MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — As we look back on the first half of their 2021-22 season, the Mississauga Steelheads have a lot to feel good about entering the holiday break.

Entering the final weekend of action before the break, the Steelheads are tied for third in the OHL’s Eastern Conference with a 16-7-1-1 record. But, while they have had some players who have stood out more than others, the Steelheads’ success thus far has been largely due to their performance-by-committee mentality.

Part of that was the club’s pair of big, Scandinavian defensemen: Kasper Larsen and Ole Bjorgvik-Holm. In fact, for their solid play thus far, both were chosen to represent their respective countries in the Under-20 Division I, Group A World Championship in Denmark.

Larsen, who is representing his native Denmark, has established himself as a reliable playmaker so far in his young OHL career.

In 19 games for the Steelheads, the Rodovre, Denmark, native has 12 assists. But it’s his towering 6-foot-5, 229-pound frame that has predominantly helped the blueliner stand out from timely, not to mention devastating, hits to his intimidating presence from afar.

In four games at the Worlds thus far, the 19-year-old has a goal and an assist, although the host country has struggled in the tournament, going 0-4-0.

As for Ole Bjorgvik-Holm, he and his native Norway have had better luck in Denmark this past week. The Norwegians are 3-1-0 at the Worlds with Bjorgvik-Holm contributing in a big way.

In four games, the Oslo native has two goals and three assists. That is impressive considering he has two goals and four assists in 18 games for the Steelheads so far this season. Plus, like Larsen, Bjorgvik-Holm has been able to show off his formidable size: 6-foot-3 and 194 pounds, to be exact.

While they may be having contrasting experiences in Denmark this week, the duo of Larsen and Bjorgvik-Holm are proud to be serving their countries, reaping the rewards of being such instrumental forces for the Steelheads this season.

When they do return to North America, the defensive duo will be better with the Worlds experience under their belt, especially after such a long wait due to last year’s pandemic-related cancelation of the tournament. They will be expected to help the Steelheads make a serious push for the top spot in the East in preparation for the playoffs.

It’s been quite the ride for Larsen and Bjorgvik-Holm so far, and expect that ride to continue.

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