The Stratford Warriors took the opening game of the Western Conference Final on April 11, 2026, defeating the St. Marys Lincolns by a score of 4-2. The victory at the Pyramid Recreation Centre in St. Marys marks a strong start for the Warriors in this historic playoff series, which represents the first time these two local rivals have faced each other in the post-season.
Located just 21 kilometres apart, the two teams have deep connections within Perth County, fueling anticipation for the series. The winner of this matchup will earn the Joe Thornton Trophy and move on to compete in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) Sutherland Cup Final.
The Warriors head into the final with momentum after a hard-fought semifinal series where they overcame a 2-0 deficit to eliminate the defending champion Chatham Maroons. Stratford head coach Dave Williams noted the team’s steady progress, stating that his players are playing some good hockey right now.
Community interest has extended beyond the ice, with St. Marys Mayor Al Strathdee and Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma engaging in a friendly wager. The loser of the series will be required to wear the winning team’s jersey during a future council meeting.
The Lincolns, who finished their regular season with a 37-10-2-1 record and a league-leading 233 goals, represent a significant challenge for the Warriors. During the regular season, St. Marys held the advantage in their head-to-head meetings, winning three out of the four games against Stratford.
