Windsor Spitfires look to carry momentum into conference final vs. Kitchener

Caden Harvey of the Windsor Spitfires. (Source: Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

With sights set on the Memorial Cup, the Windsor Spitfires are set for the Ontario Hockey League’s Western Conference final.

Windsor opens the series Friday night in Kitchener against the Rangers. Forward Caden Harvey says the Spitfires are feeling confident heading into Game 1.

The Spitfires swept the Guelph Storm in the first round of the playoffs and followed that with another sweep of the Flint Firebirds in Round 2.

Kitchener swept the Saginaw Spirit in the opening round before eliminating the Soo Greyhounds in five games.

The two teams met in the second round of the 2024-25 playoffs, when Windsor took a three-game series lead before Kitchener stormed back with four straight wins, including an overtime victory in Game 7.

Harvey said the break between rounds has been welcome.

“I think it’s good for recovery, to rest the bodies, but we’re ready to go and we’re excited to play,” he said.

Harvey expects a tough matchup.

“They’ve got some strong D back there, and a lot of good forwards who can create plays,” he said. “We have to shut them down, get shots on net and hope some pucks go in.”

Windsor will return home for Games 3 and 4, something Harvey said the team is looking forward to.

“We’re definitely hoping to steal one there and bring it back home for Game 3,” he said. “The crowd has been electric all playoffs, so hopefully they keep it up.”

Game 1 goes Friday night in Kitchener at 7 p.m. AM800 will carry the pre-game show starting at 6:45 p.m. with Steve Bell.

Game 2 is set for Sunday at 6 p.m. in Kitchener.

The series then shifts to Windsor for Games 3 and 4 on April 27 and April 29.