Gignac stepping up in Schmalz final

Julian Gignac has turned into Mr. Clutch for the Lakeshore Canadiens. The 17-year old potted the game-winning goal Wednesday night in a 4-2 win over Clarington, the second time he has potted the deciding goal in the Schmalz Cup final. "There's one thing about Julian, he can score," Head coach Anthony Iaquinta told Powerplay Sports after his team took a commanding 3-1 series lead. "He's got a skill that is hard to find and we're fortunate to have him on the team."

Gignac assisted on Trevor Larue's game-winner in game 2 and broke 2-2 ties in games 3 and 4. "It's been great," Gignac said. "I can't do any of it without my teammates. They always find passes, seems and everything."

The 6'0 forward was a 14th round pick of the Windsor Spitfires in 2023 and had a good regular season with 29 goals and 20 assists in 41 games. He's been steady during the playoffs with 17 goals and 12 assists in 28 games. He had five game winners during the regular season and has four in these playoffs. Spits general manager Bill Bowler is a regular at home games and Gignac would like to play for him next season.

"Ya obviously that'd be great but it's not what I'm thinking about right now. We're trying to win now and think about that later."

The Lakeshore Canadiens are one win away from hoisting their second Schmalz Cup in three years. Game 5 is in Clarington Friday night. "For us, you got an opportunity right?" said head coach Anthony Iaquinta. "We'd like to score the first goal this time if we could but other than that our focus is on one game and this is what we worked for all year."

Check out Gignac's game winner and post game interview with him and Iaquinta in the following video.