Current, former Spitfires mentioned in coaches poll
A young Windsor Spitfires lineup didn't get much recognition.
While the Spitfires have high hopes for the future, their lastplace finish in the Western Conference resulted in the team getting little recognition in the league's annual coaches poll.
Only captain Liam Greentree and rookie forward Cole Davis were mentioned as a top-three performer in the Western Conference's voting in 20 categories.
Greentree, who was tied for 11th in league scoring with 90 points and tied for 16th in goals scored with 36, finished in a tie for second in the conference in voting for best shootout shooter and third in the conference for most dangerous in the goal area. Davis, who finished sixth in the league in rookie scoring, placed third in the conference as most underrated player.
Former Spitfires Oliver Peer and Jacob Maillet, who were traded away at the deadline, were both recognized along with former defenceman Daniil Sobolev. Peer, now with Flint, finished first in the conference for best skater. Maillet, now with Ottawa, placed third in the Eastern Conference for best in faceoffs. Sobolev, who finished his overage season with Brantford, placed third in the Eastern Conference as best shot blocker.
Defenceman Andrew Gibson, who plays for Sault Ste. Marie, was recognized in two categories. The Detroit Red Wings prospect, who is from Lasalle, tied for first in the conference for best shot blocker and third for best defensive defenceman.
CANADIENS CLOSE IN
The Lakeshore Canadiens have moved to within a game of their fifth consecutive Bill Stobbs Division title in the Provincial Junior Hockey League.
The Canadiens took a 3-2 series lead in the best-of-seven final with a 4-2 win over the Essex 73's on Tuesday before a crowd of 1,199 at the Atlas Tube Centre.
Zach Vaillancourt snapped a 2-2 tie with the go-ahead goal with a little more than eight minutes left in regulation and Bryce Scarlett sealed the win with an empty-net goal for the Canadiens.
Marco Sladoje and Kyle Walker added single goals for Lakeshore, which held a 41-24 edge in shots.
Luke Sherk and Nate Dowling replied for the 73's, who will look to even the series at home on Friday in Game 6.
RIVERSIDE RANGERS TITLE
The Riverside Rangers captured the Ontario Minor Hockey Association under-10 A title in Whitby with an 8-4 win over the Centre Wellington Fusion in the championship final.
Riverside finished second in its pool with a 2-1 record in the eight-team tournament. That qualified the team for the semifinals.
The Rangers picked up a 7-4 win over the Mt. Brydges Cougars, who won the other pool, to reach the final and snapped a 4-4 tie in the third period by scoring the game's final four goals to pull away and secure the victory.