Nathan Staios' game-winning goal shot the Windsor Spitfires over the Owen Sound Attack 2-1 on Monday afternoon.
The Family Day matinee was Windsor's annual game remembering the late Mickey Renaud, who died suddenly 11 years ago Monday of a rare heart condition.
The Spitfires earned some much-needed breathing room in their playoff hunt. They now have 54 points in the OHL Western Conference and the eighth seed. That's one point behind the Sarnia Sting, who also won Monday, but now five ahead of the ninth-place Erie Otters.
Owen Sound is currently in fifth place with 58 points.
The first period was scoreless, with Windsor leading Owen Sound 11-5 in shots on goal. The Spitfires had three power-play chances in the period to the Attack's one. The middle frame also had no scoring with each team shooting ten shots apiece.
Chris Playfair finally broke through for the Spitfires at 52 seconds into the third period with his tenth goal of the year. The Attack tied the game at 8:05 when Sergey Popov found the net. Staios' game-winner was his third goal in as many games.
Colton Incze stopped all but one of the 25 shots he saw in goal for Windsor. Mack Guzda had 31 saves for Owen Sound.
Windsor continues its homestand on Thursday night when they host the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The Attack are back in action Saturday night when they face Erie.
