The Brampton Steelheads kicked off their home opener at the CAA Centre with a convincing 4-1 win over the Niagara IceDogs. However, off the ice, the organization faces a challenge: low fan turnout. Since relocating from Mississauga to Brampton, attendance has been a problem and remains inconsistent.

Play-by-play announcer Zack Bodenstein, who has been calling Steelheads games since 2018, pointed out that this year’s expectations are lower. “You lose so much talent on paper from last year coming into this year, so just a lot of new young faces. The goal of this team is just to work hard. You need to make up for the lack of on-ice production with work ethic and structure.”

Arena host Haspreet Singh Hooda, who is in his second season with the team, added that while the opener had fewer fans than expected, the energy within the crowd stood out. “We had around 2,000 fans last year on average, and for the opener, a little less than that, but the crowd was really responsive.”

Singh Hooda said, “Fans were buying merchandise, engaging with the game and showing they want to be part of it. Even if the numbers weren’t huge, the dedication was clear.”

He also talked about reaching the crowd. “Promotions like themed nights and giveaways help keep fans coming back, especially in a diverse community like Brampton. Country Night, Teddy Bear Toss or even Pizza Hut promotions, these things make people want to return, and in my role, I try to connect with everyone, sometimes even switching languages so newcomers can follow along. That helps make hockey more accessible to people who may be new to the sport.”

Game day volunteer Sajjan Ghagare said community outreach is key. “I can guarantee that at least 100 fans at the home opener didn’t know about the Steelheads before. It’s those small things like popping up at farmers’ markets or giving out pocket schedules that will create a big impact.”

Ghagare, who also worked as a Steelheads brand ambassador, said that while the fan turnout is tough, it creates opportunity. “We lost some key players for sure, and that definitely affects turnout, but that just gives opportunity for others to step up and fill that leadership role. Even though we’re placed so low, don’t count us out. We’ve got something to prove and we’re not backing down without a fight.”

As the season goes on, tying these promotional campaigns with community involvement and Brampton’s winning mentality could go a long way in keeping the fans coming back to watch the games, Bodenstein said.