PJHL Weekend Recap – April 10-12, 2026

CAMBRIDGE, ON – The hardware was being handed out this weekend as the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL) playoff race intensified, resulting in three teams punching their tickets to the Schmalz Cup semifinals. From dramatic late-game comebacks to historic franchise milestones, the conference finals delivered high-stakes action across the province.

While some series reached their conclusion with dominant sweeps and hard-fought clinchers, others remain on a knife-edge. Here is how the weekend unfolded.

Friday

Tavistock Braves (4) vs. Dundas Blues (3) — Game 4

Friday night’s Game 4 between the Tavistock Braves and Dundas Blues delivered plenty of fireworks. The Blues jumped out to an early 3–1 lead, fueled by two goals from Jack Restauri. Tavistock responded quickly, scoring back-to-back goals in the second period to even the score at 3–3heading into the third. With neither side able to break the deadlock for most of the final frame, Braves forward Ethan Stover came through late, netting the game-winner to secure a 4–3 victory. The win gives Tavistock a 3–1 series lead as the series shifts back to home ice.

Frankford Huskies (4) vs. Uxbridge Bruins (2) — Game 4

Coming off an overtime win, the Frankford Huskies entered Game 4 looking to take control of the series—and they did just that in dramatic fashion. Uxbridge appeared poised to even the series, holding a 2–1 lead with under five minutes remaining. However, late penalties proved costly, as Frankford capitalized on the power play. Deke Osterhout tied the game before Nolan Donnelly scored the go-ahead goal. An empty-netter sealed the comeback, as the Huskies scored three times in the final five minutes to earn a 4–2 victory and a commanding 3–1 series lead.

Lakeshore Canadiens (4) vs. Mt. Brydges Bulldogs (1) — Game 4

With a 3–0 series lead, the Lakeshore Canadiens returned home for Game 4 with a chance to clinch the Western Conference. Riding a six-game winning streak dating back to their series against the Essex 73’s, the Canadiens carried that momentum into Friday night. After a tight opening, Lakeshore broke things open midway through the second period, scoring three goals to take a 3–1 lead. Julian Gignac led the charge with his fourth and fifth goals of the series. Dallas Kelly added an insurance marker in the third, while goaltender Hunter Welk stood tall between the pipes. The Canadiens secured a 4–1 victory, completing the series sweep and punching their ticket to the Schmalz Cup semifinals.

Saturday

Tavistock Braves (3) vs. Dundas Blues (2) — Game 5

Following their Game 4 road win, the Tavistock Braves returned home with a chance to capture the franchise’s first Southern Conference Championship—and they delivered. All of Tavistock’s offense came from standout rookie Yann Raskin, who recorded his first multi-goal game of the playoffs with a hat trick, including two power-play goals. In net, Blake Richard remained steady, turning aside 26 of 28 shots. The Braves secured a 3–2 victory, clinching the series and the Southern Conference title.

Sunday

Fergus Whalers (3) vs. Stayner Siskins (2) — Game 4

The Fergus Whalers entered Game 4 with an opportunity to complete the sweep—and continue their dominant playoff run. After the teams traded goals through the first two periods, the game was tied 2–2 late in the third. Veteran forward Andrew McClure broke the deadlock with just under six minutes remaining, scoring what would stand as the game-winner. Fergus held firm defensively the rest of the way, securing a 3–2 victory to complete the sweep and claim the Northern Conference title. They now await the winner of the Uxbridge–Frankford series.

Uxbridge Bruins (3) vs. Frankford Huskies (1) — Game 5

Facing elimination on the road, the Uxbridge Bruins responded with a resilient performance in Game 5. After a tightly contested game that saw both teams trade goals, the score was locked at 1–1 midway through the third period. Uxbridge then erupted for two goals in just 20 seconds to take control. From there, goaltender Robby DiMaria shut the door, stopping 37 of 38 shots to preserve the 3–1 victory. The Bruins now head back home for Game 6, looking to extend the series and force a decisive Game 7.

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Missed the action? You can relive all the best moments and full-game replays from across the PJHL weekend on SportsEngine Play.

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.