Windsor Spitfires Clinch Playoff Spot with Milestone Victory Over Sudbury Wolves
The Windsor Spitfires celebrated a significant night on Friday, securing an Ontario Hockey League playoff position while witnessing two franchise players reach remarkable career milestones. The team's 5-2 road victory over the Sudbury Wolves at Sudbury Community Arena not only clinched a postseason berth but also highlighted individual achievements that will be remembered in Spitfires history.
Dual Milestones for Team Leaders
Captain Liam Greentree and goaltender Joey Costanzo both joined exclusive clubs during the decisive win. Greentree, the 20-year-old forward, scored a power-play goal in the second period that pushed his career points total to exactly 300 with the Spitfires. The milestone marker opened the scoring and prompted Greentree to quickly retrieve the puck for safekeeping.
"Going to put that puck somewhere safe, that's for sure," Greentree said after the game. "It's super cool to be a part of that group. I've been with Windsor for four years now and it's been so much fun every step of the way. The Spitfires are such an historic organization and to be a part of its history is an honour."
Greentree becomes just the third player in franchise history to reach 300 career regular-season points, joining former defenceman Ryan Ellis (314 points) and former centre and current general manager Bill Bowler (467 points). The captain, who was named the game's first star, also added two assists to bring his career helper total to 168, tying him for fifth place in franchise history in assists with former defenceman Joel Quenneville.
Costanzo Joins Elite Goaltending Company
Meanwhile, 20-year-old netminder Joey Costanzo made 14 saves to earn his 100th career OHL victory. The milestone places Costanzo among an exclusive group of just seven goaltenders in OHL history to reach 100 career regular-season wins.
"I am extremely proud to be a part of such an exclusive club," said Costanzo, who improved to 25-7-3 this season. "I think it's a testament to so many of the great teams I've been able to play behind."
Costanzo joins J.P. Anderson (126 victories), Kyle Gajewski (114), Joseph Raaymakers (109), Devin Williams (106) along with Adam Dennis and Jacob Oster (100 each) in the century club. The goaltender began his OHL career with a 5-10 record with the Niagara IceDogs before being traded to Windsor, where he has compiled a 95-46-8-4 record over parts of four seasons.
Team Effort Secures Playoff Position
The victory was particularly meaningful as it mathematically secured Windsor's playoff position. The Spitfires, along with the Kitchener Rangers and Flint Firebirds (who each also have 71 points), all clinched postseason spots on Friday, eliminating the Sarnia Sting from contention in the Western Conference.
Spitfires head coach Greg Walters praised his team's complete performance. "We played the right way, we managed the puck and outshot them (38-16)," Walters said. "Proud of the guys."
The connection between the two milestone achievers was evident throughout the celebration. "(Greentree) and I have been through the thick and thin together," Costanzo reflected. "I'm glad we could hit our milestones together."
With the playoff spot now secured, the Spitfires can focus on improving their seeding as they continue their push toward what they hope will be a deep postseason run, buoyed by the leadership of their milestone-reaching captain and goaltender.
