Veteran Goaltender Steals the Show at WFCU Centre
In a thrilling Ontario Hockey League matchup on Wednesday, Windsor Spitfires' goaltender Joey Costanzo delivered a masterclass performance, backstopping his team to a hard-fought 3-1 victory over the Midwest Division-leading Owen Sound Attack. The game, held at the WFCU Centre, pitted Costanzo against one of the league's most promising talents, Attack goalie Carter George, who is widely expected to represent Canada at the upcoming world junior championship.
While George is poised for international glory, the overage Costanzo demonstrated that elite talent thrives at every level. Costanzo turned aside 25 of the 26 shots he faced, proving to be the decisive difference-maker in a contest where offensive stars were missing from the Windsor lineup.
Overcoming Adversity with Key Players Sidelined
The Spitfires' triumph was all the more impressive given the significant absences in their roster. The team was without two of its top offensive weapons. Ethan Belchetz was away in Alberta representing the CHL in an NHL prospects game against the United States, while Jack Nesbitt was serving the second game of a three-game suspension following a match penalty.
"Two unbelievable players like that out, it's up to guys to step up," said Spitfires' forward Cole Davis, acknowledging the challenge. "We have to fill their roles and we did well with that. Obviously, we didn't score a million goals, but when you hold a good team like that to one, you have a good chance to win."
The victory was a testament to the team's depth and resilience, particularly against an Owen Sound squad that boasts the most potent offense in the Western Conference. This marked the first time all season the Attack were held to under two goals.
Davis Provides the Turning Point
The momentum of the game shifted decisively late in the second period. With the Spitfires on the penalty kill, Cole Davis pounced on a miscue between Owen Sound players Tristan Delisle and John Banks. Davis seized the opportunity to score his league-leading fourth short-handed goal, tying the game 1-1 and electrifying the home crowd.
"Everyone felt it in the arena," Costanzo remarked, calling the goal the "TSN turning point" of the match. The goal not only leveled the score but also injected a surge of confidence into the Windsor bench heading into the final frame.
Spitfires' head coach Greg Walters was effusive in his praise for his veteran goaltender. "Joey outbattling one of the top goalies in Canada was a treat to watch," Walters said. "He made some huge saves. He was awesome." Costanzo's performance further solidified his impressive individual season, as he now boasts the OHL's best goals-against average at 1.86.
Reflecting on the challenge of facing a goalie of George's caliber, Costanzo said, "He's not shooting the puck on me, but obviously he's a great goalie. I like to think I like to rise to the occasion. It's my job to be better than the other goalie. I'm a fifth-year guy now and I think the guys rely on me a bit now."
The win serves as a significant statement for the Spitfires, demonstrating their ability to compete with the league's best even when short-handed, led by the steadying presence of their number-one goalie.
