The Windsor Spitfires have proven their ability to quickly recover from disappointing performances, showcasing their mental toughness with a solid 3-2 road victory over the Owen Sound Attack on Saturday night.
Turning the Page After Guelph Loss
Just one day after suffering a frustrating defeat in Guelph where the team squandered a two-goal lead in the third period - marking their first regulation loss when leading after two periods - the Spitfires demonstrated remarkable resilience. The Friday night collapse could have lingered, but Windsor's coaching staff and players immediately focused on self-evaluation and improvement.
Defenceman Andrew Robinson emphasized the team's character, stating, "We are a resilient group that finds ways to bounce back after losses. It starts at the top with our coaches and leadership group and, when they buy in, everyone follows and we get wins like Saturday's."
Defencemen Contributing Offensively
The Saturday game featured a significant milestone as 17-year-old defenceman Andrew Robinson scored his first Ontario Hockey League regular-season goal in his 32nd game. Robinson, who joined the Spitfires late last season and had previously scored only in playoff action, also recorded his first multi-point OHL game by assisting on Ethan Garden's power-play goal.
"Glad I was able to help the team pick up some momentum in the second period," Robinson commented about his breakthrough performance. "I didn't keep this one, but I'm hoping it's the first of many to come over the remainder of the season."
With Robinson's contribution, Windsor has now seen defencemen account for 15.7 percent of the team's total goals this season, with six different blueliners finding the back of the net.
Attention to Detail Secures Victory
Head coach Greg Walters highlighted the importance of video analysis and self-assessment following the Guelph disappointment. "We ask our guys to do a lot of self-evaluation, but I did do some clips and asked them what they thought, especially in the third period on Friday," Walters explained.
The improved performance against Owen Sound was evident in multiple areas: higher compete level, crisper passing, and better attention to game details. Even when Owen Sound mounted late pressure, cutting the lead to one goal and enjoying a six-on-four advantage with their goalie pulled and a power play, Windsor maintained composure.
Second-year forward Ethan Garden exemplified the team's commitment by blocking three shots in a single sequence during the critical final moments. "I've always wanted to be a guy who would do whatever it takes to win," Garden stated. "I feel like getting hit with pucks doesn't hurt as bad as seeing the puck go in."
Coach Walters praised his defensive corps's offensive contributions, noting, "Casey Torres does a great job. We let them be creative in the offensive zone and getting some movement. They're skilled guys."
The victory reinforces Windsor's philosophy of focusing on the present rather than dwelling on past results, as Robinson emphasized: "Our team is very much focused on the game at hand. Not about what has happened in the past."
