2026 OHL Cup: Day 1 Recap
Stay tuned throughout the day for rolling updates from the OHL Cup, with game recaps, key moments, and top performers from every matchup.
Panthers, Stars Skate to Overtime Draw
Sun County Panthers vs. Niagara North Stars
Final/OT: 2 (SCP) – 2 (NIA)
The Sun County Panthers and Niagara North Stars played to a 2-2 draw in the final game of the opening day of the OHL Cup, with both teams trading goals early before a scoreless finish through regulation and overtime.
Sun County opened the scoring early in the first period, as Ryder Cheswick (1) capitalized on the power play to give the Panthers the early lead.
Niagara North responded midway through the frame, with Jacob Greene (1) finding the back of the net to even the score.
The Panthers quickly regained the lead, as Nash Fuerth (3) struck later in the period to make it 2-1. However, the Stars answered once again before the end of the frame, with Sam Lagrotteria (1) scoring the game-tying goal to send the teams into the intermission deadlocked.
After a scoreless second and third period, the game required overtime, but neither side could find the winner during the five-minute 3-on-3 frame, resulting in a 2-2 final.
New Era Players of the Game:
Niagara North Stars: Jacob Greene (F) – 1G
Sun County Panthers: Ryder Cheswick (F) – 1G
McCabe Nets Game-Winner as TPH Holds Off Barrie
TPH Academy vs. Barrie Colts
Final: 3 (TPH) – 2 (BAR)
TPH Academy edged out the Barrie Jr. Colts with a 3-2 victory in a tightly contested matchup, capitalizing on a strong first period and a late third-period goal to secure the win.
Barrie opened the scoring early, as Gavin O’Connell (1) found the back of the net just over two minutes into the game to give the Colts the early lead.
TPH responded quickly, with Quinn Kaiser (2) tying the game before Caiven Walos (2) followed up later in the frame to give TPH a 2-1 advantage heading into the intermission.
After a scoreless second period, Barrie pulled even early in the third, as Luka Dragojlevic (1) scored to tie the game at 2-2.
However, TPH answered back once again, with Maksym McCabe (1) burying the go-ahead goal midway through the frame. His marker would stand as the game-winner.
Walos and McCabe led the way offensively for TPH with a goal and an assist each.
New Era Player of the Game:
TPH: Caiven Walos (F) – 1G, 1A
Barrie Jr. Colts: Gavin O’Connell (F) – 1G
O’Neill’s 26-Save Shutout Leads Majors to 3-0 Victory
Markham Majors vs Credit River Capitals
Final: 3 (MAJ) – 0 (CRC)
The Markham Majors and goaltender Cohen O’Neill shutout the OMHA Champion Credit River Capitals 3-0 to improve to 2-0.
With one win already underneath their belt on Day 1 of the 2026 OHL Cup the Markham Majors poured the offence on in the first period and then let their defense take them the rest of the way.
Goals by Konstantinos Housseas (1), Joseph Fenwick (2) and Ryder Nobes (3) all in the first seven minutes of the game were good enough for the Majors.
The Capitals tried desperately to find the back of the net in the waning minutes of the game but as the clock dwindled so did their chances of scoring three goals to at least force overtime, “Just trying to get to the final whistle there, end strong, made a couple saves there but [I] was definitely nervous just trying to battle through it,” said O’Neill after his 26 save shutout.
The Majors were led by good shot blocking and goaltending ultimately resulting in the shutout. Markham has allowed just two goals and they are yet to trail through their first two games, “We’re feeling great, it’s great to start the tournament with two wins,” said O’Neill, “ We just want to bring that into the next couple of games and hopefully we can keep this streak going.”
Markham is back in action tomorrow morning at 10:00am vs the Upper Canada Cyclones while Credit River is up against Detroit Little Caesars at 11:45am.
New Era Player of the Game
Markham Majors – Jack Samek (F) 1A
Credit River Capitals – Aaron Archer (G)
Cloutier and Fitzgerald Each Score Twice in Kings 5-2 Win
Vaughan Kings vs Team NOHA
Final: 5 (VK) – 2 (NOHA)
As the clock winded down on Day 1 of the 2026 OHL Cup the Vaughan Kings, backed by four point performances by Kane Cloutier and Even Fitzgerald, defeated Team NOHA by a score of 5-2.
Team NOHA entered their first game of the week looking to hand the GTHL Champion Vaughan Kings their second straight loss. Team NOHA got off to a solid start in the first period outshooting their opponents 9-8 in the first period but it was the Kings that got on the board first with a goal by Landon Roulston (1).
It stayed 1-0 Vaughan until just past the midway mark of the game when Kane Cloutier (1) scored his first of the tournament to double his teams’ lead. Brayden Baronette (1) was able to get one back for Team NOHA before the end of the second period.
In the final frame it was Kane Cloutier (2) who gave Vaughan their two goal lead back just 1:10 into the third. As the game got down to the wire it was the Kings, specifically Evan Fitzgerald (2), who was able to break things open with a pair of goals just 59 seconds apart. Alex Proulx (1) added another for Team NOHA but it wasn’t enough.
“Obviously the first game didn’t go as we wanted,” said Cloutier, “We let off in the third period but as the game went on today we just played as a team and kept moving forward. We know we have nothing to lose now so we just have to keep pushing and keep winning.”
Vaughan will take on the Brantford 99ers tomorrow at 3:30pm while Team NOHA has a pair of games, versus Upper Canada College at 11:30am and versus the Quinte Red Devils at 7pm.
New Era Player of the Game
Vaughan Kings – Kane Cloutier (F) 2G 2A
Team NOHA – Alex Proulx (F) 1G
Zinkie Scores Twice as Jr. Canadiens Defeat Raiders
Toronto Jr. Canadiens vs. Ajax Pickering Raiders
Final: 4 (JRC) – 1 (APR)
The Toronto Jr. Canadiens delivered another strong performance, earning a 4-1 win over the Ajax Pickering Raiders, controlling play throughout and outshooting their opponents 38-14.
“It went good. We didn’t play our best the first game, but I thought we bounced back tonight and played well,” said defenceman Kade O’Rourke, who added an assist in the win.
Toronto opened the scoring midway through the first period, as Jackson Zinkie (2) found the back of the net to give JRC an early lead. Later in the frame, Brayden Grima (3) added to the advantage, scoring what would stand as the game-winner to make it 2-0 heading into the intermission.
Toronto carried that momentum into the second period, where Jace Voortman (1) extended the lead before Zinkie struck again with his second of the night to make it 4-0.
Ajax Pickering broke through in the third period, with Liam Morgan (1) scoring shorthanded to get the Raiders on the board, but that would be as close as they would come.
“We’re going to use this momentum and use it for the next games,” O’Rourke added. “Just one game at a time and just move forward.”
Zinkie led the way offensively with a two-goal performance, while Voortman and Jace Voortman added a goal and an assist in the win.
New Era Player of the Game:
Toronto Jr. Canadiens: Jace Voortman (F) – 1G, 1A
Ajax-Pickering Raiders: Caden Cousineau (F)
Six Scorers, Seven Goals for the 67’s
Ottawa 67’s vs Upper Canada Cyclones
Final: 7 (OTT) – 1 (UPCC)
Six different Ottawa 67’s skaters found the back of the net on their way to a 7-1 victory over the Upper Canada Cyclones.
It might be tough to believe that some teams are looking at games on Day 1 of the 2026 OHL Cup as must win but that was the case for the Ottawa 67’s, and they played like it. A great first period saw Alexandre Makaridze (1), William Boyko (1) and Julien Dube (1) all find the back of the net.
The Cyclones had a penalty carry over into the second period which gave Ottawa some time at the intermission to dial in on the powerplay. It only took 39 seconds for Alexandre Saulnier (3) to extend the 67’s lead to 4-0. Thomas Visser (1) scored late in the second for Upper Canada but it was still a tall task entering the third period with a three goal deficit.
Ottawa added three more in the third period from Grady Brosseau (1), Alexandre Saulnier (4) and Kyson McMillan (1) to move their round robin record to 1-1, “The message before the game was quite good, we really got the boys pumped. We knew the other teams’ strategy and we just had to counter that,” said Saulnier, “I think today was one of our good ones and we just have to keep it going.”
The 67’s will take on Detroit Little Caesars tomorrow at 5:30pm while the Cyclones are pitted against the Markham Majors at 10:00am.
New Era Player of the Game
Ottawa Jr 67’s – Alexandre Saulnier (F) 2G
Upper Canada Cyclones – Brayson Heuff (D)
Nash Scores Both as Flyers Take Down the Jr. Knights
London Jr. Knights vs Don Mills Flyers
Final: 2 (DMF) – 1 (LDN)
Don Mills Flyers forward Brady Nash scored a pair of special teams goals on the way to a 2-1 win over the London Jr. Knights on Day 1 of the 2026 OHL Cup.
An early Flyers powerplay went by the wayside and shortly after they found themselves shorthanded. No problem for Brady Nash (1) as he was able to get into the offensive zone and score to give Don Mills the early lead.
In the second period the London Jr. Knights got into some penalty trouble and Nash (2) buried his second of the game, this time on the powerplay, “It’s honestly awesome helping my team out, I didn’t think a big part of my game was goal scoring, it was the defensive zone and making sure no pucks go in our net”, said Nash.
London was able to get once back a few minutes later courtesy of Quinn Roberts (1) but that was all the ALLIANCE Champions could muster.
“We played awesome, we stayed very disciplined which is great because if you’re short bad things happen,” said Nash.
Don Mills will look to make it two wins in as many games tomorrow as they take on the wildcard Barrie Jr Colts at 12pm. London is back at it bright and early tomorrow morning as they take on the Thunder Bay Kings at 8:30am.
Another Hattrick for Adams, Another Victory for Hill Academy
Huron Perth Lakers vs Hill Academy
Final: 4 (HILL) – 2 (HPL)
Hill Academy bounced back from a rough start en route to 4-2 win over the Huron Perth Lakers on Day 1 of the 2026 OHL Cup.
The goal today for the Huron Perth Lakers was simple – take advantage of a tired team. They did exactly that, scoring two goals in the opening 2:37 of the game off the sticks of Evan Miller (1) and Owen Jarmuth (1). Hill Academy fended off a late push from Biosteel Academy in the Wildcard game this morning and tonight they fended off an early push from the Lakers.
Tanner Adams (1) got one back for Hill midway through the first to make it a 2-1 game at the first intermission. In the second Adams (2) added another to tie the game 2-2.
In the third period Hill took their first lead of the game off a goal by Kieran Gray (1) just 2:48 into the third period, “[I was] obviously pretty ecstatic, the boys were hyped. Just had to make sure we don’t take our foot off the gas, it’s a one-goal game, we have to make sure we keep playing, and we found a way to get the win.”
Adams (3) completed the hattrick with an empty net goal as Hill Academy picked up their first win in round robin play. When asked about how the team made sure they were ready for their second game of the day, Gray said, “Just had to make sure we’re carrying the momentum, make sure we’re not taking our foot off the gas and don’t take any team lightly. Every team at this tournament is obviously really good, so just make sure we’re playing our game and the wins will come.”
Hill’s lone game of the day tomorrow will be against Detroit Honeybaked at 4pm The Lakers will look to get in the win column tomorrow morning at 9:45am vs the York-Simcoe Express.
New Era Player of the Game
Huron Perth Lakers – Rylan Da Costa (G)
Hill Academy – Tanner Adams (F) 3G
Guizzetti Nets OT Winner vs 99ers
Brantford 99ers vs Upper Canada College Blues
Final: 4 (UCC) – 3 (BFD) OT
Cole Guizzetti scored the overtime winner to give the Upper Canada College Blues a dramatic 4-3 OT win over the Brantford 99ers.
UCC’s Joseph Grixti and Brantford’s Ryder Kowtaluk went save for save in the opening 15 minutes to take the teams into the first intermission tied 0-0.
The scoring started just 51 seconds into the second with a goal by UCC’s Greyson Ward (1). It only took a few more minutes for the Blues to add to their lead with a goal by Bohdan Gorenstein (1). The 99ers didn’t let the game get too far out of hand as they responded quickly with a pair of powerplay goals by Emry Lowe (1) and Ethan Zivanovich (1). Brantford’s 2-goal deficit had been erased in a 2:06 span.
The 99ers carried that momentum into the third period as Carson Vukelich (1) gave his team their first lead of the game with just under six minutes remaining. The Blues took a timeout late in the game to draw up a play to try and find the equalizer. Max Fransen (1) came up clutch for the Blues, tying the game with just 16 seconds left, sending the UCC bench into a frenzy.
“Don’t give up, get pucks to the net and hopefully it goes in”, said Cole Guizzetti about the message before the game-tying goal.
Both teams had great opportunities in overtime but it was Cole Guizzetti (1) scoring the winner just in front of the Brantford net to give the Blues the win, “It was a good play on the draw, our centre made a good play and then we executed it”, said Guizzetti.
Both teams have the rest of the day off before resuming their round robin play tomorrow. UCC takes on Team NOHA at 11:30am while Brantford has an earlier start at 8:00am vs the Quinte Red Devils.
New Era Player of the Game
Brantford 99ers – Carson Vukelich (F) – 1G
Upper Canada College – Max Fransen (D) – 1G
Reilly Scores Twice as Marlboros Hold Off Express
York Simcoe Express vs. Toronto Marlboros
Final: 4 (TMAR) – 2 (YSE)
The Toronto Marlboros earned a 4-2 victory over the York Simcoe Express in opening day OHL Cup action, using a strong opening period and timely third-period scoring to secure the win.
Toronto got off to a fast start in the first period, with Braden Reilly (2) opening the scoring midway through the frame. Preston Hebert (1) followed shortly after on the power play, giving the Marlboros a 2-0 lead heading into the intermission.
“I think it went great, we all played as a team,” Reilly said postgame. “We’re just gonna stay positive and keep it rolling.”
After a scoreless second period, the Express mounted a push in the third. Mateo Zamora (1) got York Simcoe on the board before Cole Cartan (1) struck just moments later to even the game at two.
However, Toronto quickly responded. Reilly restored the Marlboros’ lead with his second of the night, a goal that would stand as the game-winner.
Michael Pacek (1) added an insurance marker on the power play late in regulation to seal the victory.
Braden Reilly led the way offensively with a two-goal performance, while also contributing an assist. Miles Reilly added a strong outing as well, recording multiple assists in the win.
Both teams now have the night off and will return to action tomorrow.
New Era Player of the Game:
York Simcoe Express: Justin Watkins (F)
Toronto Marlboros: Braden Reilly (F) – 2G, 1A
Ouellet & Cook Score Twice in Win for the Wild
Sun County Panthers vs. Eastern Ontario Wild
Final: 4 (EOW) – 2 (SCP)
The Eastern Ontario Wild opened their tournament with a commanding 4–2 win over the Sun County Panthers, heavily outshooting their opponents 48-7. Three Wild players recorded multi-point performances in the victory.
The Wild wasted no time getting on the board, striking twice in under a minute early in the first period. Curtis Cook (2) opened the scoring just three minutes in, before Zack Ouellet (2) followed up shortly after to make it 2-0.
Cook added to the lead early in the second period, scoring his second of the game in what would stand as the game-winner.
“I think we played pretty good. Shut down everything in the D-zone and then pressured in the offensive zone. When the other team is in their own zone, they’re not scoring,” Ouellet said postgame.
Nash Fuerth (2) responded for the Panthers not long after, getting Sun County on the board and cutting the deficit to 3-1. However, Ouellet restored the Wild’s two-goal cushion later in the frame with his second of the game.
“It feels good for our first game here. We always got to bring the intensity and then sometimes you just get lucky,” he added. “I think we have a lot of energy and momentum right now and it’s going to help us the whole way.”
Fuerth added his second of the night on the power play to round out the scoring, but the Panthers were unable to mount a comeback
Isaac Charbonneau contributed with a two-assist performance in the win.
The Panthers return to action later tonight against the Niagara Stars (0–1), while the Wild are back on the ice tomorrow afternoon.
New Era Player of the Game:
Sun County Panthers: Nash Fuerth (F) – 2G
Eastern Ontario Wild: Isaac Charbonneau (F) – 2A
TPH Offence Shows Up in Big Win
TPH vs Thunder Bay Kings
Final: 13 (TPH) – 1 (TBAY)
TPH only got to spend a couple days practicing as a group before kicking off their OHL Cup tournament versus Thunder Bay, but the limited practice time didn’t seem to be a problem as they started their week with a 13-1 win over the Thunder Bay Kings.
The scoring started less than three minutes into the game with the opening tally off the stick of Luke Hartman (1). Thunder Bay netted the equalizer just 1:13 later with a goal by Callan Gibbon (1). TPH’s Nathan Pavelski (1) scored to put TPH back in front with Hartman (2) adding his second of the game before the end of the first period.
The TPH offense turned things into another gear the rest of the way, adding five in the second and five in the third on their way to the win. Mikey Peterson (2) and Jake Hall (2) had multi-goal outings with seven other TPH skaters finding the back of the net once.
“We knew coming into this that we were going to have to set the tone off the start because no one really knows who we are, so I think we did that,” said TPH defenseman Jake Hall, “We played a really good game 5-on-5… we’re ready to win the tournament, we want to win.”
The Barrie Jr. Colts await TPH tonight at 9:00pm while Thunder Bay is back at it tomorrow morning at 8:30am vs the London Jr. Knights.
New Era Player of the Game
TPH – Jake Hall (D) 2G
Thunder Bay Kings – Darwin Brinkman (D)
Grima Records Three-Point Game in Victory for JRC
Toronto Jr. Canadiens vs. Niagara North Stars
Final: 4 (JRC) – 2 (NIA)
The Toronto Jr. Canadiens opened their campaign on a strong note, edging out a 4-2 victory over the Niagara North Stars.
Niagara struck first midway through the opening frame, as Gabriel Selvaggio (1) capitalized shorthanded to give his side an early lead. However, Toronto responded before the period was out, Kade O’Rourke (1) found the back of the net on the power play to even the score heading into the intermission.
That momentum carried into the second period, where Anthony Peragine (1) gave the Canadiens their first lead of the game. Later in the frame, Brayden Grima (1) would extend the advantage with a shorthanded marker that would stand as the game-winner.
But Grima wasn’t done there, as he added his second of the game in the third period to provide Toronto with some breathing room and secure the insurance marker.
While the North Stars pushed back late, with Caden Petrovsky (1) scoring on the power play, JRC would hold firm to close out the 4-2 win.
Toronto will look to build on the win in their next outing, while Niagara North aims to bounce back and regroup after a competitive showing.
Both teams are set to hit the ice again tonight with JRC taking on the Ajax-Pickering Raiders, and the Niagara North Stars facing off against the Sun County Panthers.
New Era Player of the Game:
Toronto Jr. Canadiens: Brayden Grima (F) – 2G, 1A
Niagara North Stars: Evan Hoven (F) – 1A
Markham Survives Late Surge from 67’s
Markham Majors vs Ottawa Jr. 67’s
Final: 3 (MAJ) – 2 (OTT)
The Markham Majors took advantage of their powerplay opportunities en route to an opening day victory over the HEO Finalist Ottawa Jr. 67’s.
With time winding down in the opening period Majors forward Joseph Fenwick (1) notched a powerplay goal for his first of the OHL Cup to give his team a 1-0 lead at the first intermission. In the second period Markham picked up right where they left off with a goal by Ryder Nobes (1). On the man advantage again later in the second period Ryder Nobes (2) added his second of the game to extend the lead to 3-0.
Ottawa came into the third period set on digging their way out of the 3-goal deficit and finally got on the board with a goal by Alexandre Saulnier (1). After a cross-checking penalty sent Jack Samek to the penalty box with just 1:37 left in regulation the 67’s saw their opportunity to get right back in the game. With Ottawa goalie Athan Stone on the bench the 67’s took advantage of the 6-on-4 opportunity with another goal by Alexandre Saulnier (2). The late charge from Ottawa was too little too late as Markham picked up the 3-2 win.
When asked what the message was from the coaching staff late in the game, Nobes said, “Just stay calm, stick to the game plan – get pucks in deep, hard on the back check and no mistakes. We got that win there but it was a little close.”
Markham’s next match-up has them pitted up against the OMHA Champion Credit River Capitals at 8:45pm, “It always takes a little pressure off your shoulders [to get the first win],” said Nobes, “but we’ll be back here at 8:45 ready to go. Stronger, faster, harder, that’s what the OHL Cup is all about”.
The 67’s have the afternoon to rest up before a meeting versus the Upper Canada Cyclones at 7:15pm.
New Era Players of the Game
Markham Majors – Ryder Nobes (F) 2G
Ottawa 67’s – Alexandre Makaridze (D)
Quinte’s Third Period Comeback Propels Them Past Vaughan
Vaughan Kings vs Quinte Red Devils
Final: 5 (QRD) – 2 (VK)
The Quinte Red Devils entered the OHL Cup with something to prove after bowing out in the semi-final of the OMHA Championships. That is exactly what they did with a statement 5-2 win over the GTHL Champion Vaughan Kings.
Vaughan’s Brody Brown (1) opened the scoring early in the second period as both teams tried to find their footing in this afternoon battle. Quinte’s Trent Clow (1) responded later in the second with a wrist shot that flew by the blocker of Kings goalie Demetri Stokes. The Kings captain Adrian Sgro (1) responded just 16 seconds later with an equally impressive wrist shot from the top of the right circle to give Vaughan the 2-1 lead at the second intermission.
The Red Devils came out flying in the third period and were able to capitalize on an early opportunity by Andrew Laurin (1) that tied the game 2-2. Minutes later Trent Clow (2) would add his second of the game to give Quinte their first lead.. An insurance goal was scored by Lauchlan Whelan (1) and Austin Preston added an empty net goal to secure the 5-2 comeback win for Quinte.
“Obviously we knew [Vaughan] was going to be a tough opponent, so all the boys bore down and brought our full game out there. That’s a huge win and it’ll be fuel for us the next few games,” said Red Devils forward Trent Clow.
Quinte’s next game is Tuesday morning at 8:00am versus the Brantford 99ers. It’s a quick turn around for Vaughan as they look to get in the win column tonight at 7:30pm vs Team NOHA.
New Era Players of the Game
Vaughan Kings – Nathan Ferriss (G)
Quinte Red Devils – Adrian Sgro (D) — 1G
Dragojevic and Hogg lead Barrie to 5-2 Wildcard Win
Wildcard Game #4 – Barrie Jr Colts vs Central Ontario Wolves
Final: 5 (BAR) – 2 (COW)
The final wildcard game of the day got off to a quick start with Cole Roberts (1) of the Central Ontario Wolves opening the scoring just 11 seconds into the game. The Barrie Jr Colts were able to even the game before the end of the first period off a goal by Cameron Hogg (1).
The Jr Colts didn’t waste much time in the second period. They took their first lead of the game on a goal by Luka Dragojevic just 2:35 into the middle frame. Barrie found themselves on the penalty kill just past the midway mark of the second period but that didn’t stop Gavin O’Connell (1). He scored his first of the tournament to add to his teams’ lead.
In the third period Cameron Hogg (2) netted his second of the game to extend the Barrie lead to 4-1. The Wolves didn’t go away though, as Tristan Endicott (1) scored to make it just a 2-goal difference. Luka Dragojevic (2) answered immediately for Barrie as the Jr. Colts walked away with the 5-2 wildcard win.
The New Era Player of the Game for Barrie, Luka Dragojevic had this to say after the win, “The boys were fired up all week at practice… the hard effort that we’ve put in this year, we got to put it into this game and now we have to get ready for tonight”
Barrie’s next game will be against TPH at 9pm.
New Era Players of the Game
Barrie Jr Colts – #13 (F) Luka Dragojevic
Central Ontario Wolves – #91 (F) Finn Ellery
McKeown’s 34 Save Shutout Advances Cyclones
Wildcard Game #3 – Upper Canada Cyclones vs Ottawa Valley Titans
Final: 2 (UPCC) – 0 (OVT)
A goalie duel was the story of Wildcard Play-In Game #3. The two HEO rivals didn’t score a goal until early in the second period when Quinn Crealy (1) opened things up for the Cyclones. That was how the score stayed until late in the third period when Julian Melo (1) added an empty net goal to give the Cyclones the 2-0 win and advance them to round robin play.
Cyclones goalie Kellen McKeown stopped all 34 shots that he faced while Titans goalie Marcus Smolcic stopped 31 of the 32 that he faced. Both goalie were named the New Era Player of the Game for their respective teams.
“He played unreal, they had so many shots and so many opportunities and he shut them out. It’s huge having a game on top of everyone else and already being on a winning streak,” said goalscorer Quinn Crealy.
Next up for the Cyclones is another HEO opponent, the Ottawa Jr 67’s. This is a rematch of their HEO first round series that the 67’s took 7-points-to-5. The series featured three ties in six games. They face-off at 7:15pm.
New Era Players of the Game
Upper Canada Cyclones – Kellen McKeown (G) — 34 SVS
Ottawa Valley Titans – Marcus Smolcic (G) — 31 SVS
Adams’ Hat Trick Helps Hill Academy to 5-2 Wildcard Win
Wildcard Game #2 – Biosteel Academy vs Hill Academy
Final: 5 (HILL) – 2 (BIO)
It took a while to see the first goal of the game but Hill Academy’s Tanner Adams (1) cracked things open with just 1:26 left in the second period. Hill widened their lead in the third period with back-to-back goals by Adams (2) and Finley Merrill (1) who found the back of the net while shorthanded.
Biosteel Academy responded with a special teams goal of their own, off the stick of Preston Medeiros (1). A few minutes later, with the goalie pulled, Biosteel got within one courtesy of a Kayden Cook (1) goal.
Hill Academy didn’t let the game get any closer, adding a pair of empty netters by Gabriel Barakat and Tanner Adams (3).
“Very happy with the way that I played personally, but I think the more important thing was that the team got the job done and now we’re in the OHL Cup,” said Hill Academy Captain Tanner Adams following the win.
Hill Academy now plays the Huron-Perth Lakers at 5:15pm. It will be the first game of the round robin for both teams.
New Era Players of the Game
Biosteel Academy – #73 (D) Kayden Cook
Hill Academy – #74 (G) Matteo Orlando
McGarry Sends Raiders to Wildcard Victory with Third-Overtime Winner
Wildcard Game #1 – Mississauga Senators vs. Ajax Pickering Raiders
Final/3OT: 3 (APR) – 2 (SENS)
The Ajax Pickering Raiders staged a dramatic comeback in their OHL Cup Wildcard matchup, scoring with just over a minute remaining in regulation before sealing the win in triple overtime.
Jake Harris (1) and Oliver Iemma (1) struck early for the Mississauga Senators, finding the back of the net in the first and second periods to give the Sens a 2-0 lead.
Captain Jean-Luc Moreau-Hernandez (2) responded midway through the second period to cut the deficit in half, setting the stage for a late push.
In the final minutes of regulation, back-to-back penalties put the Senators down two men, giving the Raiders a 5-on-3 advantage. Moreau-Hernandez capitalized, scoring his second of the night with just 1:04 remaining to force overtime.
The deadlock carried through two full overtime periods before Ajax Pickering finally broke through early in the third extra frame. With time and space at the blue line, defenceman Brady McGarry (1) stepped into a shot and buried the winner.
“I got a nice D-to-D pass from my partner, saw the opening and just fired it,” McGarry said. “It feels great. We were all really tired, but we knew we were the underdogs. We came in hard and got it done.”
With the wildcard victory, the Raiders secure a spot in the Subban Division and will look to carry that momentum into round-robin play.
New Era Players of the Game:
Mississauga Senators: Massimo Tomassi (G) – 35 SVS
Ajax Pickering-Raiders: Tanner Gibson (G) – 29 SVS
