Posted on by Daryl Hermann
Windsor Spitfires vs Guelph Storm January 2 2025 - In Play! magazine
#37 Ilya Protas’s four-goal performance, including his first OHL hat trick, was the standout of the night. Photo: Daryl Hermann - In Play! magazine
03
Jan

Windsor Spitfires vs Guelph Storm Game Report January 2, 2025

The Windsor Spitfires continued their impressive run with a high-scoring 9-5 victory over the Guelph Storm at the WFCU Centre on January 2, 2025. This win marked the Spitfires’ sixth consecutive victory.

Game Highlights

The game was highlighted by an exceptional performance from Ilya Protas, who scored four goals, including his first career OHL hat trick in the first period alone.

Scoring Summary

First Period

  1. 3:12 – Windsor goal: Ilya Protas (22) (Liam Greentree, Ethan Belchetz)
  2. 7:45 – Windsor goal: Ilya Protas (23) (Liam Greentree, Ethan Belchetz)
  3. 12:33 – Windsor goal: Jack Nesbitt (15) (Ryan Abraham, Cole Davis)
  4. 15:01 – Windsor goal: Ilya Protas (24) (Liam Greentree)
  5. 18:42 – Guelph goal: Charlie Paquette (8) (Carter Stevens, Wil McFadden)

Second Period

  1. 4:22 – Windsor goal: Cole Davis (12) (Ryan Abraham, Jack Nesbitt)
  2. 9:56 – Guelph goal: Thomas Budnick (6) (Hunter McKenzie, Wil McFadden)

Third Period

  1. 1:13 – Guelph goal: Hunter McKenzie (9) (Thomas Budnick, Charlie Paquette)
  2. 3:45 – Windsor goal: Ryan Abraham (18) (Liam Greentree, Ilya Protas)
  3. 5:22 – Windsor goal: Jack Nesbitt (16) (Cole Davis, Ryan Abraham)
  4. 8:37 – Guelph goal: Wil McFadden (11) (Charlie Paquette, Thomas Budnick)
  5. 10:04 – Guelph goal: Carter Stevens (7) (Charlie Paquette, Wil McFadden)
  6. 12:39 – Windsor goal: Ilya Protas (25) (Liam Greentree)
  7. 15:17 – Windsor goal: Liam Greentree (26) (Ilya Protas)

Player Statistics

Windsor Spitfires

  • Ilya Protas: 4 goals, 1 assist
  • Liam Greentree: 1 goal, 4 assists
  • Ryan Abraham: 1 goal, 2 assists
  • Jack Nesbitt: 2 goals
  • Cole Davis: 1 goal, 1 assist
  • Ethan Belchetz: 2 assists

Guelph Storm

  • Charlie Paquette: 1 goal, 2 assists
  • Wil McFadden: 1 goal, 2 assists
  • Thomas Budnick: 1 goal, 1 assist
  • Hunter McKenzie: 1 goal, 1 assist
  • Carter Stevens: 1 goal, 1 assist

Shots on Goal

  • Windsor Spitfires: 34
  • Guelph Storm: 32

Game Analysis

The Windsor Spitfires demonstrated their offensive prowess, with nine different players contributing to the scoresheet. Ilya Protas’s four-goal performance, including his first OHL hat trick, was the standout of the night. The Spitfires’ top line of Protas, Greentree, and Belchetz combined for an impressive 12 points.

While the Spitfires’ offense was firing on all cylinders, their defense showed some vulnerabilities, allowing the Storm to score five goals and keep the game competitive. This defensive lapse is a trend that head coach Greg Walters will likely want to address, as the team has now allowed 15 goals in their last three games.

The win improves Windsor’s home record to 16-2-0-1, giving them the best home winning percentage in the Canadian Hockey League at .868. This victory also keeps them firmly in second place in the OHL’s Western Conference.

For the Guelph Storm, despite the loss, they showed resilience in continuing to battle back against a strong Windsor team. The Storm’s offense, led by Charlie Paquette and Wil McFadden, managed to keep pace with the high-scoring Spitfires for much of the game.

As the OHL trade deadline (January 10) approaches, this game showcases why the Windsor Spitfires are considered strong contenders, while also highlighting areas where they might look to improve to solidify their championship aspirations.

Photos: Daryl Hermann – In Play! magazine

[Show thumbnails]
Windsor Spitfires Schedule
Daryl Hermann

Daryl Hermann, is a passionate local sports & events photographer based in Windsor-Essex, who enjoys capturing high action sports with stunning clarity, precision and detail. Using his top of the line gear, he is able to create dynamic, professional-grade images that showcase the intensity and emotion of sports and action. A rising talent in the photography scene, Daryl Anthony Photography is dedicated to capturing every moment for you.