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On November 29, the London Knights demonstrated their offensive strength in a high-scoring match against the Saginaw Spirit, concluding with a score of 8-5 at the Dow Event Center in Saginaw, Michigan. This victory marked a season-high in goals for the Knights and propelled them back to the top of the Midwest Division standings, aided by losses from competing teams.
The game began similarly to the previous encounter between the two teams, with the Knights taking an early lead. However, this time they managed to score before the first period concluded. With just under four minutes remaining in the opening frame, Knights forward Rene Van Bommel from Strathroy, Ontario, skillfully redirected a shot from teammate Andoni Fimis, putting London ahead 1-0.
Second period surge
Unlike the previous night, where they failed to capitalize on power plays, the Knights seized multiple opportunities at the Dow Event Center. They converted three power plays during the second period to extend their lead. The first goal came from Henry Brzustewicz, whose wrist shot found the netting inside the left post, enhancing the Knights’ lead to 2-0.
The Knights continued their offensive onslaught as Ben Wilmott assisted Jared Woolley on a two-on-one break, providing London with a comfortable 3-0 advantage. However, the Spirit responded swiftly, with Jacob Cloutier setting up Xander Velliaris for Saginaw’s first goal, narrowing the score to 3-1.
Power play effectiveness
London quickly regained their three-goal lead when Wilmott scored just seconds into a power play, making it 4-1. The Knights further extended the gap as Jaxon Cover found Evan Van Gorp for another power-play goal, resulting in a 5-1 score. As the second period came to a close, Saginaw managed to score again, with Egor Barabanov capitalizing on a loose puck, bringing the score to 5-2.
Final period excitement
As the third period commenced, the Spirit’s Sebastien Gervais cut into the Knights’ lead, scoring with a sharp-angled shot, making it 6-3 and sparking hope for Saginaw. Nevertheless, London responded almost immediately; Clark set up Cover for a powerful shot that restored the Knights’ three-goal advantage at 6-3.
Saginaw’s Barabanov struck again, narrowing the score to 6-4, but Cover quickly returned the favor by assisting Clark, who extended the Knights’ lead to 7-4. In the closing minutes, Gervais added another goal for the Spirit, making it 8-5. However, London sealed the game with an empty-netter from Sam O’Reilly, finishing the contest strong.
Player updates and upcoming events
Notably, Cohen Bidgood made his much-anticipated return to the lineup after missing fifteen games due to a lower-body injury. The Knights showcased their power-play capabilities by converting three out of seven opportunities and maintained a perfect record on the penalty kill.
As the Knights prepare for their next challenge, they will host the Kitchener Rangers on December 3 for their annual Teddy Bear Toss, a charitable event supporting the Salvation Army. Fans are encouraged to bring plush toys in plastic bags to throw onto the ice, continuing a beloved tradition that saw over 15,000 toys donated last year.