<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
  xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
  xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
  xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
  xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
  xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
  xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
  >
  <channel>
    <title>Windsor Spitfires - Feed</title>
    <atom:link href="https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/category/article/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
    <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/category/article/</link>
    <description></description>
    <lastBuildDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:19:34 +0000</lastBuildDate>
    <language>en-US</language>
    <sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
    <sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
    <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4</generator>

<image>
	<url>https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/10134431/cropped-WSSI-32x32.png</url>
	<title>Article Archives - Windsor Spitfires</title>
	<link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/category/article/</link>
	<width>32</width>
	<height>32</height>
</image> 
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/11181859/Game-Story-2-300x169.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"></enclosure>
                  <title>Game Story &#8211; Windsor vs. Flint Game 1 Round 2</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/game-story-windsor-vs-flint-game-1-round-2</link>
        <pubDate>Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:19:06 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/game-story-windsor-vs-flint-game-1-round-2</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="0" data-end="214">The <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Windsor Spitfires</span></span> protected home ice in convincing fashion for Game 1 of the second round of the OHL Playoffs on Friday night, skating to a 4–2 victory over the <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Flint Firebirds</span></span> at the <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">WFCU Centre</span></span>.</p>
<p data-start="216" data-end="719">Windsor came out flying and capitalized early on the power play. Just 2:59 into the opening frame, <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Ethan Garden</span></span> opened the scoring with a man-advantage marker, setting the tone for a strong first period. The Spitfires doubled their lead midway through the period when <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Max Brocklehurst</span></span> buried one at even strength, finishing off a solid passing play with <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Andrew Robinson</span></span> and <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Nathan Gaymes</span></span> picking up the assists.</p>
<p data-start="721" data-end="948">Flint answered late in the first, cutting the deficit to 2–1 on a power play goal from Darian Anderson at 16:52, but Windsor maintained control through a tight-checking second period that saw both teams held off the scoresheet.</p>
<p data-start="950" data-end="1169">The game opened up again in the third period, with tensions rising and penalties stacking up on both sides. Flint managed to tie things briefly with a goal from Brady Smith at 12:39, but the Spitfires quickly responded.</p>
<p data-start="1171" data-end="1576"><span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Jack Nesbitt</span></span> delivered the game-winner on the power play at 15:03, hammering home a feed from <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Anthony Cristoforo</span></span> and <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Jakub Fibigr</span></span>. Nesbitt wasn’t done there—he sealed the victory with an empty-net goal at 19:13, assisted by <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Liam Greentree</span></span> and Cristoforo, finishing the night with a two-goal performance.</p>
<p data-start="1578" data-end="1791">Between the pipes, <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">Joey Costanzo</span></span> was rock solid, turning aside 22 shots to earn the win and second star honors. At the other end, Mason Vaccari made 18 saves in a strong effort for Flint.</p>
<p data-start="1793" data-end="1945">Special teams proved to be a difference-maker, with Windsor going 2-for-6 on the power play while limiting Flint to just one goal on four opportunities.</p>
<p data-start="1947" data-end="2102">In front of 5,051 fans, the Spitfires showcased discipline when it mattered most and timely scoring to secure the win and take an early edge in the series.</p>
<p data-start="2104" data-end="2307" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">Game 2 shifts back to the <span class="hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline"><span class="whitespace-normal">WFCU Centre</span></span> on Sunday at 4:05 PM, where fans are encouraged to wear white for a full building WHITEOUT as Windsor looks to keep the momentum rolling.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/08171217/9f39d1fa-2ba0-4550-af73-703bdbfe5a37DSC08892-300x200.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"></enclosure>
                  <title>Greg Walters Named OHL Coach of the Year Finalist</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/greg-walters-named-ohl-coach-of-the-year-finalist</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 08 Apr 2026 17:13:29 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/greg-walters-named-ohl-coach-of-the-year-finalist</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Windsor Spitfires are proud to announce that head coach Greg Walters has been named a finalist for the Matt Leyden Trophy, awarded annually to the Ontario Hockey League’s Coach of the Year.

A native of Toronto, Walters is in his second season behind the bench in Windsor and has quickly established the Spitfires as one of the premier teams in the league. In his inaugural campaign, Walters guided the club to an impressive 45-17-4-2 record (96 points), earning the Bumbacco Trophy as West Division champions. A 52 point increase from the year prior.

He followed that up with another outstanding season in 2025–26, leading the Spitfires to a 44-15-6-3 record, marking the team’s strongest performance since the 2009–10 season, when Windsor posted 106 points. The Spitfires finished second overall in the Western Conference and secured back-to-back West Division titles, narrowly edging the Flint Firebirds by just two points for top spot this season after finishing 17 points ahead of the Spirit the year prior.

Under Walters’ leadership, the Spitfires have excelled at both ends of the ice. The team allowed just 173 goals during the regular season, the second-fewest in the league, while posting a +91 goal differential, ranking third overall.

The Spitfires have carried that momentum into the postseason, recently advancing to the second round of the 2026 OHL Playoffs following a decisive four-game sweep of the Guelph Storm. Windsor will now face the Firebirds in what promises to be a highly competitive second-round matchup.]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/03211121/website-300x169.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"></enclosure>
                  <title>Spitfires Set for Second Round Showdown with Firebirds</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-set-for-second-round-showdown-with-firebirds</link>
        <pubDate>Sat, 04 Apr 2026 16:27:23 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-set-for-second-round-showdown-with-firebirds</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[The Windsor Spitfires are back on home ice as they prepare to battle the Flint Firebirds in what promises to be a tightly contested second-round matchup in the Ontario Hockey League playoffs.

Windsor enters the series riding strong momentum after an impressive opening-round performance, combining offensive depth with steady goaltending. The Spitfires have shown an ability to control pace and capitalize on key moments, a formula they’ll look to carry into this series.

Flint, meanwhile, presents a different kind of challenge. The Firebirds outscored their first-round opponents 35-3 in four games and have a potent offence. Their ability to limit high-quality chances and strike opportunistically makes them a dangerous opponent, especially in a playoff setting.

<strong>Key Matchup</strong>

This series could come down to discipline and special teams. Both teams have extreme offensive firepower and will test each other. It is all about who can capitalize on mistakes. Goaltending on both sides could ultimately be the difference-maker in what projects to be a competitive series.

<strong>Schedule</strong>

<strong>Game 1</strong> – Friday, April 10 | 7:05 PM – WFCU Centre
<strong>Game 2</strong> – Sunday, April 12 | 4:05 PM – WFCU Centre

<strong>Game 3</strong> – Tuesday, April 14 | 7:00 PM – Flint
<strong>Game 4</strong> – Thursday, April 16 | 7:00 PM – Flint

<strong>Game 5</strong>* – Saturday, April 18 | 7:05 PM – WFCU Centre
<strong>Game 6</strong>* – Sunday, April 19 | 4:00 PM – Flint
<strong>Game 7</strong>* – Tuesday, April 21 | 7:05 PM – WFCU Centre

*if necessary

<strong>What to Watch</strong>

Windsor will look to establish its speed early, especially on home ice, where crowd energy at the WFCU Centre can be a major factor. Getting off to a strong start in Games 1 and 2 could set the tone for the series.

For Flint, stealing a game on the road would shift momentum quickly. If the Firebirds can keep games low-scoring and frustrate Windsor’s top players, they’ll give themselves a strong chance to push this series deep.]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/03025923/advance-webiste-e1775188612239-300x148.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"></enclosure>
                  <title>Spitfires Sweep The Storm, Advance To Face Flint Firebirds In Round Two.</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-sweep-the-storm-advance-to-face-flint-firebirds-in-round-two</link>
        <pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 03:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-sweep-the-storm-advance-to-face-flint-firebirds-in-round-two</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><em>Windsor erupts for 11 goals in series-clinching blowout</em></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>GUELPH, ON</strong> — It wasn't just a win. It was a statement. The Windsor Spitfires completed a sweep of the Guelph Storm on Thursday night at the Sleeman Centre, rolling to a dominant 11-3 victory in front of 3,743 fans to advance to the second round of the OHL playoffs, where they will face the Flint Firebirds.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">From the opening puck drop, Windsor was on a mission. The Spitfires exploded for a jaw-dropping 11 goals on the night, with contributions up and down the lineup in what was a total team effort under head coach Greg Walters. Ethan Garden, Liam Greentree, and Cole Davis were named the three stars of the game — a fitting tribute to a night where nearly everyone in a Windsor sweater left their mark on the scoresheet.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Guelph would opening the scoring on a penalty shot tally from Ethan Miedema. Greentree got the Spitfires started at 14:09 of the first, finishing off a feed from Anthony Cristoforo to tie the scoring. The Storm would scoring again going up 2-1. Jack Nesbitt made it 2-2 late in the first on a goal assisted by Cristoforo and Greentree.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Then Windsor turned on the jets and never looked back.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Spitfires outscored the Storm 5-0 in the second period, effectively ending the game as a contest. The barrage began just 60 seconds into the frame when John McLaughlin beat a scrambling Zach Jovanovski, and goals from Garden, Alex Pharand, and Carson Woodall — the latter a power play marker — followed in rapid succession. Davis then added a shorthanded goal at 14:06 to cap an absolutely breathtaking middle period. Guelph was forced to pull Jovanovski after the fifth goal, but backup Colin Ellsworth couldn't slow the bleeding either.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Windsor kept their foot on the gas in the third, scoring four more times. Garden and Andrew Robinson struck just over a minute apart to push the lead to 9-2, Davis added his second of the night at 6:15, and Max Brocklehurst rounded out the scoring with the 11th goal late in the game. Tyler Hopkins added a consolation goal for the Storm at 18:13, but by that point the celebration was already well underway on the Windsor bench.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Joey Costanzo was steady as ever in goal for the Spitfires, turning aside 24 shots he faced across 60 minutes for his fourth win of the series. Windsor finished the night going 1-for-2 on the power play and the penalty kill was perfect throughout the series.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">With the sweep complete, the Windsor Spitfires move on to the OHL's second round where they will meet the <strong>Flint Firebirds</strong>.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Windsor Spitfires win the series 4-0. Second round opponent: Flint Firebirds.</strong></p>]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/04/01021548/Game-Story-1-300x169.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"></enclosure>
                  <title>Spitfires take commanding 3-0 series lead with gritty 2-1 win in Guelph</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-take-commanding-3-0-series-lead-with-gritty-2-1-win-in-guelph</link>
        <pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 02:13:21 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-take-commanding-3-0-series-lead-with-gritty-2-1-win-in-guelph</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><em>Windsor holds off late Storm rally to move one win from series sweep</em></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">GUELPH, ON — John McLaughlin was the hero on Tuesday night at the Sleeman Centre, scoring twice as the Windsor Spitfires defeated the Guelph Storm 2-1 to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their Ontario Hockey League playoff series. The Spitfires now need just one more win to complete the sweep, with Game 4 set for Thursday night in Guelph.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">McLaughlin opened the scoring at 3:41 of the first period, finishing off a pretty setup from AJ Spellacy and Andrew Robinson to give Windsor the early lead. The Spitfires carried that 1-0 advantage through two periods of tight, physical hockey, with goaltender Joey Costanzo holding the fort against a desperate Storm squad.</p>
Guelph's Rylan Singh looked to have the game-tying goal in the second period, but the Spitfires quickly challenged the goal for being offside.
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The third period was where things got interesting. McLaughlin struck again at 18:34, this time connecting with Conor Walton and Robinson once more to seemingly put the game out of reach at 2-0. But Guelph refused to go quietly. Rylan Singh cut the deficit to one at 19:25 — with just 35 seconds remaining — setting up a frantic finish that had the 3,416 fans on their feet. Windsor held on, and Costanzo stopped 27 shots he faced to earn the win.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Costanzo was nothing short of sensational all night, turning aside every Storm chance until that final desperate tally, earning first-star honours. McLaughlin took third star honours for his two-goal effort, while Guelph netminder Zach Jovanovski — who faced 38 shots — earned second star recognition despite the loss.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The game had its share of fireworks. A fighting double at 15:20 of the first period — Nathan Villeneuve for Windsor and Leo Serlin for Guelph squaring off — set the tone for a series that has had no shortage of intensity. Neither power play unit found the net, with Windsor going 0-for-3 and Guelph 0-for-2 on the man advantage.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Game 4 goes Thursday night at the Sleeman Centre in Guelph. 7:07 Puck Drop</p>]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/29031858/Game-Story-8-300x169.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"></enclosure>
                  <title>Game Story WSR vs. GUE Game 2 Round 1 OHL Playoffs</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/game-story-wsr-vs-gue-game-2-round-1-ohl-playoffs</link>
        <pubDate>Sun, 29 Mar 2026 03:19:10 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/game-story-wsr-vs-gue-game-2-round-1-ohl-playoffs</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><strong>Windsor Spitfires 4, Guelph Storm 1</strong> <em>WFCU Centre — March 28, 2026</em></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Windsor Spitfires turned in a complete team effort on home ice Saturday night, defeating the Guelph Storm 4-1 before 5,170 fans at the WFCU Centre to earn a decisive victory.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The night's most remarkable moment came in the third period — with Windsor shorthanded and the net empty — when <strong>Liam Greentree</strong> buried his second goal of the game to seal it at 19:03. Scoring a shorthanded empty-netter is the rarest of hockey feats, and it punctuated an outstanding individual performance that earned Greentree first-star honours.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Storm struck first, ending the first period on a sour note for the home crowd when <strong>Carter Stevens</strong> tallied at 19:00 to tie the game 1-1. Windsor had taken the lead earlier on a shorthanded marker from <strong>AJ Spellacy</strong> at 12:27, one that came while Nathan Villeneuve was serving his instigating major — a fight sequence that cost Villeneuve a fighting major, an instigator minor, and a misconduct.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The Spitfires then took over in the second period, converting twice on the power play. <strong>Greentree</strong> redirected the attack at 7:51, with <strong>Jack Nesbitt</strong> and <strong>Carson Woodall</strong> picking up assists. Nesbitt then got in on the scoresheet himself at 16:05, finishing off a setup from <strong>Anthony Cristoforo</strong> and <strong>Jakub Fibigr</strong> to make it 3-1.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">Windsor goaltender <strong>Joey Costanzo</strong> was sharp all night, turning aside 28 Storm shots to earn the win. Guelph's <strong>Zach Jovanovski</strong> matched that save total but couldn't hold back the Spitfires' offense, taking the loss.</p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]">The three stars — Greentree, Nesbitt, and Spellacy — were all Windsor Spitfires, a fitting reflection of how thoroughly the home side controlled the evening. The Spitfires now lead the best of 7 series 2-0 and are headed to Guelph for Game 3 on Tuesday.</p>]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/27045419/Game-Story-6-300x169.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"></enclosure>
                  <title>Spitfires take Game 1 by Storm.</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-take-game-1-by-storm</link>
        <pubDate>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 04:54:28 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-take-game-1-by-storm</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p data-start="0" data-end="127">The Windsor Spitfires put together a complete effort on home ice, using timely scoring and steady play to secure a 4–0 victory.</p>
<p data-start="129" data-end="373">Windsor didn’t take long to get on the board, striking just 1:59 into the opening period. Nathan Gaymes opened the scoring with an even-strength marker, finishing off a setup from Pharand and Woodall to give the Spitfires an early 1–0 lead.</p>
<p data-start="375" data-end="607">The Spits carried that momentum into the second period, where Ethan Garden doubled the advantage at 4:08. Garden capitalized at even strength off a strong passing play from McLaughlin and Villeneuve, extending Windsor’s lead to 2–0.</p>
<p data-start="609" data-end="856">In the third period, Windsor pulled away. Jakub Fibigr made it 3–0 with a power-play goal at 4:42, blasting home a feed from Greentree and Woodall. The goal gave the Spitfires full control and took any remaining momentum away from their opponents.</p>
<p data-start="858" data-end="1007">Liam Greentree capped off the night at 14:34 of the third period, finishing a play set up by Garden at even strength to make it 4–0 and seal the win.</p>
<p data-start="1009" data-end="1182" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">With contributions up and down the lineup and a strong defensive effort to preserve the shutout, the Spitfires delivered a complete performance in front of their home crowd. Game 2 Happens Saturday at The WFCU Centre at 7:05PM</p>]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/23015804/DIV-CHAMPS-300x169.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"></enclosure>
                  <title>SPITFIRES WIN THE WEST DIVISION BUMBACCO TROPHY!</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-win-the-west-division-bumbacco-trophy</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 02:01:53 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-win-the-west-division-bumbacco-trophy</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="margin: 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt">The <span style="color: #0d0d0d">Windsor Spitfires</span> are once again kings of the West.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;min-height: 20.3px"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt">With Sunday’s 5-3 victory over the <span style="color: #0d0d0d">Soo Greyhounds</span>, the Spitfires officially clinched the West Division title—marking their fourth division championship in the past five seasons. It’s another benchmark in what has become one of the Ontario Hockey League’s most consistent and competitive programs.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;min-height: 20.3px"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt">Windsor’s success this year has been built on a potent combination of high-end offensive production and reliable depth throughout the lineup. Led by standout performances from players like <span style="color: #0d0d0d">Liam Greentree</span> and <span style="color: #0d0d0d">Anthony Cristoforo</span>, the Spitfires have consistently found ways to generate offense in key moments while maintaining composure in tight games. Their ability to control pace and capitalize on chances has made them a difficult matchup for opponents all season long.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;min-height: 20.3px"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt">Beyond the scoresheet, Windsor’s identity has been defined by structure, discipline, and timely goaltending—traits that tend to translate well into playoff success. As the regular season closes, the Spitfires enter the postseason not just as division champions, but as a team with legitimate championship aspirations.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;min-height: 20.3px"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt"><b><span style="color: #111111">First Round Preview: Spitfires vs. Storm</span></b></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;min-height: 20.3px"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt">Awaiting Windsor in the opening round are the <span style="color: #0d0d0d">Guelph Storm</span>, a team that may not carry the same regular-season pedigree but has a reputation for being a tough out when the games matter most.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;min-height: 20.3px"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt">Guelph brings a hardworking, physical style that can disrupt rhythm and force mistakes. They thrive in grinding, low-margin games and will look to slow Windsor’s speed through the neutral zone while establishing a heavy forecheck. If the Storm can dictate that style early in the series, they could make things uncomfortable for the division champs.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;min-height: 20.3px"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt">For Windsor, the key will be sticking to their identity. Their depth scoring and puck movement should give them an edge, particularly over a seven-game series where talent and execution tend to win out. Special teams could also prove to be a deciding factor—if the Spitfires’ power play finds its rhythm, it may tilt the series heavily in their favor.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in;min-height: 20.3px"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt"> </span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;color: #111111;font-size: 10pt">Another storyline to watch will be how Windsor handles the pressure of expectation. As division champions, they’ll be the team everyone is chasing, and managing those moments—especially on home ice—will be critical.</span></p>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">Schedule:</span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt"><strong>Round #1 – March 26<sup>th</sup>  – April 7<sup>th</sup> </strong></span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt"><strong>Windsor vs Guelph</strong></span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">Game    #1          @ Windsor        Thursday March 26<sup>th</sup>      7:05pm</span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">Game    #2          @ Windsor        Saturday March 28<sup>th</sup>       7:05pm (doors open at 5:30pm)</span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">Game    #3          @ Guelph          Tuesday March 31<sup>st</sup>         6:30pm   </span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">Game    #4          @ Guelph          Thursday April 2<sup>nd</sup>            7:07pm</span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">*Game    #5          @ Windsor      Saturday April 4<sup>th</sup>            7:05pm (doors open at 5:30pm)</span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">*Game    #6          @ Guelph        Monday April 6<sup>th                      </sup>6:30pm</span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">*Game    #7          @ Windsor      Tuesday April 7<sup>th</sup>             7:05pm</span>

<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">*if necessary</span>

&nbsp;]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/23015038/3e2970fb-2081-40a6-8256-44e193191496DSC_3119-300x240.jpg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"></enclosure>
                  <title>Spitfires Fall 3-2 in a Shootout to London</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-fall-3-2-in-a-shootout-to-london</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:51:03 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/spitfires-fall-3-2-in-a-shootout-to-london</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif">The Windsor Spitfires showed resilience to battle back and earn a point, but ultimately fell 3-2 in a shootout to the London Knights on March 20 at Canada Life Place.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif">After a scoreless opening period, the Knights struck twice in the second to take a 2-0 lead and put Windsor on their heels. The Spitfires responded before the intermission, cutting the deficit in half on the power play as Jack Nesbitt netted his 22nd goal of the season, finishing a setup from Anthony Cristoforo and Jakub Fibigr to shift momentum heading into the third.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif">Windsor carried that push into the final frame, generating sustained pressure and outshooting London as they searched for the equalizer. Their persistence paid off late in regulation, when Liam Greentree buried his 37th goal of the season with just under two minutes remaining, again assisted by Cristoforo and Fibigr, to tie the game 2-2 and force overtime.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif">Neither side could find the winner in the extra frame, sending the game to a shootout. The Knights ultimately came out on top, securing the extra point after a strong performance from their goaltender, who turned aside 40 shots through regulation and overtime before shutting the door in the shootout.</span></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span><span style="font-size: 15.0pt;font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif">Despite the result, the Spitfires showed character in erasing a two-goal deficit on the road and picking up a valuable point as the Spitfires head to the Soo with a Division title on the line. </span></span></p>]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
          <item>
                   <enclosure url="https://media.chl.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/03/23014834/story-300x169.png" length="0" type="image/png"></enclosure>
                  <title>Spitfires clinch 4th West Division title in 5 seasons vs. Greyhounds.</title>
        <link>https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/game-story-spitfires-clinch-4th-west-division-title-in-5-seasons-vs-greyhounds</link>
        <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:48:51 +0000</pubDate>
        <dc:creator>Remo Agostino</dc:creator>
        <guid isPermaLink="false">https://chl.ca/ohl-spitfires/article/game-story-spitfires-clinch-4th-west-division-title-in-5-seasons-vs-greyhounds</guid>
        <description><![CDATA[]]></description>
        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt"><em>March 22, 2026 — GFL Memorial Gardens, Sault Ste. Marie</em></span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span style="font-size: 10pt;font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The Windsor Spitfires picked up a key road victory on Sunday night, defeating the Soo Greyhounds 5-3 at GFL Memorial Gardens.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">With the win, the Spitfires clinched their fourth West Division title in the last five seasons, continuing an impressive run of consistency atop the division.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">Windsor came out with a strong start, jumping ahead 2-1 with goals from Greentree and Nesbitt after the opening period and carrying that momentum into the middle frame. The Spitfires added another in the second to take a 3-2 lead through 40 minutes before pulling away with a pair of third-period goals to secure the win.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">The offence was spread throughout the lineup, with five different goal scorers contributing in a balanced attack. Windsor’s ability to generate pressure off the rush and capitalize on key chances proved to be the difference, particularly late in the third period as they extended their lead.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">The Greyhounds pushed back with a third-period goal to make things interesting, but the Spitfires stayed composed defensively and closed things out, adding insurance to seal the 5-3 final.</span></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 9.0pt 0in"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">Between the pipes, Costanzo put in a steady performance, turning aside key chances at crucial moments, especially during a late push from Soo.</span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">But the scoreline was almost secondary. With the win, the Windsor Spitfires are the 2026 West Division champions, securing first place on the final day of the regular season — their fourth division title in the past five years. The club had won back-to-back West Division titles in 2022 and 2023 before a difficult 2023-24 campaign, then rebounded to claim the title again last season, and now they've done it once more. The Spits were solid down the stretch, collecting points in 10 of their final 11 games.</span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt">For overage goaltender Joey Costanzo, the afternoon carried personal significance too. The win ended his OHL regular season career with him among the winningest goaltenders in league history, finishing with 107 victories.</span></p>
<p class="font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size: 10pt"><strong>Stars of the Game:</strong> Jack Nesbitt (Windsor, 3 goals, 2 assists), Travis Hayes (Soo, 1 goal, 1 assist), Anthony Cristoforo (Windsor, 1 goal, 3 assists).</span></p>]]></content:encoded>
                      </item>
      </channel>
</rss>
