PJHL Weekend Recap – December 19-21, 2025

CAMBRIDGE, ON – The PJHL schedule delivered plenty of excitement this weekend, with divisional races tightening and the season moving deeper into its schedule, teams across the league produced offensive outbursts, late-game heroics, and crucial wins that could shape the standings moving forward.

Friday Highlights

Lakeshore Canadians (4) vs. Essex 73s (2)
It was a hard-fought West Stobbs Division battle as the first-place Essex 73s traveled to Lakeshore to take on the surging Canadians in front of an 800-person crowd. The contest remained tight throughout the night, with Essex holding a 2–1 lead heading into the third period. An early third-period goal from Michael Kopcok tied the game, before Lazar Dragicevic added the go-ahead marker to lift Lakeshore to a 4–2 victory over the division-leading 73s.

Grimsby Peach Kings (5) vs. Niagara Riverhawks (1)
With both teams battling for positioning in the South Bloomfield Division, this matchup carried added importance. It was all Grimsby from the opening puck drop, as the Peach Kings struck early and never looked back. Joey Marrese played closer, scoring three goals over the final two periods, while goaltender Justin Young stopped 29 of 30 shots to secure a 5–1 home win.

Huntsville Otters (7) vs. Alliston Hornets (5)
Friday night featured a major upset as the Huntsville Otters rallied to defeat the Alliston Hornets. After goals were traded throughout the game, a Noah Cochrane goal tied the contest 4–4 heading into the final frame. Huntsville took control early in the third, with Damon Buttus scoring two of his goals in the period, as the Otters held on for a 7–5 victory. Darian Willis was stellar in net, stopping 50 of 53 Hornets shots.

Petrolia Flyers (4) vs. Thamesford Trojans (1)
The Petrolia Flyers continued their surge in the tightly contested West Yeck Division with a strong road win in Thamesford. Goaltender Ben Kraft was the difference, turning aside 44 of 45 shots as the Trojans struggled to find a way past him. Timely power-play goals helped Petrolia secure the 4–1 victory.

Tavistock Braves (7) vs. Norwich Merchants (2)
The Tavistock Braves continued their offensive tear with a convincing 7–2 road win over the Norwich Merchants. The victory was highlighted by multi-goal performances from Evan Palubeski, Ryan McKellar, and Keegan Matcalf, while Yann Raskin added one goal and three assists. Tavistock capitalized on the power play, scoring three third-period goals to pull away.

Saturday Highlights

Picton Pirates (4) vs. Frankford Huskies (3)
The Picton Pirates continued their climb up the East Tod Division standings with a dramatic victory over the Frankford Huskies. In a back-and-forth contest, Deke Osterhout tied the game for Frankford midway through the second period. Picton’s Ben Smith delivered the late game-winning goal to lift the Pirates to a 4–3 win.

Fergus Whalers (9) vs. Wingham Ironmen (0)
The Fergus Whalers flexed their offensive muscle on Saturday night with a dominant 9–0 victory over the Wingham Ironmen. Joey Martin, Tyler Ewald, and Lucas Miletic each recorded multi-goal performances, while goaltender Noah Lundgren earned his third shutout of the season, stopping all 20 shots he faced in just his seventh appearance.

Port Dover Sailors (3) vs. Hagersville Hawks (2) OT
Fans were treated to a thriller as the Port Dover Sailors edged the Hagersville Hawks in overtime. Jacob Passmore scored the tying goal midway through the third period to force extra time, before Nathaniel Miron sealed the 3–2 victory for the Sailors in overtime.

Blenheim Blades (2) vs. Amherstburg Admirals (1)
The red-hot Blenheim Blades faced a challenge from Admirals goaltender Landon Dimitroff, who stood tall despite heavy pressure. Amherstburg held on behind a goal from Rory Sandison, but late in the third period, Andrew Goulet found the equalizer. The Blades followed up to secure a 2–1 victory.

Woodstock Navy Vets (4) vs. Wellesley Applejacks (1)
In a crucial matchup atop the South Doherty Division, the Woodstock Navy Vets earned a statement win in Wellesley. Kian Harron opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal for the Applejacks, but Woodstock responded with four unanswered goals. Rookie goaltender Kobe Nadalin continued his impressive campaign, stopping 37 of 38 shots to help the Navy Vets secure the division’s top spot.

Port Perry Lumberjacks (2) vs. Little Britain Merchants (0)
The Port Perry Lumberjacks continued their climb in the East Orr Division with a road win over the Little Britain Merchants. In a low-scoring affair, Austin Fata’s power-play goal proved to be the difference, before Charlie Paton added an empty-netter. Goaltender Eamon Callaghan recorded his third shutout of the season with a 24-save performance.

Sunday Highlights

Walkerton Capitals (6) vs. Fergus Whalers (1)
In one of the biggest upsets of the weekend, the Walkerton Capitals stunned the Fergus Whalers with a six-goal outburst on home ice. Brodie Palinsky and Nathan Doran each recorded multi-goal games, while Markus Grajnar-Ptok added one goal and four assists as Walkerton scored five unanswered goals en route to a 6–1 victory.

Stayner Siskins (9) vs. Innisfil Spartans (2)
The Stayner Siskins delivered a complete team offensive performance in a 9–2 win over the Innisfil Spartans. Six different players recorded multi-point games, highlighted by Riley Pope’s two goals and two assists, and Jax Bellwood’s one goal and three assists. The win was a crucial one as Stayner battles atop the North Carruthers Division.

Wellesley Applejacks (4) vs. Hespeler Shamrocks (3)
The Wellesley Applejacks rebounded from Saturday night’s loss with a dramatic road victory over the Hespeler Shamrocks. Hespeler led 3–2 after a third-period goal from Cohen Alexander, but Wellesley responded late. Tyler Chadwick tied the game in the final five minutes, before Ian Speiran scored the go-ahead goal two minutes later to secure the 4–3 win.

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Catch Every Replay on SportsEngine Play:
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.