The 2026 GMHL season will end with a true clash of the league’s elite.

The #1 overall and South Division seed Northumberland Stars will face the #1 North Division seed Wasaga River Dragons in the Russell Cup Final, setting up a championship showdown between the two division winners and top seeds.

Both teams are first-time finalists.

For Northumberland, this marks their first Russell Cup Final appearance in franchise history in year ten.

For Wasaga, this is also their first trip to the final after falling in last year’s North Division Final to the eventual champion Bradford Rattlers.

And for the league as a whole, this series marks the first time since the 2021-2022 season that the Bradford Rattlers will not be crowned champions, guaranteeing a new name on the Russell Cup.

Road to the Final

Northumberland Stars

The Stars have taken a dominant and structured path through the South:

• First Round: defeated the Flyers 2-0

• Division Semi Final: defeated St. George Ravens 3-0

• South Division Final: defeated Durham roadrunners 4-2

Northumberland has consistently controlled series, combining elite scoring with timely goaltending. Even in their toughest test against Durham, they responded after dropping Game 1 and never lost control again.

Wasaga River Dragons

The River Dragons took a slightly different path, beginning with a bye and then surviving two strong opponents:

• First Round: bye

• Division Semi Final: defeated Ville-Marie Pirates 3-1

• North Division Final: defeated West Nipissing Lynx 4-2

Wasaga had to navigate momentum swings, especially against a dangerous Lynx team that had just eliminated the defending champion Rattlers. Their ability to respond after losses and close out games on the road proved critical.

The Only Previous Meeting

These teams met once at the GMHL Showcase in Niagara, where Northumberland won 7-0.

However, that result comes with context:

• Wasaga reportedly had several players battling illness

• Both rosters have significantly changed since that game

This final will be defined by who these teams are now, not who they were that day.

Award Recognition

This series features some of the league’s most decorated players.

Northumberland

• Tristan Miron – South Division MVP

• Zennon Edwards – South Division Best Forward

• Dawson Hettiarachchi – elite playmaker and assist leader

Wasaga

• Victor Freedeke – Best Defensive Forward, MVP 1st Runner-Up

• Brody Pritchard – Best Goalie

• Elliot Stahmann – Most Sportsmanlike

• Alexis Paradis – Best Defenseman 1st Runner-Up, Heart Award 1st Runner-Up

• Artur Kharisov – Best Defenseman 2nd Runner-Up

This is a final filled with award-winning talent at every position.

Deadline Additions That Changed Everything

Northumberland

The Stars added two major pieces at the deadline:

• Brayden Bowen – elite scoring forward who has become one of the most dangerous players in the playoffs

• Matt Mazzotta – veteran defenseman providing stability and puck movement

Bowen in particular has elevated Northumberland’s offense to another level.

Wasaga

The River Dragons reshaped their blue line:

• Lucas Decaluwe (from St. George)

• Alexis Paradis (from Tottenham)

• Lucas Texmo, returning from a 41-game professional stint

That trio has transformed Wasaga’s defensive structure and transition game.

Playoff Leaders

Northumberland Stars

• Tristan Miron – 26 points

• Brayden Bowen – 24 points

• Ryan Boon – 22 points

• Dawson Hettiarachchi – 19 points

• Zennon Edwards – 17 points

Wasaga River Dragons

• Elliot Stahmann – 16 points

• Hugo Olsson – 14 points

• Maximilian Olsson – 12 points

• Lucas Texmo – 10 points

• Victor Freedeke – 8 points

Northumberland brings star-driven production.
Wasaga brings balance and depth.

Goaltending Matchup

Northumberland

Ivan Kremnev has taken over as the Stars’ go-to goaltender, posting a 6-1 record in the playoffs and delivering key performances in high-pressure games.

Wasaga

Brody Pritchard, the North Division Goalie of the Year, has gone 7-3 with a 2.90 GAA and .910 save percentage, including two shutouts.

This matchup is as close as it gets between an emerging playoff performer and a proven season-long elite.

Key Matchups

Miron and Bowen vs Wasaga’s defense
Can Wasaga’s revamped blue line contain Northumberland’s elite scorers?

Depth vs Star Power
Northumberland leans on top-end offense. Wasaga rolls lines and spreads production.

Kremnev vs Pritchard
Big saves will define this series.

Special Teams
Both teams have dangerous power plays that can swing momentum instantly.

Series Schedule

Game 1 – Mar 20 – 7:30 PM – Colborne
Game 2 – Mar 21 – 7:30 PM – Colborne
Game 3 – Mar 24 – 7:00 PM – Wasaga Beach
Game 4 – Mar 27 – 7:00 PM – Wasaga Beach
Game 5 – Mar 28 – 7:30 PM – Colborne
Game 6 – Mar 30 – 7:00 PM – Wasaga Beach
Game 7 – Mar 31 – 7:30 PM – Colborne

What to Expect

This is as even as a final can get.

Both teams are:

• #1 seeds

• division champions

• first-time finalists

• loaded with award winners and deadline additions

Northumberland has the explosive top-end talent.

Wasaga has balance, depth, and a retooled defense built for playoff hockey.

One team will win its first Russell Cup.
One team will fall one step short.

And for the first time in years, it will not be Bradford standing at the top.

A new champion is coming.