Braves down Blues in team’s most successful season ever

Tavistock players, coaches, support staff and executive members took to the ice after defeating Dundas in five games. Lee Griffi photo

By Lee Griffi

The Tavistock Braves are the 2025-2026 Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) South Conference champions for the first time in team history.

Tavistock disposed of the Dundas Blues in five games following a 3-2 home-ice victory Saturday night in front of nearly 700 fans. Yann Raskin scored all three Braves goals, including the game-winner with four and a half minutes left in the second period.

Two of Raskin’s goals came with the man advantage as Tavistock went two for three on the powerplay. Jack Hodge, Evan Palubeski and Carter Arseneau picked up assists as the Braves outshot the Blues 47-28 in the game, and 227-147 in the series.

Raskin said it’s one thing to be a part of the team’s history, but the job isn’t done.

“This is the hardest-working team I have ever seen. We want it so bad, and every player on this team comes together every game to get the job done.”

Captain Marc Dionne, who missed Game 3 of the series and was battling a flu bug for the remaining games, said he felt a lot of different emotions after the series-clinching win.

“This team is something else, so special, but we aren’t done here. We want it all, and every one of these boys on the ice is on the same page, which is what makes it so special.”

He added the team’s heart and soul have been on full display during the postseason.

“Everyone in that locker room knew what we were capable of. Emotions were high in this series, but between periods, we went into the room and made sure everyone was on the same page. We always regrouped and played Braves hockey.”

Tavistock held Dundas to just eight shots during the third period. Head Coach Zac Berg said the team executed the game plan to perfection.

“Once we got the lead, we wanted to put the clamps on them and play structured. We really didn’t give them any ice to work with and that’s what it came down to. Our D core did a hell of a job locking them down tonight, the forwards helped, we protected the slot, and Blake (Richard) didn’t give up a lot of rebounds.”

During the handshake line, Berg said Blues general manager Steve Aglor had high praise for the Braves.

"He said we were the hardest-working team he’s ever seen. I 100 per-cent agree with him and that’s what wins us these games.”

The entire Dundas organization was more than welcoming to Tavistock’s team officials, fans and the Gazette during the series. Berg expects them to be strong again next season.

“Big shout out to them. They had one hell of a year. Winning their division was a great accomplishment and something they can build off of next season.”

Braves general manager Brent Lange, in his second season at the helm, said the win is an incredible milestone for the club.

“I couldn't be more proud of our players, staff and organization overall. It is truly remarkable from where we were last year to this year.”

He added there are many people to thank, all of whom played a role in helping the Braves achieve this milestone.

“This is for the parents and the countless hours at the rinks, the money they have spent for the boys, the fans who show up to every game they can for us. Also, a massive thank-you to all the sponsors. This doesn't happen without the support from everyone, and especially all the little kids here watching and cheering us on.”

Lange said his goal is to have some of the team’s young fans in the lineup five to 10 years down the road and added some time off for his players is much needed.

“We will enjoy a few days off here, get some rest and get the guys healthy again from the sickness going through our room. We will get a few practices in, watch some video and get ready for our next opponent.”

The next opponent will be the Lakeshore Canadiens, who play at the Atlas Tube Recreation Centre in Belle River. The newer facility replaced their previous rink when the team (formerly the Belle River Canadiens) moved into the new complex in 2014.

The other semi-final has the North Division winning Fergus Whalers battling East Division winner, the Frankfurt Huskies, who downed the Uxbridge Bruins in six games. The Whalers have lost just one game in 13 playoff games and eight games during the regular season.