Steelheads Sign Two OJHL Forwards

Julian Demiglio and Thomas Kuipers became the latest additions to the Brampton Steelheads yesterday when the organization announced their signing.

Both forwards started the year playing in the OJHL. Demiglio, a Brampton third-round pick in the 2023 U-18 Priority Selection, played for the Stouffville Spirit where he scored 29 points in 29 games this season.

During the 2023-24 season, the 2006-born forward scored 38 points in 55 games as a rookie. He is committed to RIT for the 2026-27 season.

Kuipers, a 2006-born forward, accumulated 20 points in 27 games with the Trenton Golden Hawks who are currently ranked first in the CJHL. He scored an impressive 33 points in 55 games during the 2023-24 season when he was a rookie in the OJHL.

The Erie Otters selected Kuipers in the thirteenth round of the 2022 OHL Priority selection.

While these two are new to the OHL their combined 3 years of OJHL experience will serve them well during their transition.

Brampton is considered a top-heavy team for good reason. Porter Martone, Luke Misa and Carson Rehkopf all have more than 40 points while no one else on the roster has more than 26 points.

This has been aggravated by Angus Macdonell and Lucas Karmiris missing significant periods of time this season.

Having multiple options to turn to in depth positions will be incredibly important for Brampton as they move into the second half of the season.

They currently sit eighth in the Eastern Conference with 32 points. It cannot be denied that the first half of the year has been a bit disappointing given Brampton's results last year and the fire power they added during the offseason.

Their next game is a home tilt against the Niagara IceDogs on Friday, Dec. 20.

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