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Blake Ellis Photo
The Petrolia Squire celebrate after clinching their first round playoff series with a 3-2 win Feb. 20, 2026.

February 22, 2026

The Petrolia Squires has moved into the second round of the Ontario Elite Hockey League playoffs. Zach VanEyk’s goal with five and a half minutes left in the third period lifted the home team to a 3-2 win over Tillsonburg.

With the home ice victory Friday, the Squires win the first round series in five games.

VanEyk also assisted on Curtis Helps’ first period tally. Ryan Fraser also scored for Petrolia and Josh Barraclough had two assists. Kettle Point’s Hunter Monkhouse had a goal and a helper for the Thunder.

Jakob Knowles stopped 25 shots for the win the Squires’ crease. Petrolia outshot the visitors, 49-27.

The Squires led 2-0 after a period before the Thunder tied the contest with goals midway through the second and third frames setting the late game heroics.

The Squires will play either Elora or Milverton in the divisional semifinals. Elora has already advanced Milverton is trailing Seaforth in its first round series.

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