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February 17, 2026

South Division Playoff Preview: #4 North York Vs. #5. St. George

The defending South Division playoff champions are back in the first round. The fourth-seeded North York Renegades (21-20-1, 43 PTS) open their title defense on February 18th in St. George against the fifth-seeded Ravens (19-22-1, 39 PTS).

North York won three of four regular-season meetings, outscoring St. George 20-12. But playoff hockey resets everything — especially in a best-of-three.

Schedule

  • Game 1: February 18 – St. George

  • Game 2: February 20 – North York

  • Game 3 (if necessary): February 21 – North York

North York holds home ice for the final two games, which could be crucial in a tight series.

Regular Season Edge

North York finished just four points ahead of St. George in the standings, but their head-to-head results suggest a stylistic advantage. The Renegades controlled scoring pace in the matchup and limited St. George’s top line production more effectively than most opponents.

Blue Line Battle

The Renegades are anchored by Eric Stephenson (63 PTS), who was voted the South Division’s Top Defenseman. His 22 goals and 41 assists from the back end make him one of the league’s most impactful two-way players. He drives transition, quarterbacks the power play, and tilts the ice.

St. George, meanwhile, dealt one of the league’s premier defensemen, Lucas Decaluwe, at the deadline. That move reshaped their back end and puts added responsibility on the remaining defensive core.

If Stephenson controls the tempo from the blue line, North York gains a major advantage.

Offensive Leaders

North York brings balanced scoring:

  • Kristian Sevostyanov (26G, 58 PTS)

  • Tamerlan Kamalov (36 PTS)

  • Evan Gupta (32 assists)

  • Support throughout the lineup

St. George counters with high-end forwards:

  • Daniel Tremblay (29G, 59 PTS)

  • Landon McDougall (46 PTS)

  • Dylan Abendschon (23G, 39 PTS)

If the Ravens are going to push this series, their top line must break through consistently.

Goaltending Matchup

This series features two of the division’s most decorated goaltenders.

For North York, Vladimir Vovchuk was named the South Division’s Top Goaltender.

  • 12-8 record

  • .925 SV%

  • 3.03 GAA

For St. George, Alessandro Gruosso finished as the runner-up for the award.

  • 8-10 record

  • .909 SV%

  • 3.96 GAA

When two high-caliber goalies meet in a short series, one bounce can decide everything.

Keys to the Series

1. Championship Experience
North York knows how to win in this moment.

2. Defensive Stability
The Ravens must compensate for the loss of Decaluwe.

3. Goaltending Duel
Vovchuk vs. Gruosso could define the series.

The defending champs have the edge on paper.
The Ravens have the motivation of an underdog.

In a best-of-three, that’s more than enough to make this South Division matchup compelling.