Windsor Spitfires - Feed

2026 WORLD JUNIOR SUMMER SHOWCASE COMING TO WINDSOR

Remo Agostino — Tue, 12 May 2026 15:03:35 +0000

Top NHL prospects will be on display in southern Ontario, July 26-August 1 WINDSOR, Ontario – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the City of Windsor and the Windsor Spitfires, has announced the schedule and ticket information for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, July 26-Aug.1 at the WFCU Centre. Canada’s National Junior Team hopefuls will be joined by Finland, Sweden and the United States for 10 games in preparation for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship, set for Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 5, 2027 in Edmonton and Red Deer, Alberta. “The World Junior Summer Showcase is a very important step in our preparations and building our team for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton,” said Alan Millar (Tottenham, ON), general manager of the Program of Excellence. “This showcase gives us the opportunity to continue our player evaluation, build relationships and chemistry amongst players and staff, and set our standards and expectations for our team in a very competitive environment.” Canada will kick off the World Junior Summer Showcase against Sweden at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on Wednesday, July 29, and will also take on Finland on Thursday, July 30 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and the United States on Saturday, Aug. 1 at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT. The 2025 edition of the World Junior Summer Showcase in Minnesota featured 104 National Hockey League draft picks, including 34 first-round selections. The Canadian roster led the way with 22 first-rounders, highlighted by 2025 No. 1 draft pick Matthew Schaefer (Hamilton, ON/New York Islanders, NHL) and four of the next six picks: Michael Misa (Oakville, ON/San Jose, NHL), Caleb Desnoyers (Saint-Hyacinthe, QC/Utah, NHL), Brady Martin (Elmira, ON/Nashville, NHL) and Porter Martone (Peterborough, ON/Philadelphia, NHL). The showcase also included two of the top five North American skaters ranked by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft – Gavin McKenna (Whitehorse, YT/Penn State University, Big Ten) and Carson Carels (Cypress River, MB/Prince George, WHL) – and two of the top five international skaters – Sweden’s Ivar Stenberg and Viggo Björck. “The City of Windsor is proud to welcome the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase to the WFCU Centre this July,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens. “This event brings together some of the best young hockey talent in the world and inspires youth to strive for excellence, while reinforcing Windsor’s strong reputation as a premier destination for sports tourism. In partnership with Hockey Canada and the Windsor Spitfires, we look forward to showcasing our community, supporting our local economy and creating an unforgettable experience for players, coaches, officials, volunteers, fans and visitors alike.” Tickets for the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase will go on sale on Friday, May 15, with full-event packages starting at $164. A three-game Canadian package begins at $129, while single-game tickets start at $18 plus fees. For more information, visit HockeyCanada.ca/SummerShowcase. “We are incredibly proud to welcome the World Junior Summer Showcase back to Windsor. This is a tremendous opportunity for our city to once again be on the international stage, and a testament to the passion our community has for the game of hockey,” said John Savage, Governor of the Windsor Spitfires. “On behalf of the Windsor Spitfires organization, we are excited to partner with Hockey Canada to deliver a first-class event. Our staff, volunteers, and fans all play a role in creating an unforgettable experience, and we look forward to showcasing everything Windsor has to offer to players, officials, and visitors from around the world.” All World Junior Summer Showcase games can be livestreamed at HNLive.ca. For more information on Hockey Canada, the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase and Canada’s National Junior Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

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Spitfires’ forward Alex Pharand commits to Clarkson University

Remo Agostino — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:48:40 +0000

For immediate release. Monday, May 11th, 2026 Following the NCAA Division I Council’s landmark decision in November 2024 to make Canadian Hockey League players eligible for NCAA Division I hockey programs, Windsor Spitfires forward Alex Pharand is joining a growing list of former Spitfires pursuing NCAA opportunities. The 21-year-old forward from Sudbury announced his commitment to the Clarkson Golden Knights men's ice hockey program via Instagram on Sunday afternoon for the 2026-27 season. Pharand completed an impressive OHL career, appearing in 323 regular season games while recording 74 goals and 110 assists for 184 points. In postseason play, he appeared in 30 playoff games, collecting three goals and five assists. Originally drafted by the Hamilton Bulldogs, Pharand spent part of his rookie season in Hamilton before being traded to his hometown Sudbury Wolves. He went on to spend four seasons with the Wolves before being acquired by the Windsor Spitfires at the 2025-26 trade deadline. Pharand was also selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Clarkson University, located in Potsdam, is home to the Golden Knights men’s hockey program, an NCAA Division I team that competes in the ECAC conference. The program has produced several notable NHL figures, including current Calgary Flames General Manager Craig Conroy and longtime Los Angeles Kings forward Dave Taylor. For some frequently asked questions around the NCAA player eligibility changes announced in November, click here.

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Spitfires’ overage goalie Joey Costanzo commits to Michigan Technological University (MTU)

Remo Agostino — Mon, 11 May 2026 17:15:54 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 11, 2026

Windsor, ON – Following the NCAA Division I Council’s landmark decision in November 2024 to allow Canadian Hockey League players to compete in NCAA Division I hockey, Windsor Spitfires goaltender Joey Costanzo is among the latest players to take advantage of the new opportunity.

The 20-year-old Toronto native announced his commitment to the Michigan Tech Huskies men's ice hockey program on Instagram Friday morning.

Costanzo leaves the Ontario Hockey League following an outstanding career with the Windsor Spitfires. He appeared in 197 regular season games during his OHL career, including 180 with Windsor, posting a 102-50-11 record with nine shutouts as a Spitfire.

In his overage season, Costanzo recorded career bests with a 2.16 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage, finishing second among all OHL goaltenders in GAA.

During the postseason, Costanzo made 27 career playoff starts, posting a 2.56 GAA and a .903 save percentage.

Costanzo also cemented his place in franchise history by becoming the winningest goaltender in Spitfires history with 102 victories, surpassing Michael DiPietro’s previous mark of 86. He also set the franchise record for most games played by a Spitfires goaltender with 180, eclipsing DiPietro’s previous record of 157. In addition, Costanzo ranks first among Spitfires goaltenders in career time on ice and total saves, while sitting second all-time in shutouts with nine.

The Spitfires acquired Costanzo from the Niagara IceDogs in 2022 in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection and a 12th-round pick in 2026. Originally selected by Niagara in the second round, 23rd overall, of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, Costanzo stepped into OHL action the following season, appearing in 17 games and posting a 5-10 record.

Michigan Technological University, located in Houghton, has a storied hockey tradition and has produced several notable NHL alumni, including Tony Esposito, Matt Roy, Randy McKay, and John Scott.

For frequently asked questions regarding the NCAA eligibility changes announced in November 2024, click here.

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WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS – GAME 5 Rangers Walk Off in OT to Eliminate Spitfires

Remo Agostino — Sat, 02 May 2026 03:41:37 +0000

Dylan Edwards scores the winner 17:33 into overtime as Kitchener advances to OHL Championship

KITCHENER, ON — The Rangers rallied from a pair of deficits and were able to make a comeback against the Spitfires. Dylan Edwards scored at 17:33 of overtime Thursday night at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium to give the Kitchener Rangers a 5-4 victory and eliminate the Spitfires from the 2026 OHL Playoffs. The Rangers take the Western Conference Finals four games to one.

Windsor came out firing in the opening frame, scoring three times in just over two minutes to take control of the period. Anthony Cristoforo opened the scoring at 10:08, finishing off a play from Carson Woodall and Liam Greentree. Just 15 seconds later, Cole Davis fired home a goal assisted by AJ Spellacy and Wyatt Kennedy to make it 2-0. Kennedy then turned scorer himself at 12:10, receiving a feed from Davis and Andrew Robinson to push the Spitfires' lead to three.

Kitchener fought back. Luke Ellinas cut into the deficit at 15:11, cashing in with help from Sam O'Reilly and Christian Humphreys, before the Rangers struck on the power play midway through the second period. Christian Humphreys converted at 7:54 with Dylan Edwards and Cameron Reid assisting, trimming the Spitfires' lead to one.

Windsor answered before the period was out. Spellacy found the back of the net at 17:31 — assisted by Robinson and Kennedy — to restore a two-goal cushion heading into the third, setting up a wild finish.

The Rangers stormed back in the final frame. O'Reilly beat Joey Costanzo at 3:51 to make it a one-goal game, then Carson Campbell tied it at 7:58 with Edwards and Humphreys picking up the helpers. Neither team could pull ahead through the final buzzer, sending the game to overtime.

Edwards provided the walk-off 17:33 into the extra frame, taking a feed from Luca Romano and Reid to end the Spitfires' season.

Costanzo turned in a fantastic performance in defeat, stopping 43 of 48 shots. Christian Kirsch earned the win for Kitchener with 29 saves. Windsor finished 0-for-3 on the power play; the Rangers converted once on two opportunities.

Edwards was named first star, Kennedy took second-star honours, and O'Reilly rounded out the selections as the third star.

Windsor finishes the 2026 OHL Playoffs with a 9-4 record after sweeping the Guelph Storm in Round 1 and the Flint Firebirds in Round 2.

Kitchener defeats Windsor 4-1 in the Western Conference Finals.

Late Push Not Enough as Rangers Down Spitfires 6-3 in Game 4

Remo Agostino — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:02:55 +0000

WINDSOR, ON — The Windsor Spitfires showed signs of life in the third period, but it wasn't enough on Wednesday night as the Kitchener Rangers skated away with a 6-3 victory in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at the WFCU Centre, taking a 3-1 series lead in the battle for the Wayne Gretzky Trophy.

Rangers Capitalize Early, Build Insurmountable Lead

Kitchener wasted little time making their presence felt, converting on two of their three power play opportunities in the first period to take a 2-0 lead. Dylan Edwards opened the scoring at 12:34 with Sam O'Reilly and Jack Pridham adding assists, before O'Reilly potted one of his own at 13:47, with Pridham picking up his second helper of the frame. Windsor was held off the scoresheet despite generating chances, as Christian Kirsch turned aside all seven first-period shots he faced.

The Rangers kept their foot on the gas in the second, with goals from Andrew MacNiel and Campbell pushing the lead to 4-0. Joey Costanzo made 16 saves in the middle frame.

Spitfires Refuse to Quit

To their credit, Windsor came out flying in the third period and made things interesting. Nathan Villeneuve got the Spitfires on the board at 1:45, assisted by Jakub Fibigr, before Anthony Cristoforo made it 4-2 at 5:23 off a pretty setup from John McLaughlin and Liam Greentree. Caden Harvey rounded out the Windsor comeback attempt with a goal at 18:33, assisted by Alex Pharand and Beksultan Makysh.

But the Rangers answered every push. Luca Romano snuffed the momentum with a shorthanded marker at 12:59, and Gabriel Chiarot added an empty-net shorthanded goal at 17:04 to seal it.

By The Numbers

Kirsch was steady all night for Kitchener, stopping 25 of 28 shots to earn the win. Costanzo took the loss for Windsor, finishing with 22 saves. Romano was named first star, O'Reilly second, and McLaughlin earned third star honours for Windsor.

The announced attendance at the WFCU Centre was 5,398.

Series Summary: Kitchener Rangers lead Windsor Spitfires 3-1. Game 5 moves to Kitchener on Friday night.

2026 OHL Awards – Spitfires’ Woodall named OHL Humanitarian of the Year

Remo Agostino — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 19:10:09 +0000

TORONTO - The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that Windsor Spitfires defenceman Carson Woodall is this year's recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Humanitarian of the Year. Woodall has made charitable contributions to cancer research in excess of $175,000 through his Woody's Hoodies initiative, a cause near and dear to his heart. The initiative was inspired by Woodall's two grandmothers, including the late Nana O'Brien and in support of Nana Woodall, who has also battled cancer. His creative fundraising endeavours have included engaging minor hockey tournaments, partnering with teams, schools and local businesses as well as rappelling down one of Windsor's tallest buildings on two separate occasions. While hoodies are Woodall's most sought after line of fundraising apparel, he's ventured into other creative styles such as pucks, stickers and drink koozies. "We did a lot in the community for cancer research in honour of my grandma," said Woodall of the honour. "I'm just hoping that this can bring some awareness to it and we can do more with Woody's Hoodies in the future. I'm thankful for all of the support I've received and have really enjoyed doing this work." Named the 2025 Youth Philanthropist of the Year by the Windsor-Essex Community Foundation, Woodall's charitable efforts have benefitted causes such as Play for a Cure, the Windsor Cancer Foundation and Erie Shores Hospice. His iconic "Woody's Hoodies" can be seen throughout Windsor-Essex as he continues to roll out new customized designs and has sold more than 5,500 items including over 4,800 hoodies. He becomes the first player in Windsor Spitfires history to be named OHL Humanitarian of the Year. "Carson is a local product who developed through the LaSalle Vipers of the GOHL, growing into a Defenceman of the Year finalist," said Spitfires General Manager Bill Bowler. "His initiative with Woody’s Hoodies also speaks volumes about his character and the values instilled by his family. He’s not only made an impact on the ice, but in the community as well, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of." A former 10th round pick by the Spitfires in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, Woodall stepped up his offensive production this past season, finishing with 12 goals, 51 assists and 63 points over 68 games to be named an OHL Defenceman of the Year finalist. The Belle River native was the OHL Defenceman of the Month for October, and finished his fourth OHL season with 21 goals, 109 assists and 130 points over 194 games in a Spitfires uniform. Woodall placed second in OHL Coaches Poll voting as the Western Conference's most improved player, as well as best offensive defenceman. He recently announced a commitment to Boston College (NCAA). Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy. The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced in 2004 that the OHL Humanitarian of the Year award would be named in recognition of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who was twice named his team’s Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his tremendous efforts in supporting community activities. Woodall emerged as this year's award winner from a group of finalists also consisting of David Egorov of the Brantford Bulldogs, Tristen Trevino of the Erie Otters, Thanasi Marentette of the Peterborough Petes and Beckham Edwards of the Sarnia Sting. Woodall will be formally presented with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy at the 2026 OHL Awards Ceremony this June at The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. For a full history of OHL award winners, click here.

SPITFIRES ROLL PAST RANGERS 4-2 IN GAME 3

Remo Agostino — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:51:03 +0000

Davis, Robinson named stars as series shifts to Game 4 after home victory

WINDSOR, Ont. — The Windsor Spitfires wasted no time making a statement in Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, downing the Kitchener Rangers 4-2 at the WFCU Centre before an announced crowd of 5,041.

Cole Davis and Andrew Robinson were named the first and third stars of the game, respectively, as Windsor struck early to cut the series to 2-1.

The Spitfires opened the scoring just 1:55 into the first period on the power play, with Jakub Fibigr converting off assists from Anthony Cristoforo and Liam Greentree. Alex Pharand doubled the lead at 14:07, tipping home a feed from Caden Harvey to give Windsor a 2-1 edge heading into the first intermission — Kitchener's Christian Humphreys had briefly cut the deficit to one at 16:08 on a goal assisted by Jack Pridham and Cameron Arquette.

The Rangers were unable to crack Joey Costanzo in the second period despite generating offensive chances, and Windsor came out of the middle frame still ahead by one.

The Spitfires put it away early in the third. Robinson struck just 24 seconds into the period, finishing off a Davis setup to push the lead to 3-1. Kitchener's Arquette pulled one back at 15:01 on a goal from Chiarot and Campbell, but Davis iced it with an empty-netter at 19:31 — his second point of the night — to seal the 4-2 final.

Costanzo was outstanding between the pipes, stopping 21 of 23 shots faced to earn the win. Christian Kirsch took the loss in goal for Kitchener, making 14 saves before being pulled for the extra attacker late in regulation.

Windsor was 1-for-5 on the power play; Kitchener went 0-for-3 with the man advantage.

Arquette was named the second star for Kitchener.

Game 4 of the series happens Wednesday back at the WFCU Centre

RANGERS EDGE SPITFIRES 2-1 IN GAME 2 OF WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS

Remo Agostino — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 02:49:20 +0000

KITCHENER, Ont. — A power-play goal and a shorthanded marker in the middle frame were enough for the Kitchener Rangers, who held off the Windsor Spitfires 2-1 on Sunday evening in Game 2 of their OHL Western Conference Finals series at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.

Liam Greentree gave Windsor an early lead, beating Christian Kirsch at 6:51 of the first period. The Spitfires carried that 1-0 advantage into the first intermission, but the Rangers outshot the Spitfires 9-6 through twenty minutes.

Kitchener flipped the script in the second. Sam O”Reilly evened things up on the power play at 7:03, finishing off a sequence set up by Jack Pridham and Dylan Edwards. Less than two minutes later, the Rangers completed the momentum swing with a shorthanded tally. O’Reilly turned provider this time, teaming with Pridham on a 2-on-1 chance that converted at 9:00 to put Kitchener in front for good.

Kirsch was steady the rest of the way, turning aside all 10 Windsor shots in the third to finish with 27 saves and earn the victory. Joey Costanzo stopped 20 of 22 shots in a losing effort for the Spitfires.

Windsor went 0-for-4 on the power play while Kitchener cashed on one of three opportunities.

O'Reilly was named first star of the game, Kirsch second, and Greentree third.

Game 3 goes Monday in Windsor. Tickets www.windsorspitfires.com

Kitchener leads the series 2-0.

Western Conference Finals Game 1. Spitfires fall short in Overtime.

Remo Agostino — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 03:15:59 +0000

KITCHENER, ON — Sam O'Reilly's power-play goal at 18:08 of overtime gave the Kitchener Rangers a 4-3 victory over the Windsor Spitfires on Friday night at Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, handing Windsor its first loss of the 2026 OHL Playoffs and giving the Rangers a 1-0 series lead in the Western Conference Finals.

O'Reilly Ends It in OT

O'Reilly, one of the most dangerous players in the postseason, capped a back-and-forth contest by converting on a Spitfires penalty — Nathan Villeneuve's high-sticking call — to send a crowd of 7,363 home happy. Christian Humphreys and Cameron Reid drew the assists on the winner, as O'Reilly extended his remarkable playoff run to claim first-star honours.

Period-by-Period

The Spitfires drew first blood just 47 seconds in, as Anthony Cristoforo put Windsor ahead with a goal assisted by Carson Woodall and Andrew Robinson. Kitchener answered quickly, though, as Alexander Bilecki tied it at 4:07 with Vermeulen and Anstis assisting, before Dylan Edwards flipped the lead to the Rangers at 7:18 off helpers from Andonovski and Humphreys. The first period ended 2-1 in favour of Kitchener.

Windsor pulled even in the second period on a goal by Villeneuve at 17:13, assisted by Davis, before Jack Nesbitt gave the Spitfires the lead at 15:58. The Rangers knotted it again late in the frame, however, as Jack Pridham converted on the power play at 19:49 — assisted by O'Reilly and Humphreys — to send the game to the third period tied 3-3.

Neither side could find the winner in a scoreless third, setting the stage for overtime.

The Rangers would score on a powerplay goal and take game 1 4-3.

Between the Pipes

Joey Costanzo turned aside 27 shots in the overtime loss, while Kirsch earned the win for Kitchener with 20 saves. Windsor was held scoreless on its lone power-play opportunity, while the Rangers converted twice on four chances.

Up Next

Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals goes Sunday, April 26 in Kitchener, with puck drop set for 6:00 p.m. Kitchener leads the series 1-0.

Windsor Spitfires to face Kitchener Rangers in Western Conference Finals (WCF)

Remo Agostino — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:00:33 +0000

The Windsor Spitfires and Kitchener Rangers are once again set to square off in the OHL Playoffs this time with the Wayne Gretzky Trophy on the line. With Thursday’s 5-3 victory over the Flint Firebirds, the Spitfires swept them 4-0 to advance to the WCF. The Kitchener Rangers defeated the Soo Greyhounds in 5 games (4-1) to advance to the WCF. Playoff tickets are on sale now at windsorspitfires.com! Playoff Schedule: Round #3 – April 22nd – May 4th Windsor vs Kitchener Game #1 @ Kitchener Friday April 24th 7pm Game #2 @ Kitchener Sunday April 26th 6pm Game #3 @ Windsor Monday April 27th 7:05pm Game #4 @ Windsor Wednesday April 29th 7:05pm *Game #5 @ Kitchener Friday May 1st 7pm *Game #6 @ Windsor Sunday May 3rd 4:05pm *Game #7 @ Kitchener Monday May 4th 7pm *if necessary