BRAMPTON, Ont. – The Brampton Battalion, buoyed by a pair of preseason victories over the Kitchener Rangers on Labour Day weekend, is brimming with confidence.

One Battalion hero in a 5-2 win Sunday at Waterloo, Ont., was left winger Connor Jarvis, who scored two goals, his first of any kind in the Ontario Hockey League.

“It feels really good to get the monkey off of my back after not scoring last year,” acknowledged Jarvis. “Hopefully the confidence keeps going heading into the season.”

The upbeat attitude continued on home ice Monday. Despite falling behind 1-0 early in the second period, the Troops rallied for a 3-1 victory. Left winger Brandon Robinson scored the tying goal, tipping a Cameron Wind slap shot on the power play.

“It’s huge to see the young guys stepping in to bounce back after their goal and respond the way we did,” said Robinson.

As a second-year player who was the club’s first-round pick in the OHL Priority Selection in 2011, Robinson will be among those from whom leadership is expected. It’s a role he’s already started to embrace.

“I try to be open for the younger guys,” said Robinson. “We had a great leadership group last year when I was in their position that really helped me a lot, and I’m looking to do the same for these guys this year.”

Said coach Stan Butler of the Monday game: “We had six different guys in the lineup than on Sunday. I was really happy with the kids. They played hard.”

Defenceman Marcus McIvor, who played the first game and watched the second from the stands, was equally impressed with the team’s effort.

“Any time you can start the year with two exhibition wins, obviously things are going good,” said McIvor. “The boys have been playing well. We’ve been working hard, and everyone is pitching in.”

The Battalion demonstrated depth in all areas of the ice. Of the eight goals scored against Kitchener, three were by rookies trying to crack the opening-night lineup.

“You can never have enough depth,” noted Butler. “You’re going to run into injuries throughout the year and need guys to step in and play.”

The Troops showed a welcome ability to generate offensive chances.

“What I really like about our young guys is that every time they get the puck, they want to make plays with it,” said Butler.

The Battalion returns to preseason play next Tuesday night, facing the Peterborough Petes at 7 p.m. at Newmarket, Ont.