The Windsor Spitfires have climbed back to the summit of the Ontario Hockey League's Western Conference for the first time in over a month. The team reclaimed the top spot on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with a decisive 5-2 comeback victory on the road against the Brampton Steelheads.
Greentree Leads the Charge in Crucial Victory
The return to form was spearheaded by team captain Liam Greentree, who delivered a dominant performance with a goal and two assists. His efforts were crucial in reversing the team's fortunes after they initially fell from first place back on December 12 following a loss in Kingston. That defeat coincided with Greentree's departure to represent Canada at the World Junior Hockey Championship.
"He was a man amongst boys," said Spitfires head coach Greg Walters of his captain's Saturday performance. "We saw the real Liam Greentree and it was fun to watch." For Greentree, it marked his fifth game this season with three or more points.
"Yeah, it definitely feels good," Greentree remarked. "I've been fighting it a bit lately, but the guys have been great and we're still building some chemistry out on the ice. So, I'm not too worried."
How the Comeback Unfolded
The Spitfires' path to victory was a testament to resilience. After Greentree opened the scoring, the team found itself in a battle. The captain then assisted on Ethan Belchetz's tying goal in the final minute of the second period, shifting the momentum.
The third period belonged to Windsor. Greentree added another helper on defenceman Conor Walton's go-ahead goal. Walton, a 6'5", 209-pound defender not known for his offence, made a skilled play to lift a shot over the blocker of Steelheads' goalie Zach Bowen from in close. Nathan Villeneuve and Ethan Garden later added insurance markers to seal the 5-2 win.
A Bittersweet Return for Fibigr
The game held special significance for Spitfires defenceman Jakub Fibigr. Just over a week after being traded to Windsor by Brampton, he returned to face his former team. Fibigr, who had left the Steelheads in early December to win a silver medal with Czechia at the World Juniors, learned of the trade while returning from the tournament.
"It was definitely a little strange to stand on the other side in Brampton, but it was nice," said Fibigr, who recorded an assist on Villeneuve's goal. "I got a good welcome from all the people and fans and from the Steelheads' organization... that chapter is over and now all my focus is to go as far as we can with the Spits."
With the win, the Spitfires accomplished a key seasonal objective. "It means a lot," Coach Walters stated. "We have our goals set on finishing first overall and we try to go about our business every day with that being the end goal." The team's return to the conference lead marks a significant milestone as they push toward the OHL playoffs.
