Top Weekend Performances – April 3-5, 2026

CAMBRIDGE, ON – The Road to the Schmalz Cup is continuing to ramp up, with just eight teams remaining and the Conference Finals officially underway. This past weekend marked the opening games across all four matchups, as contenders wasted no time making their presence felt. Several standout performances helped set the tone in what promises to be a tightly contested round.

Jordan Fitger (Uxbridge Bruins) – 2 Goals
Jack Kemp (Uxbridge Bruins) – 1 Goal, 2 Assists

The Uxbridge Bruins opened their Conference Finals series on the road against the Tod Division champion Frankford Huskies, and it was Jordan Fitger and Jack Kemp leading the charge in Game 1. With the game tied 2-2 heading into the third period, Fitger broke things open with back-to-back goals midway through the frame to give the Bruins a 4-2 advantage. Kemp, who opened the scoring earlier in the game, added assists on both of Fitger’s goals, playing a key role in securing the Bruins’ Game 1 victory on the road.

Evan Palubeski (Tavistock Braves) – 2 Goals, 1 Assist
Blake Richard (Tavistock Braves) – 21-Save Shutout

Fresh off an emotional Game 7 win over the Woodstock Navy Vets to claim the Doherty Division title, the Tavistock Braves carried that momentum straight into the Conference Finals against the Bloomfield Division champion Dundas Blues. Evan Palubeski powered the offence with two goals and an assist, continuing his strong postseason play. Meanwhile, goaltender Blake Richard remained a steady presence between the pipes, turning aside all 21 shots he faced to record his third shutout of the playoffs in a commanding 5-0 win.

Julian Gignac (Lakeshore Canadiens) – 2 Goals

After completing a 3-1 series comeback over the Essex 73’s, the Lakeshore Canadiens entered the Conference Finals with momentum on their side as they took on the Mt. Brydges Bulldogs, who were also coming off a Game 7 victory. Julian Gignac delivered a clutch performance in Game 1, scoring in the second period to give Lakeshore a 2-1 lead. Then, with the Bulldogs pressing late and their goaltender pulled, Gignac sealed the win with an empty-net goal, giving the Canadiens a 1-0 series lead.

Joey Martin (Fergus Whalers) – 2 Goals, 3 Assists
Ryan Forwell (Fergus Whalers) – 1 Goal, 2 Assists

The Fergus Whalers continue to be one of the most dominant teams this postseason, entering the Conference Finals with just one loss. Matched up against the Stayner Siskins, Fergus made an immediate statement in Game 1. Joey Martin led the way with a five-point performance (2 goals, 3 assists), marking his second game reaching that total in the last two outings. Ryan Forwell also stayed hot, extending his point streak to three games with a goal and two assists as the Whalers’ offence proved too much to handle.

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.