PJHL Playoffs – Schmalz Cup Recap

CAMBRIDGE, ON – The Fergus Whalers capped off a dominant 2025–26 campaign in dramatic fashion Sunday evening, securing the Schmalz Cup with an overtime victory in Game 5. Ryan Forwell delivered the championship‑winning goal, etching his name into Whalers history and closing out a postseason in which Fergus dropped only three games.

The Schmalz Cup Finals between the Tavistock Braves and Fergus Whalers lived up to every expectation, opening with back‑to‑back overtime decisions.

Game 1 — Joey Martin lifted Fergus to a series lead with an overtime winner on the road in Tavistock.

Game 2 — Tavistock responded in kind, with Yann Raskin burying an overtime goal of his own to even the series.

From there, the tide shifted.

With the series tied 1–1 and momentum seemingly on Tavistock’s side, the Whalers delivered a statement performance in Game 3, earning a 7–4 victory. The night belonged to Joey Martin, who exploded for three goals and two assists, powering Fergus to a 2–1 series lead.

Game 4 became an instant classic. The Braves held a 5–4 advantage entering the final 10 minutes, but Fergus refused to fade.

Jacob Lesser tied the game late.

Andrew McClure buried the game‑winner with under two minutes remaining.

That comeback set the stage for a potential clincher on home ice.

In Game 5, the Whalers had the opportunity to finish their remarkable run—and they did just that. After a Game 4 hat trick, Ryan Forwell delivered again, scoring the overtime winner to secure the 2025–26 Schmalz Cup for Fergus.

The Whalers closed the season with a combined 54–10 record, powered by standout performances from Joey Martin, Liam Eveleigh, Jacob Lesser, Ryan Forwell, and Noah Lundgren.

The postseason’s brightest star, however, was Jacob Lesser, who earned Playoff MVP honours with 19 goals and 14 assists in 20 games.

Though the ending was difficult, the Tavistock Braves authored one of the most impressive seasons in franchise history. Their campaign featured:

28 regular‑season wins

The first Division Championship in team history

The first Conference Championship in team history

Players, staff, fans, and the entire Tavistock community have every reason to be proud. The Braves delivered a thrilling playoff run and pushed the Whalers in a competitive, high‑quality final.

With the Schmalz Cup awarded, another unforgettable PJHL season comes to a close. The 2025–26 campaign was filled with moments that showcased why this league remains one of the premier destinations for Junior hockey.

As we turn the page toward September, stay tuned to the league’s website and social channels for upcoming announcements, offseason updates, and preparations for another exciting year of PJHL action.

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About the PJHL
The Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) is the largest junior hockey league in Ontario, comprising 61 teams across the province. With a commitment to player development, community engagement, and excellence on and off the ice, the PJHL continues to serve as a vital pathway in Canadian junior hockey.