Posted on by Nick Meloche
Windsor Spitfires vs Guelph Storm March 28 2026 In Play! magazine
Photo: Nick Meloche - In Play! magazine
29
Mar

Windsor Spitfires vs Guelph Storm March 28 2026 – Playoffs Round 1, Game 2 Review

The Windsor Spitfires delivered a complete team performance on Saturday, defeating the Guelph Storm 4-1 before 5,170 fans at the WFCU Centre. The victory gives Windsor a commanding 2-0 lead in their first-round OHL playoff series.

Greentree Shines with Rare Shorthanded Empty-Netter

Captain Liam Greentree earned first-star honors with a two-goal performance, including a remarkable shorthanded empty-net goal at 19:03 of the third period—one of hockey’s rarest feats. His first goal came on the power play at 7:51 of the second period, assisted by Jack Nesbitt and Carson Woodall, giving Windsor a 2-1 lead.

Second Period Power Play Surge

The Spitfires took control in the second period with two power-play goals. After Greentree’s marker, Jack Nesbitt (second star) added another at 16:05, assisted by Anthony Cristoforo and Jakub Fibigr, extending the lead to 3-1. Windsor’s special teams excellence proved decisive, converting on key opportunities while shutting down Guelph’s attack.

Game Flow and Key Moments

AJ Spellacy (third star) opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal at 12:27 of the first period while Nathan Villeneuve served penalties from a fight with Guelph’s Ethan Miedema. Carter Stevens tied the game 1-1 for Guelph at 19:00 of the opening frame, but that would be the Storm’s only goal.

Goaltender Joey Costanzo was sharp throughout, making 28 saves to earn the win. The veteran netminder, who finished his regular season with 107 career victories—fourth in OHL history—continues his stellar playoff performance.

Injury Concern

Rookie forward Beksultan Makysh suffered a concerning injury in the third period after hitting a rut in the ice near the Windsor blue line. Head coach Greg Walters had no immediate update on Makysh’s status.

Playoff Positioning

The second-seeded Spitfires, who won their fourth West Division title in five seasons with a 44-15-6-3 record (97 points), hold a 2-0 advantage in the best-of-seven series. Windsor needs two more victories to advance to the second round. The series shifts to Guelph for Game 3 on Tuesday, March 31 at 6:30 p.m., followed by Game 4 on Thursday, April 2. If necessary, Game 5 returns to Windsor on Saturday, April 4.

Coach Greg Walters praised his team’s effort: “We were great, both ends of the rink. Had a ton of zone time there. Special teams battle. It’s been great for us.”

Photos: Nick Meloche – In Play! magazine

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Nick Meloche

Nick Meloche is a dedicated sports photographer known for capturing sharp, high-energy action across the rink, field, and track. Specializing in fast-paced sports, he has a strong eye for timing, movement, and emotion—freezing the exact moments that define an athlete’s performance. Nick’s work spans a wide range of sports, including hockey, field sports, and motorsports, where the speed and intensity of racing demand precision and quick instincts behind the lens. His images highlight the power, focus, and passion athletes and racers bring to competition, whether he’s shooting inside an arena or positioned trackside as engines roar past. Blending technical skill with a genuine appreciation for sport, Nick aims to tell the story behind every moment—capturing not just what happens, but the feeling within it. His photography delivers authentic, memorable visuals that athletes, families, and teams can proudly hold onto.