Family Day is the best time for teams to win critical games down the stretch of the GOJHL season. Here are the previews for all 10 matchups on February 17th.
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Hamilton Kilty B’s at Pelham Panthers |  |
1:00pm Start
Preview: The Hamilton Kilty B’s are looking to make a push for the 6th seed in the East, potentially overtaking Caledonia. With a great balance of experienced veterans and exciting young talent, the Kilty B’s have been a well-rounded team this season. Rookie Ethan Brassard has been a standout since being traded from Caledonia, contributing 12 points in 17 games and adding a dynamic element to their lineup. Hamilton will aim to capitalize on his momentum and continue their climb up the standings.
On the other side, the Pelham Panthers are battling for the 8th seed in a tight race with Brantford. They’ll look to key player Mason Goodfellow to lead the charge, as he’s been a consistent scorer, with 21 points in his last 20 games. The Panthers will need his goal-scoring prowess to keep pace with Hamilton’s depth and challenge for a playoff spot.
This matchup is also the fourth meeting between these two teams in the past month, with both squads having split the previous four contests with 2 wins and 2 losses apiece. Expect another hard-fought battle as both teams try to strengthen their playoff positioning.
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Sarnia Legionnaires at Komoka Kings |  |
1:15pm Start
Preview: The Sarnia Legionnaires and Komoka Kings face off in, with both teams looking to pick up a key victory in the battle near the bottom of the West. While Sarnia has taken all three previous meetings, each game has been tightly contested, decided by just one or two goals. With Komoka hosting this time around, they’ll look to turn the tide on home ice.
Despite sitting in 10th place, Sarnia boasts one of the most potent offences in the West, ranking 6th in scoring. Their attack is led by rookie Gage Brandon, who has impressed with 17 goals and 32 points, and MacPherson Tournament participant Carter Fogarty, who has 22 goals in 43 games. The Legionnaires have no trouble finding the back of the net, but they’ll need to tighten up defensively to ensure another win over Komoka.
Komoka, on the other hand, has struggled offensively, with Jagan Chanderdat leading the way with 25 points in 45 games. While they lack the high-powered scoring of Sarnia, their structure and ability to keep games close give them a chance to steal this one at home. If they can limit Sarnia’s top scorers and capitalize on key chances, they could finally break through and pick up their first win in the season series.
Sarnia’s firepower vs. Komoka’s defensive grind makes for an intriguing battle. With all three previous games coming down to the wire, expect another tight contest.
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Elmira Sugar Kings at KW Siskins |  |
1:30pm Start
Preview: The Elmira Sugar Kings and Kitchener-Waterloo Siskins face off in a crucial matchup, with both teams chasing key playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Elmira is pushing to overtake LaSalle for the sixth seed, while Kitchener-Waterloo is fighting to secure the final playoff spot. With both teams needing points, expect a high-energy battle.
Elmira brings a veteran-heavy roster with some of the top scorers in the league. Joey Martin has been dominant, recording 31 goals and 74 points in 41 games, while Luke Della Croce has been just as dangerous with 31 goals and 64 points in 42 games. These two lead the league points, being a dangerous threat together.
The Siskins are on a winning streak as they fight for the eighth seed, showing they can compete with any team. They rely on balanced scoring and strong depth, with rookie defenseman Devon Ferroni making a big impact with 27 points in 41 games. If they can slow down Elmira’s top scorers and take advantage of their recent momentum, they could pull off a statement win at home.
Elmira’s offensive firepower meets Kitchener-Waterloo’s resilience, making for a compelling showdown. With both teams desperate for points, expect a fast-paced, competitive game.
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Brantford Titans at Cambridge Redhawks |
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1:30pm Start
Preview: The Brantford Titans and Cambridge Redhawks face off in a pivotal matchup, with Brantford looking to lock up the final playoff spot as the eighth seed in the East. Meanwhile, Cambridge has won two of the three previous meetings and will aim to continue their success against the Titans on home ice.
The Titans are in a battle to secure their postseason spot and will lean on rookie defenseman Patrick Babin, a Brantford Bulldogs second-round pick and MacPherson Tournament participant. Ethan Szabo will be critical as he has been an offensive force, recording six points in his last four games, including three goals. Brantford will need another strong performance from Szabo as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Cambridge has had the upper hand in this season’s series and comes into the game with momentum. Reid Gammage has been on fire, recording ten points in his last five games, and providing a major offensive spark. The Redhawks also boast one of the best goaltending duos in the league with Brandon Balcar and Lennart Neisse, giving them an edge in net.
With Brantford fighting to secure a playoff spot and Cambridge looking to maintain their dominance in the matchup, expect a high-intensity battle. Can Szabo and the Titans break through, or will Cambridge’s depth and goaltending lead them to another win?
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Chatham Maroons at London Nationals |  |
2:00pm Start
Preview: The Chatham Maroons and London Nationals face off in a key late-season matchup, with Chatham already securing their playoff spot and London looking to do the same. The Maroons enter the game as one of the hottest teams in the league, while the Nationals aim to hold onto their fifth-place position in the West.
Chatham boasts the highest-scoring offence in the league, led by a trio of 20-goal scorers in Liam Campbell, Ian Lachance, and Connor Hunt. Their offensive firepower has been a major factor in their recent success, winning eight of their last ten games. With a deep attack and confidence heading into the playoffs, Chatham will look to overpower London once again.
London is on the verge of clinching their playoff spot but still needs key points down the stretch. A major boost has come from new acquisitions Jaxon Priddle and Ty Moffatt, who have combined for 22 points in 14 games since joining the team. If London wants to slow down Chatham’s offense, these two will need to step up in a big way.
Chatham’s elite offence meets a London team looking to secure its postseason spot.
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Fort Erie Meteors at Port Colborne Sailors |
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2:00pm Start
Preview: The Fort Erie Meteors and Port Colborne Sailors meet in a rematch of last season’s Family Day upset, where the Sailors shocked the Meteors in a surprise victory. This time around, Fort Erie has controlled the season series, winning all four previous matchups, but Port Colborne’s strong home record could make things interesting.
Fort Erie boasts one of the best defensive groups in the league, anchored by Rylan Masterson, Derek Smyth, and RJ Schmidt. Former Sailor Sam Tonelli has also been red-hot, scoring six goals in his last six games, including a goal in every matchup during that stretch. Expect him to be a major factor down the middle once again.
The Sailors have thrived on home ice, winning 14 of their 22 games at home this season. They’ll need that advantage if they want to finally break through against Fort Erie. Former Meteor Brody Coe has been on a roll, tallying six points in his last three games, making him a key player to watch as he faces his old team.
Beyond the on-ice battle, this game features a fun coaching matchup, with Kevin Rosebrugh helping to turn the Sailors’ program around and Nik Passero leading the Meteors fresh off a Golden Horseshoe conference championship last year. Can the Sailors pull off another upset, or will Fort Erie’s defensive strength continue to shut them down?
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Caledonia Corvairs at St. Catharines Falcons |
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2:00pm Start
Preview: A historic Golden Horseshoe rivalry continues as the Caledonia Corvairs and St. Catharines Falcons face off in a matchup filled with tradition, playoff history, and high stakes. With both teams known for their consistent postseason success, this Family Day weekend showdown could be one of the best games of the season.
The Falcons are leading the conference with 68 points and are looking to lock up first place. Known for their high-powered offence, they can score in bunches, but their biggest strength has been goaltender Hayden Jeffery, who leads the league with 21 wins. St. Catharines comes into this game with confidence after a recent overtime victory over Caledonia in the Spotlight Series game.
Caledonia, a team used to being at the top of the standings, is now battling to clinch a playoff spot late in the season, currently sitting in the sixth seed. Despite their lower positioning, they remain a physical, high-scoring team, ranking third in goals in the East. They have strengthened their roster with two key late-season additions in Matthew O’Sullivan and Josh Cacciola, both of whom have 15-plus points since joining the team.
With playoff intensity already in the air, this game is shaping up to be a battle of firepower vs. physicality.
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St. Marys Lincolns at St. Thomas Stars |
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2:00pm Start
Preview: The red-hot St. Marys Lincolns have been on a 16-game winning streak while the St. Thomas Stars, will look to pull off a statement win at home. With both teams featuring high-end offensive talent, this matchup has the potential for fireworks.
St. Marys has been nearly unstoppable, playing the best defensive hockey in the league under head coach Jeff Bradley. With only 72 goals against and a 111-goal differential, their dominance on both ends of the ice is unmatched. Offensively, they are just as dangerous, boasting five 20-goal scorers, including Lincoln Moore, a former St. Thomas player who has been dynamic since joining the Lincolns.
Despite their struggles this season, Logan Hawery has been a major bright spot. Since joining the Stars, the London Knights first-round pick has been a force, tallying seven goals and 12 points in nine games. If St. Thomas hopes to break St. Marys’ streak, they will need Hawery to be at his best.
St. Marys looks to extend their remarkable winning streak, while St. Thomas hopes to play spoiler on Family Day.
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Caledon Bombers at Ayr Centennials |
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2:30pm Start
Preview: The Caledon Bombers look to snap their losing streak, but they’ll have their hands full against an explosive Ayr Centennials offense that leads the East in scoring. With contrasting team identities, Ayr’s high-flying attack versus Caledon’s hope to turn things around—this game should be an exciting battle.
Caledon is searching for a way to get back in the win column, and Patrick Polaczek has been their biggest bright spot. The forward leads the team with 19 goals and 28 points in 42 games, providing a consistent offensive presence. If the Bombers want to compete with Ayr’s firepower, they’ll need Polaczek to step up once again.
Ayr boasts one of the most dynamic and fast-paced offenses in the league, leading the East in goals scored. As one of the older teams in the league, their core of 2004-born players has been the driving force behind their success. With offensive depth and experience on their side, they will look to push the tempo early and look to overwhelm Caledon’s defense.
Ayr’s offensive firepower meets a hungry Caledon team looking to end its skid. Can the Bombers hold their ground and pull off an upset, or will the Centennials’ attack prove too much to handle?
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Listowel Cyclones at Stratford Warriors |
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4:30pm Start
Preview: A classic rivalry is renewed as the Listowel Cyclones and Stratford Warriors meet in a highly anticipated matchup. With two well-run organizations, passionate fan bases, and a history from the former Mid-Western Division, this Family Day showdown promises to be an electric one.
While not as dominant as last year, Listowel remains a deep and physical team currently sitting as the fourth seed in the West. With a good balance of young talent and veteran experience, they are looking to officially clinch a playoff spot soon. Wylie Birkett and Jack O’Donnell will be key players to watch, as both have the ability to make a major impact in a big game like this.
Stratford has won both meetings against Listowel this season and is riding a red-hot eight-game winning streak. As one of the top teams in the conference, they’ll look to continue their dominance, but hometown captain Cole Lewis could be the difference-maker in his final Family Day game. Expect an inspired performance from him and the rest of the Warriors as they aim to keep their streak alive.
With playoff positioning on the line and a heated rivalry at play, this game is bound to be physical, intense, and high-energy. Will Listowel finally take one back, or will Stratford’s winning streak continue?
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