victories. That streak was extended with a 3-1 victory on Friday night over the Royals, the ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.
Goaltender Marcus Hogberg was the story of the game, allowing just one Royals goal while stopping 36 shots. Defenceman Reggie Traccitto scored the winner for the Beast. Hogberg and Traccitto were named first and second stars of the game with Beast captain Brandon Marino picking up the third star.
On Sunday, the Beast found themselves trailing the Royals 4-2 heading into the third period. Brampton scored three unanswered goals in the final frame to complete the 5-4 comeback. With two goals Alex Foster was named first star of the game. Jordan Henry scored the game-winner with 6:55 remaining in the third.
Brampton has recorded points in seven of its last nine games. With the current winning streak the Beast have jumped into fifth place in the North Division of the Eastern Conference and are four points out of first place.
The Beast special teams remain middle of the pack in the ECHL and their struggles continue on the power play. What is puzzling is the inability to find a cohesive five-man unit that is consistent on the man advantage.
Marino continues to lead the team in goals (6) and points (15). Rugged defenceman Willie Corrin has been a pleasant surprise leading the team in assists (10) along with winger Chris Leveille. Second year defenceman Matt Petgrave, who has seen time at forward, is top in shooting percentage (20) but has been limited because of injury.
Goaltender Andrew D’Agostini is the team leader in all goaltender categories: wins (4), save percentage (.904) and goals against average (2.97).
After a few weeks of constant player movement for the Beast, there was a little roster stability with only the addition of goaltender Marcus Hogberg from the Belleville Senators. this week. Beast starting goaltender Michael McNiven remains with the Laval Rocket of the AHL and has been impressive in his starts this season with them. Both forward Bryan Cameron and defenceman Tyson Wilson remain on injured reserve.
The Beast have two games at home this week where they will welcome the Kalamazoo Wings and Toledo Walleye to the Powerade Centre.
Brampton will open December with a home game against the Cincinnati Cyclones. The Beast will take a quick road trip to Adirondack to play the Thunder. They will then return to Brampton for three games at home against Cincinnati, Worcester and Toledo bringing them to the middle of the month.