Windsor Spitfires set for Western Conference final showdown with Kitchener Rangers

Joey Costanzo is seen in net for the Windsor Spitfires on Jan. 13, 2026. (Source: Tim Cornett/OHL Images)

A heavyweight showdown is set in the Ontario Hockey League’s Western Conference final.

The Windsor Spitfires will face the Kitchener Rangers following a regular season in which Kitchener finished with the best record in the conference. Windsor placed second, four points back.

The Spitfires reached the third round of the playoffs after sweeping both Guelph and Flint, while the Rangers eliminated Saginaw in four games before knocking off the Soo Greyhounds in five.

Windsor goaltender Joey Costanzo has been perfect through the postseason, going 8‑0 with a 2.00 goals‑against average, a .919 save percentage and one shutout.

He says the Rangers share similarities with the Spitfires.

“They’re a fast, defence‑oriented team. I think they move the puck really well,” Costanzo said. “We just have to stick to our game plan, do our best to try and dictate the pace of play, shut down their top forwards and see what we can do.”

In last year’s playoffs, Windsor held a 3‑0 lead in its second‑round series against Kitchener but was eliminated after the Rangers won four straight games, including a Game 7 overtime victory.

Costanzo said the Spitfires are not dwelling on that loss.

“At the end of the day, no matter who we’re playing, no matter what jersey the other team is wearing, we’re just going to try to play our game,” he said.

He added the Rangers will provide a strong test.

“Whenever we play our game to the best of our ability, we’re hard to beat,” Costanzo said.

Game 1 of the Western Conference final is scheduled for Friday night in Kitchener, with puck drop at 7 p.m.

AM800 will carry the broadcast, with the pre‑game show hosted by Steve Bell beginning at 6:45 p.m.

Game 2 will be played Sunday at 6 p.m. in Kitchener before the series shifts to Windsor for Games 3 and 4 on April 27 and April 29.