The Waterloo Warriors faced off against the Windsor Lancers in a high stakes OUA playoff clash, delivering a thrilling battle filled with momentum swings and high intensity hockey. Waterloo built a commanding lead, but a stunning third period comeback by Windsor forced overtime, where the Lancers found a way to steal the win.

The Warriors wasted no time asserting themselves in the first period. Adamo Santia (Richmond Hill, ON) struck first, finishing a setup from Liam Fedak (Oakville, ON) and Brendan Bowie (Burlington, ON). Jesse Fishman (Thornhill, ON) soon doubled the lead off a crisp feed from Jaxson Murray (Waterloo, ON) and Kieran Kieran Ruscheinski (Calgary, AB). Waterloo dictated play, carrying a confident 2-0 advantage into intermission.

Their momentum continued in the second, as Jaxson Murray (Waterloo, ON) capitalized on a power play with help from Sam McKinney (Fredericton, NB). Minutes later, Tate Popple (Brandon, MB) extended the lead to 4-0, finishing a well executed sequence from Jaden Goldie (Owen Sound, ON) and Sam McKinney (Fredericton, NB). With Waterloo in full control, the game seemed all but secured.

Then came the third period, where Windsor mounted an astonishing comeback. Relentless fore checking and offensive pressure saw the Lancers net four unanswered goals, erasing Waterloo's lead and sending the game into overtime.

The extra frame was a battle of inches, with the Warriors nearly sealing the win on an early shot off the crossbar. Matt Onuska (Waterloo, ON) delivered key saves, and the defense held firm. But with time winding down, Windsor found the back of the net, sealing a 5-4 victory.