Russell Cup Champions!

The Northumberland Stars are Russell Cup champions for the first time in franchise history.

After finishing at the top of the league standings and proving themselves all season long, the Stars completed their championship run by defeating the Wasaga River Dragons four games to one in the 2026 GMHL Russell Cup Final. It was Northumberland’s first ever trip to the finals in the franchise’s 10-year history, and they made it count.

The River Dragons pushed hard, especially early in the series, and their second-year franchise should be incredibly proud of how close they came to a title. Wasaga won the North Division, reached the Russell Cup Final in just year two, and showed throughout the playoffs that they belong among the league’s elite. But in the end, Northumberland’s star power, special teams, and clutch finishing proved too much.

For Wasaga GM Brandon Billie, the heartbreak likely cuts even deeper. Three years ago, he guided the Bradford Bulls to the finals only to lose 4-1 in that championship series as well. The elusive GMHL championship still escapes him after a decade-long league journey spanning one season as a player and nine more in coaching and management.

On the other side, Stars GM and Head Coach Alex McConnell finally sees his championship pursuit fulfilled. His path began as a player in the GMHL in 2010, where he spent three seasons in the league. After stepping away from 2015 to 2022, he returned hungry to finish what he started, and now he has led Northumberland to the top of the mountain.

Key Performances

Northumberland had stars everywhere.

Dawson Hettiarachchi was electric in the clincher with a five-point night and was dangerous all series long.

Tristan Miron scored twice in Game 2, twice again in Game 5, and kept finding big moments.

Dario Alimonti set the tone in Game 1 and remained a major factor offensively.

Brayden Bowen was huge in the opener and continued to create offense throughout the series.

Zennon Edwards, Ryan Boon, Brendan Collins, and Matt Mazzotta all made major contributions at key times.

For Wasaga, Victor Freedeke’s monster Game 3 kept the series alive, Elliot Stahmann was productive throughout, and Graham Rooney was dangerous in multiple games. Hugo Olsson, Anton Svensson, and Brody Pritchard all had their moments as well, but the River Dragons could not match Northumberland’s waves of offense over five games.

Series MVP

Dawson Hettiarachchi - Northumberland

There were several worthy candidates, but Hettiarachchi’s impact on the championship clincher puts him over the top. His hat trick and five-point performance in Game 5 was the defining individual effort of the series, and he consistently came through on both special teams and at even strength. When the Stars needed their best, he gave it to them.

Cup Presentation

Following the final horn, GMHL President Bob Russell and GMHL Commissioner Ken Girard presented the Russell Cup to the champion Northumberland Stars, beginning with captain Zennon Edwards, who had the honor of receiving the trophy first before celebrating with his teammates.

Implications

For Northumberland, this is the crowning achievement of the best season in franchise history. They were the top team in the league, they survived every challenge put in front of them, and now they have delivered the first Russell Cup championship in franchise history.

For Wasaga, the ending is heartbreaking, but it should not overshadow what this second-year franchise accomplished. The River Dragons won the North Division, reached the Russell Cup Final in just year two, and pushed themselves to the edge of history. That is a remarkable foundation for what still looks like one of the brightest futures in the league.

It will sting, especially for Brandon Billie, who has now come painfully close to a title multiple times. But Wasaga has built something very real.

And for Alex McConnell, the long wait is over. From his days as a player beginning in 2010, through years away from the league, to returning with the goal of one day lifting the cup, his journey now ends with a championship

The Northumberland Stars are Champions!