The Hanover Barons now know their next challenge on the road to the Schmalz Cup: the Orillia Terriers, who pulled off a shocking victory to claim the Carruthers Division crown.
The Terriers upset the Alliston Hornets, one of the PJHL’s most dominant teams, by taking the best-of-seven series in just five games. Orillia captain Dylan Palomaki delivered a heroic performance, scoring a hat trick in the deciding Game 5, including the overtime winner just 26 seconds into extra time.
Alliston had been undefeated in regulation throughout the regular season and playoffs until running into the Terriers. The Hornets led Game 5 multiple times, including a 2-0 advantage early and a 4-3 lead in the third period, but Orillia refused to go away. Palomaki’s game-tying goal with just over two minutes left in regulation forced overtime, where he completed his hat trick to send the Terriers into the next round.
Hanover, fresh off its own five-game series win over Fergus, will now prepare to face an Orillia team brimming with confidence.
The series opener is set for later this week. Schedule information for OHA Playoff Hockey on AM 920 CKNX will also be released shortly.
