Windsor buzzing as Spitfires head into Memorial Cup final

The Windsor Spitfires have set the city a buzz as they brace for the Memorial Cup final after winning three straight games as hosts of the prestigious tournament.

Many fans lowered expectations after the team was knocked out of the first round of junior hockey playoffs, losing to the arch rival London Knights.

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But a big win over the Erie Otters on Wednesday vaulted the host Spitfires into the Memorial Cup final. Excitement spilled out of the WFCU Centre with fans watching the game at sports bars throughout the city.

Jason Osborne, owner of John Max sports bar on Lauzon Parkway, has seen far more emotion in the crowds that flock to his bar on game nights.

"It's more exciting now that they're doing well," he said of the patrons. "To have the Spits go all the way, it's good for the city."

Robert Faroni is a season ticket holder who picked up tickets to every Memorial Cup game. Superstition got the better of him as he wears the same Spits hat and jersey to every game. That won't change on Sunday night in the final.

"We weren't really expecting much from them after that tough loss in the first round," he said. "They're impressing everybody right now."

While talk of the Spit's big win continued Thursday, the team took the day off. They spent their time relaxing and watching the Stanley Cup playoffs on television, according to head coach Rocky Thompson.

"We didn't talk hockey today, just getting them away from the game mentally and physically for one day," he said.

Fan support throughout the city has been an important component to the team success, explained Thompson, who talked about the electrifying atmosphere at the arena Wednesday.

"Windsor supports us so well," he said. "You could really feel it in the building, particularly in the last game."

The Erie Otters play the Saint John Sea Dogs Friday night. The winner of that game will face the Spits at 7 p.m. Sunday night.