BRANTFORD, Canada (Interstat) — Xavier Lieb scored twice and added four shots on goal as Brantford opened its Ontario Hockey League season with a 3-1 victory over Niagara on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at TD Civic Centre. Lieb scored at 2:01 of the first period, assisted by Brayden Lappalainen and George Komadoski, and added his second goal at 4:20 of the third, with Joseph Banas and Komadoski assisting. Jason Musa sealed the win at 17:16 of the third, with Kaden McGregor and Camden McCuaig assisting. Noah Read scored Niagara’s goal at 16:16 of the first, with Wil McFadden and Layne Gallacher assisting. Komadoski recorded two assists and four shots on goal. Musa had a goal, four shots on goal and two penalty minutes. Read had five shots on goal and two penalty minutes. Brantford’s Camron Hankai received seven penalty minutes. Attendance was 3,207. Brantford improved to 1-0, while Niagara fell to 0-1. Brantford next hosts Guelph on Saturday, Sept. 19, while Niagara hosts Brampton the same day.