PJHL Weekend Recap – January 9-11, 2026

CAMBRIDGE, ON – A jam-packed Friday and Saturday slate set the tone across the PJHL, delivering thrilling finishes, statement wins, and late-game heroics before the league turned its attention to Sunday’s All-Star Games, hosted across Ontario to showcase the very best talent the PJHL has to offer.

Friday Highlights

North Middlesex Stars (4) vs. Aylmer Spitfires (3)
It was a thriller Friday night in Aylmer as the North Middlesex Stars mounted a dramatic comeback against the Spitfires. Aylmer jumped out to an early lead, scoring three straight goals in just over four minutes to take a 3–1 advantage into the final period. North Middlesex responded early to cut the deficit to one before Jacob Lassaline tied the game with just over two-and-a-half minutes remaining. With under a minute to play, Mason Strano completed the comeback, scoring the game-winner to lift the Stars to a 4–3 victory.

Essex 73s (4) vs. Lakeshore Canadiens (2)
In a West Stobbs heavyweight matchup between the division’s top two teams, the Essex 73s and Lakeshore Canadiens battled through a tight contest. After a scoreless first period and traded goals in the second, the game sat tied 1–1 heading into the third. The league-leading 73s took control early in the final frame with goals from Mitchell Hickson and Connor Hunt, building a lead that proved too much to overcome as Essex skated to a 4–2 win.

Tavistock Braves (5) vs. Woodstock Navy Vets (2)
The Tavistock Braves earned a statement win over Doherty Division-leading Woodstock. After an early Navy Vets goal, momentum swung as the Braves rattled off three consecutive goals to take control. With the score 3–2 late in the third, Evan Palubeski sealed the outcome with a power-play marker before an empty-net goal capped off the 5–2 upset victory.

Dunnville Mudcats (4) vs. Dundas Blues (2)
The Dunnville Mudcats pulled off a home-ice upset against the South Bloomfield Division-leading Dundas Blues. Dundas looked like their usual selves early, jumping out to a 2–0 lead midway through the second period. Dunnville responded in a big way, scoring three goals in a three-minute span late in the second before Mason Demedeiros added an insurance goal in the third to secure the 4–2 win.

Mooretown Flags (5) vs. Dresden Kings (4)
Late-game heroics defined an electric matchup between two West Stobbs Division rivals. After trading goals through the first two periods, the game was tied 2–2 heading into the third. Mooretown struck early with two goals to take a 4–2 lead, but Dresden answered back with two of their own to tie the game with just over four minutes remaining. A late hooking penalty gave the Flags a power play, and with under a minute left, Caleb Rosseel scored just his sixth goal of the season to lift Mooretown to a dramatic 5–4 victory.

Saturday Highlights

Picton Pirates (3) vs. Frankford Huskies (2)
The Picton Pirates continued their strong run with another late-game win over the Frankford Huskies. Picton built an early 2–0 lead and held it into the third period before Frankford tied the game with two late goals. With just over a minute remaining, Keenan Wiles scored his third game-winning goal of the season to secure the 3–2 victory. Goaltender Nolan Lane was outstanding, stopping 37 of 39 shots.

Kincardine Bulldogs (4) vs. Wingham Ironmen (2)
The Kincardine Bulldogs earned a 4–2 home win over the Wingham Ironmen. Caeleb Bowler set the tone with two early goals, while Wyatt Thomas and Cole Lewis added markers to give the Bulldogs a 4–0 lead after two periods. Wingham responded with two goals in the third, but Bulldogs goaltender Rowen Cherrett stood tall, finishing the night with 37 saves on 39 shots.

Clarington Eagles (2) vs. Little Britain Merchants (0)
The Clarington Eagles picked up a shutout victory thanks to a strong performance from goaltender Jairus Ford, who stopped all 24 shots he faced. Newly acquired forward Christian Sokolijuk opened the scoring early in the second period with a power-play goal, which stood as the game-winner. An empty-net goal sealed the 2–0 win.

Midland Flyers (6) vs. Penetang Kings (3)
The Midland Flyers secured a road victory over the surging Penetang Kings behind a strong offensive night from Sam Thurston, who recorded two goals and an assist. The game remained tight early, tied 3–3 midway through the second period, before Thurston’s second goal sparked a Flyers surge. Midland added two more goals down the stretch to earn the 6–3 win, while goaltender Kevin Pearson made 38 saves on 41 shots.

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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.