Bulldogs sink teeth into Spitfires, series lead in OHL final

HAMILTON – Mason McTavish’s second goal of the afternoon early in the third period proved to be the winner Sunday as the Hamilton Bulldogs edged the Windsor Spitfires 3-2 in the fifth game of the Ontario Hockey League championship series.

Thanks to a 3-2 overtime victory in Windsor on Friday, the Bulldogs winning weekend means they own a 3-2 series lead and are one win away from a berth in the June 20-29 Memorial Cup, to be held in Saint John, N.B.

Ryan Winterton scored the other goal for the Bulldogs, who connected twice on the power play. Avery Hayes chipped in with two assists.

Wyatt Johnston and Ryan Abraham scored for the Spitfires, who outshot the Bulldogs 26-24. The teams were tied 1-1 after the opening period and 2-2 entering the final frame.

Game 6 is Monday in Windsor. A seventh game, if needed, will be played Wednesday in Hamilton.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 12, 2022