Hornets Storm Back In OT

Cambridge and Dundas were literally fighting for their playoff lives as they took the ice on Family Day Monday. The Dundas Real McCoys entered the day holding a one-point lead over the Cambridge Hornets in the standings, but after a thrilling 5-4 overtime victory for Cambridge, the teams are now deadlocked in third place—each just one win away from punching their tickets to the postseason.

The teams felt each other out through much of the first period at the Galt Arena Gardens, with the scoring drought extending nearly 14 minutes before Greg Bullock broke through for Cambridge, notching his third goal of the season. The McCoys answered late in the frame, tying the game at one on Paul Cianfini's marker with just nine seconds remaining.

The physicality ramped up in the second period. Cam Watson restored the Hornets' lead with his fifth goal of the year, a historic tally that moved him into sole possession of second place on the ACHL's all-time points list with 292. However, Dundas responded with three consecutive goals to seize control. Doug Clarkson tied the game and then gave his team the lead with his second and third goals of the season at 4:53 and 12:18 of the period. Following Clarkson's second tally, tensions boiled over with both teams receiving fighting majors. The McCoys found themselves down two men for a full two minutes but successfully killed the penalty.

Dundas extended their lead to two goals before the period ended when Nolan Sheeran buried his seventh of the year at 16:19. More chippy play ensued, resulting in additional fighting majors—this time leaving Dundas with a five-minute power play thanks to a cross-checking major. The teams headed to the intermission to cool off with the McCoys up 4-2.

The third period belonged entirely to Cambridge in the goal column. Mac Clutsam capitalized on the extended man-advantage at 4:18 to cut the deficit in half. Just over three minutes later, Nathan Herrington evened the score at four, eventually sending the game to overtime.

In the extra frame, it took just 1:59 before Kolton Maguire sent the Cambridge faithful home happy, burying the overtime winner to defeat the Dundas Real McCoys 5-4. The victory created a logjam in the standings, with both teams now tied for third place—though Dundas holds the tiebreaker. Both clubs are now one win away from clinching a berth in the 2026 ACHL playoffs.

Marc Williams earned the win for the Hornets with a 46-save performance, while Ryan DeMelo absorbed the loss despite stopping 23 of 28 shots.

Both Dundas and Cambridge will have opportunities to clinch playoff spots this week with a win or a St. Catharines loss. The McCoys get first crack on Thursday when they travel to the Harry Howell Arena to face the Wentworth Gryphons at 7:30 p.m. The following night, the Gryphons head to Cambridge for an 8:00 p.m. showdown with the Hornets at the Galt Arena Gardens.

Upcoming Games
Thursday February 19
Dundas at Wentworth – 7:30pm

Friday February 20
Wentworth at Cambridge – 8:00pm

Saturday February 21
Stoney Creek at St. Catharines – 7:30pm

Thursday February 26
Stoney Creek at Wentworth – 7:30pm

Friday February 27
St. Catharines at Dundas – 7:30pm

Saturday February 28
Wentworth at Stoney Creek – 6:30pm
Cambridge at St. Catharines – 7:30pm

-- End of Regular Season --

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