PJHL Roundup: Navy Vets surge into division tie with Applejacks

Tavistock Braves’ forward Evan Palubeski puts a shot on net during the Braves’ shutout victory over the New Hamburg Firebirds on Oct. 24. Palubeski contributed one goal in the 4-0 win and has now scored in three straight games. Alec Richard photo

By Lee Griffi

Woodstock’s 5-2 victory over visiting Tavistock in front of nearly 500 fans Saturday afternoon propelled them into a first-place tie in the Provincial Junior Hockey League’s (PJHL) Doherty Division.

The Braves led 1-0 on Carter Arseneau’s sixth goal of the season, but the Navy Vets scored the next two goals before Evan Palubeski’s ninth, just 30 seconds into the second period, tied it up at 2-2. Woodstock scored the game’s next three goals to clinch the victory as they went two for seven with the man advantage, while Tavistock was zero for seven.

The Braves started the weekend on a positive note with a 4-0 shutout of the visiting Firebirds. Blake Richard stopped all 30 shots he faced and, in doing so, earned the first-star nod. Palubeski, Marc Dionne, Nolan Miller and Jabob Reid-Brant all scored for Tavistock.

“I was very pleased with our effort on Friday night. We competed hard in all three zones, defended our crease well and kept their chances to the outside,” said Braves head coach Zac Berg. “When they did get opportunities in front, Richy was there to make the saves, just like he has all year. The one area I’d like to see improvement on is our start – we need to come out even stronger right from puck drop.”

Woodstock has played its best hockey recently, something not lost on Berg, who is well aware of how explosive the Navy Vets are offensively.

“They’re definitely a team that’s firing on all cylinders right now and will be tough to beat. That said, if we play our best hockey, we can compete with anyone in this league.”

Every team in the Doherty Division has reached double-digits in points, something the seven divisions have not yet achieved. Berg said the parity highlights the importance of consistent play night in and night out.

“If you look around the league, there’s still a lot of parity, and I expect that to continue for the rest of the season. This is the most competitive I’ve seen this league in a long time, which is great for us – it forces teams to play their best hockey consistently because if you don’t, points can be taken from you on any night.”

While Palubeski, Arseneau and Yann Raskin have combined for 46 per cent of the team’s offense to date, Berg has full confidence in all four lines to produce.

“I’m very comfortable with what we have up front. All four lines play important roles for this team, whether it’s offense, defense, or bringing physicality. I like our depth and we’ve won multiple games because of it.”

New Hamburg travelled to Dorchester on Saturday and squeaked out a 3-2 win. Josh Soulliere gave the Firebirds a 1-0 lead just before the two-minute mark of the first period, but the Dolphins scored the next two goals to take a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes.

Ben Oliver picked up his sixth of the season late in the second and then his seventh midway through the third to give New Hamburg the win. Kayden Livingston assisted on both markers as the visitors outshot Dorchester 48-28.

Wellesley started the weekend with a 4-2 road win in Norwich on Friday. Luke Schofield and Ian Speiran scored with the man-advantage for the Applejacks, who went two for four on the powerplay. Ben Morton, with the game-winner early in the second period, and Riley Noble, with an empty netter, also scored for Wellesley.

The Applejacks lost 2-1 in Hespeler on Saturday. Noble scored the lone Wellesley marker.

Prospect game locations announced

The top young talent in the Provincial Junior Hockey League will be on full display with the 2025 PJHL Prospect Games taking place Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m.

This year’s event features the 80 best 16- and 17-year-old players from across the league, split into two matchups. The South Conference vs. East Conference will be held at the Vic Johnson Community Centre in Streetsville, with the North Conference vs. West Conference set for the North Huron Wescast Community Centre in Wingham.

These games highlight the next generation of PJHL stars and provide a unique opportunity for players to showcase their skill, speed and potential in front of fans, scouts and coaches.

“This event is a celebration of the incredible young talent developing across the PJHL. It’s always exciting to see our future stars compete and represent their conferences with pride,” said league commissioner Terry Whiteside.

While full roster announcements are expected in the coming days, the Tavistock Braves will be represented by Tucker Otto and Nolan Miller.