Titans, Maroons, Nationals, Meteors and Corvairs advance to Conference Semi-finals
The Conference Semi-finals are set as five teams wrapped up their respective conference quarter-finals to move on to the next round.
Eastern Conference Quarter-final
#7 Brantford Titans def. #2 Ayr Centennials 4 games to 3
In the biggest upset of the first round, the Brantford Titans, who made the playoffs on the last day
of the regular season as the 7th seed, stunned the 2nd-seeded Ayr Centennials in a thrilling 7-game series, becoming just the fourth #7 seed to win a first round playoff series in GOJHL history. After taking a commanding 3-0 series lead, Brantford held on through a resilient comeback by the Centennials, ultimately winning Game 7 in Ayr — their third road win of the series.
2nd-year netminder Carter Vincente — a mid-season acquisition from Pelham — was the hero of the series, posting a 29-save shutout in the decisive Game 7 and finishing the series with a .921 save percentage against one of the league’s most potent offences. Rookie defenceman Patrick Babin, with 9 points and averaging over 32 minutes of ice time per game, made an enormous impact. Head coach Daniel Fitzgerald’s leadership throughout the series will go down as one of the best stories of the year so far, guiding his team to this remarkable playoff win.
Western Conference Quarter-final
#2 Chatham Maroons def. #7 Elmira Sugar Kings 4 games to 1
The Chatham Maroons rolled past the Elmira Sugar Kings in 5 games, showcasing one of the most high-powered offenses in the playoffs. Chatham averaged 6.2 goals per game in the series, led by Brody Gillis (3 goals, 11 points), and Dylan Richter (6 goals, 10 points). Both players ranked in the top 3 in GOJHL scoring after the first round of the playoffs. The Maroons’ powerplay — which led the league in the regular season at 27.2% — was even more deadly in the first round, accounting for 13 goals in the series with a success rate of 48.1%.
Western Conference Quarter-final
#5 London Nationals def. #4 Listowel Cyclones 4 games to 0
The London Nationals, under the leadership of first-year coach Brandon Prust, swept the defending Sutherland Cup champion Listowel Cyclones in 4 games. The Nationals proved their depth and resilience across all lines, with contributions from rookies and veterans. Joshua Lepain led the team in scoring with 3 goals and 7 points, while 2008-born London Knights prospect Eddie Hickson tallied 2 goals and 6 points. London’s balanced mix of skilled rookies and experienced veterans powered them through the sweep, showcasing their dominance on both ends of the ice, outscoring the Cyclones 19-11 in the series.
Eastern Conference Quarter-final
#3 Fort Erie Meteors def. #6 Cambridge Redhawks 4 games to 2
The Fort Erie Meteors advanced past the Cambridge Redhawks in 6 games, with a standout performance from Dylan Coers, who recorded 8 points in the series. Fort Erie’s defensive play was at its best in the final two games, with head coach Nik Passero leading a structured team as they closed the series with consecutive shutouts. The fans at Fort Erie were a key part of the team’s success, with the Meteors averaging over 1000 in attendance in their three home games.
Eastern Conference Quarter-final
#5 Caledonia Corvairs def. #4 Port Colborne Sailors 4 games to 2
In a physical series, the Caledonia Corvairs beat the Port Colborne Sailors in 6 games, winning three straight after trailing 2-1. The series was
highlighted by the impressive goaltending from Josh Branton, who was given the starting job after game 3 and stole the show with a .956 save percentage in wining three straight. Caledonia’s home-ice advantage was undeniable, as they won all three games at the Haldimand C.C.C. The Corvairs showcased incredible offensive depth, with goals coming from 14 different players. Both teams lit up the scoreboard, with the Corvairs and Sailors each tallying 25 goals in the series, making it
one of the most high-scoring matchups in the first round.
Looking Ahead
From Brantford’s incredible upset to Chatham’s offensive onslaught and London’s dominant sweep, the level of play across the league has been electrifying, and it’s clear that the chase for the Sutherland Cup is only going to get more thrilling. Stay tuned for more action as the postseason continues.
