Top Weekend Performances – March 13-15, 2026

CAMBRIDGE, ON – In the final weekend of the second round, several decisive matchups delivered standout performances across the PJHL, as players rose to the occasion with their seasons on the line. Here are some of the top performances from across the PJHL this past weekend.

Alex Akena (Thamesford Trojans) — 2 goals, 2 assists
After falling behind 2–0 in the series to the North Middlesex Stars, the Trojans responded on home ice, led by Alex Akena’s four-point performance. Akena factored into all four Thamesford goals, including the game-winner early in the third period.

Connor Thomson-Dick (Niagara RiverHawks) — 2 goals, 1 assist
Thomson-Dick continued his strong offensive play from the regular season—where he led all defensemen in points—with a two-goal performance that helped seal the RiverHawks’ second-round victory. His playoff goal total now sits at six after scoring twice in the second period to power Niagara to the win.

Ben Foster (Exeter Hawks) — 40-save shutout
Ben Foster delivered a stellar performance in a must-win Game 4, stopping all 40 shots he faced to even the series at 2–2. The young netminder stood tall under pressure, backstopping the Hawks with a clutch shutout.

Justin Ewald (Fergus Whalers) — 2 goals, 2 assists
The Fergus Whalers continued their dominant run, completing a series sweep of the Kincardine Bulldogs with a 7–4 victory. Justin Ewald led the way with two goals and two assists, playing a key role in Fergus’ offensive outburst. The Whalers now advance to the North Pollock Finals, awaiting the winner of Hanover and Mount Forest.

Logan Gianelli (Mt. Brydges Bulldogs) — 3 assists
The Mt. Brydges Bulldogs bounced back with a Game 5 overtime victory, fueled by Logan Gianelli’s three-assist performance. His playmaking has been instrumental this postseason, now totaling nine assists in 10 games.

Ben Piroski (Lakeshore Canadiens) — 35/36 saves
Lakeshore goaltender Ben Piroski delivered a clutch performance in Game 6, turning aside 35 of 36 shots to force a decisive Game 7 against the Blenheim Blades. Piroski continues to be a steady presence as the Canadiens battle for a spot in the West Stobbs Final.

Aidan Lindsay (Georgina Ice) — 37/38 saves
The Georgina Ice forced a Game 7 in dramatic overtime fashion, with Aidan Lindsay leading the way. Facing 38 shots, Lindsay stopped 37 and stood tall despite being outshot 38–27, delivering his best performance of the series to keep the Ice alive.

Benjamin Gustafson (North Middlesex Stars) — 72/74 saves
In a Game 5 triple-overtime thriller against Thamesford, Benjamin Gustafson put on an unforgettable performance, stopping 72 of 74 shots to send the Stars to the Yeck Finals. After allowing two first-period goals, Gustafson shut the door the rest of the way, including an incredible 49 saves from the second period onward.

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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.