In front of their home crowd on April 11, the Casselman Vikings delivered a championship-clinching performance, defeating Smiths Falls 1–0 to win the series 4–1 and capture their ninth EOJHL Championship, being crowned the 2026 Barkley Cup Champions.
In a game where every inch mattered, it was one moment late in the second period that made the difference.
With just under a minute remaining in the frame, Thomas Ranger broke the deadlock, finishing a setup from Marc-Olivier McCarthy and Simon Toupin at 19:09 to give Casselman a 1–0 lead.
Myles Boudreau was flawless between the pipes, turning aside 32 shots to record the shutout and backstop Casselman to the championship. Calm, composed, and consistent throughout the series, Boudreau closed the door when it mattered most.
At the other end, Beckett Campbell was exceptional in defeat, stopping 48 of 49 shots and keeping Smiths Falls within striking distance all night long in a valiant effort.
Despite the Jr. Bears pushing late, Casselman’s structure held firm, sealing the victory and the title.
Photos: Sylvain Lauwers
