PJHL Weekend Recap – January 16-18, 2026

CAMBRIDGE, ON – With the playoff picture continuing to take shape, teams across the PJHL rose to the occasion, with key divisional matchups and statement wins highlighting another competitive weekend across the PJHL.

Friday Highlights

Grimsby Peach Kings (5) vs. Niagara RiverHawks (2)

In a tight South Bloomfield matchup, the Niagara RiverHawks jumped out to an early lead before the surging Grimsby Peach Kings rallied on home ice. Connor Thomson-Dick and Adam Bignucolo scored within the opening five minutes to give Niagara a 2–0 advantage. A late first-period goal cut the deficit to 2–1, and from there Grimsby took control. Kaleb Lyttleton and Matthew Mongeau each scored twice, leading the Peach Kings to a 5–2 comeback victory.

Stayner Siskins (4) vs. Midland Flyers (2)

The Stayner Siskins completed a third-period rally to earn a 4–2 win over the Midland Flyers. After the teams traded goals in the opening frame, Lucas McLean scored the lone goal of the second period to give Midland a 2–1 lead heading into the final 20 minutes. Early in the third, Payton Palbiski tied the game, followed shortly by a Flyers penalty that proved costly. Ryan Russell capitalized on the ensuing power play to give Stayner the lead, and Tristan MacIver added a late insurance goal to seal the win.

Innisfil Spartans (4) vs. Muskoka Bears (3)

Late-game heroics propelled the Innisfil Spartans to a road victory over the Muskoka Bears. Tied 2–2 entering the third period, the teams exchanged goals before Kevin Buset scored just his third goal of the season with under three minutes remaining, lifting Innisfil to a 4–3 win.

Norwich Merchants (5) vs. New Hamburg Firebirds (4)

The Norwich Merchants picked up a crucial road win in New Hamburg as both teams continue to battle for playoff positioning in the South Doherty Division. Norwich built an early lead behind two first-period goals from captain Brandon Balazs and a pair of second-period goals from Cale Arvai. Trailing 5–1 late, the Firebirds mounted a furious rally, scoring three goals in just over a minute to make it 5–4. Norwich, however, held on to secure the important victory.

Saturday Highlights

Georgina Ice (2) vs. Uxbridge Bruins (1)

In this week’s PJHL Spotlight Matchup, the East Orr Division-leading Uxbridge Bruins visited the second-place Georgina Ice in front of a crowd of 763 fans. The low-scoring affair featured strong goaltending performances from Uxbridge’s Kevin Halloran and Georgina’s Aidan Lindsay. Two early Georgina goals proved decisive, despite a short-handed marker from Seth Kirou early in the second period. A late Bruins goal wasn’t enough, as the Ice held on for a big home win.

Thamesford Trojans (4) vs. Port Stanley Sailors (3) OT

The Thamesford Trojans earned a massive road overtime victory in Port Stanley. With goals traded throughout the game, the Sailors held a 3–2 lead late in regulation before Davin Gray scored the equalizer with just over five minutes remaining. Gray completed the comeback in overtime, netting his first game-winning goal of the season to give Thamesford a 4–3 win.

Dresden Kings (4) vs. Amherstburg Admirals (3) OT

Another overtime contest saw the Dresden Kings edge the Amherstburg Admirals. Dresden led 3–1 after an early third-period goal from Cameron Graham, but Amherstburg responded with goals from Drew Booker and Jake Goudreault to force overtime. The extra frame was brief, as Derek Nevills scored just 17 seconds in to secure the win for the Kings.

Fergus Whalers (5) vs. Mount Forest Patriots (3)

The Fergus Whalers continued their strong play with a road win over the surging Mount Forest Patriots. With both teams jockeying for position in the North Pollock Division, Jacob Lesser led the way for Fergus with a hat trick, pushing his season total to 32 goals. Despite generating just 12 shots, Mount Forest managed three goals, but the Whalers closed out the victory to extend their divisional lead.

Sunday Highlights

Port Perry Lumberjacks (6) vs. Clarington Eagles (4)

The Port Perry Lumberjacks surged in the third period to defeat the Clarington Eagles. Clarington carried a 3–2 lead into the final frame before Lumberjacks defenseman Raine Nadeau scored back-to-back goals to swing the momentum. After the Eagles responded, Andrew Naccarato scored the game-winner with under three minutes remaining to seal the victory for Port Perry.

Lakefield Chiefs (4) vs. Napanee Raiders (1)

In a marquee East Tod Division matchup between the top two teams, the Lakefield Chiefs delivered a dominant performance against the Napanee Raiders. Lakefield doubled Napanee in shots and scored the game’s first three goals, building a lead the Raiders could not overcome. The 4–1 win extended the Chiefs’ winning streak to seven games.

Hespeler Shamrocks (3) vs. Dorchester Dolphins (2)

A tightly contested South Doherty matchup in Dorchester saw the Hespeler Shamrocks edge the Dolphins. The teams traded goals through the first two periods, setting up a 2–2 tie late in the third. Liam Nelson extended his point streak with a clutch goal in the final minute to give Hespeler the lead. Goaltender Adam Fernandes was solid for the Shamrocks, stopping 37 of 39 shots.

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.