Woodstock rallies from two goals down to earn a 4-2 victory on a historic night at the R.C.C.
WOODSTOCK, ON – October 23, 2026 – It was a night to remember at the Reeves Community Complex as the Woodstock Navy Vets celebrated their 60th anniversary with a thrilling 4-2 comeback victory over the Komoka Kings.
Exactly 60 years after the organization played its first game on October 23, 1966, the Navy Vets honoured their rich history, welcomed back members of the original team and delivered a memorable performance on the ice.
Navy Vets Rally with Four Unanswered Goals
The Kings got off to a strong start, scoring twice in the opening period to take a 2-0 lead.
Woodstock responded with determination.
Sebastien Fortin got the Navy Vets on the board with an excellent shot off the rush, cutting the deficit in half.
Jaxon Bagshaw followed with a power-play goal to bring the Vets even at 2-2, setting the stage for an exciting third period.
With the teams deadlocked entering the final frame, the Navy Vets continued to press.
At the 7:31 mark of the third period, Xander Zanier found the back of the net to give Woodstock its first lead of the evening.
Goaltender Landyn Quirk came up with several important saves as Komoka pushed for the equalizer, preserving the one-goal advantage.
With three minutes remaining, Kyle Arthur provided some insurance, finishing a nice play in front of the Komoka net to give the Vets a 4-2 lead.
Woodstock held on to complete the comeback, scoring four unanswered goals to secure the victory on a historic evening.
Honouring 60 Years of Navy Vets Hockey
While the action on the ice provided plenty of excitement, the evening was about much more than the final score.
The organization was honoured to welcome eight members of the original 1966-67 Woodstock Navy Vets team, who participated in a special 60th anniversary ceremony.
Their presence served as a reminder of the generations of players, coaches, volunteers and supporters who have helped shape the organization over six decades.
The Navy Vets also welcomed Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione, who joined the celebration and officially proclaimed October 23, 2026, as Woodstock Navy Vets Day.
The organization extends its sincere appreciation to Mayor Acchione and the City of Woodstock for this tremendous honour and their continued support.
A special thank you also goes to the eight members of the inaugural Navy Vets team who joined us for the celebration. Their contributions helped establish a hockey tradition that continues to be an important part of the Woodstock community 60 years later.
A Night Worth Remembering
From celebrating the organization’s beginnings to watching the current generation battle back for an important victory, Friday evening brought together the past, present and future of Navy Vets hockey.
The Navy Vets would also like to thank the alumni, families, fans and community members who helped make the 60th anniversary celebration such a memorable occasion.
And the celebrations aren’t over yet!
The Navy Vets are looking forward to joining the community on Saturday, October 24, for Woodstock Hockey Day. It’s another opportunity to celebrate the game, the people and the hockey traditions that make Woodstock such a special place.
We look forward to seeing players, families, alumni and hockey fans from across the community come together for a great day of hockey!
Sixty years after the first puck dropped, the tradition continues.
And on a night dedicated to celebrating that history, the Navy Vets added another memorable chapter with a 4-2 victory over the Komoka Kings.
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