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Knights’ impressive semi-final victory
The London Knights have made history by becoming only the sixth team in 40 years to reach back-to-back Memorial Cup championship games. Their latest triumph came on May 30, when they defeated the Moncton Wildcats 5-2 in a thrilling semi-final match.
This victory not only highlights the Knights’ skill but also their resilience and teamwork, essential qualities for any championship contender.
Key moments that defined the game
The game started off strong for the Knights, with Landon Sim scoring an early goal.
Sim capitalized on a shot from Oliver Bonk that went wide, wrapping the puck into the net and setting the tone for the match. Despite dominating the first period with an 18-5 shot advantage, the Knights found themselves tied after a power play goal from Moncton’s Caleb Desnoyers.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued into the second period, where Easton Cowan assisted Denver Barkey, giving London a 2-1 lead.
However, the Wildcats were not to be outdone, as Dyllan Gill equalized with another power play goal.
The teams entered the final period tied at 2-2, mirroring their earlier encounter in the tournament that had gone into overtime. This time, the Knights were determined to finish strong.
Decisive plays in the final period
The third period saw Blake Montgomery score a crucial goal, breaking the tie and putting the Knights ahead for good.
Following this, Jacob Julien won a faceoff and assisted Jesse Nurmi, who added an insurance goal. The Knights’ defense held firm, successfully killing off two penalties and limiting Moncton’s chances. Easton Cowan sealed the victory with an empty-net goal, bringing the final score to 5-2.
In addition to their offensive prowess, the Knights showcased strong individual performances. Cowan and Barkey each contributed a goal and an assist, while Julien recorded two assists. Oliver Bonk’s solid play earned him a plus-4 rating, highlighting his defensive contributions.
Recognition and future challenges
The Knights’ success in the semi-finals has not gone unnoticed, as five players and Head Coach Dale Hunter received All-Star nods from the Ontario Hockey League. Sam Dickinson was named to the 1st All-Star team, while Barkey, Cowan, Bonk, and Hunter were recognized on the 2nd All-Star team. Austin Elliott earned a spot on the 3rd All-Star team, and Aleksei Medvedev was named to the 1st All-Rookie team.
Looking ahead, the Knights will face the Medicine Hat Tigers in the championship game of the 2025 Memorial Cup on June 1. Fans can catch the action live at 7 p.m. on 980 CFPL, with coverage also available on various streaming platforms. The Knights are poised to make history once again, and with their current momentum, they are a formidable opponent for any team.
