Latest news with #MemorialCupFinal
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Knights Take Care Of Business At Memorial Cup
Two words followed the London Knights throughout the 2024-25 season: unfinished business. At first, those two words were whispered behind closed doors in conversations about how the Knights had come up short when they were the favourites to win the 2024 Memorial Cup. Advertisement "We went through the whole process last year and came up short with 20 seconds to go in a hockey game," said Flyers prospect Denver Barkey after the game. "We remembered that all summer and talked about it all year - that's been our motivator," Slowly, the drumbeat grew. First, it was announced that most of the team would return to London for the 2024-25 season. Next, the Knights dominated the OHL, losing only 13 games during the regular season to finish at the top of the OHL. London stomped their way through the playoffs not losing a single game until the OHL Playoff Finals. After dropping game one of the finals, London won four straight games to take down Oshawa and book their tickets to Rimouski for the 2025 Memorial Cup. Steelheads Sign 2025 First-Round Pick Steelheads Sign 2025 First-Round Pick Yesterday, the Brampton Steelheads announced the signing of 2025 OHL Priority Selection first-round pick Keaton Ardagh to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Advertisement At that point, the question was asked point blank. Is there unfinished business for this group? A resounding yes was the response. This season would not be complete without a Memorial Cup victory. On Sunday night, the London Knights took care of business, defeating the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-1 to secure the Memorial Cup for the third time in franchise history. Make no mistake, this was a special group of players, the majority of whom came together two seasons ago. They won back-to-back OHL titles and set OHL and franchise records. To cap that off with a Memorial Cup victory must be perfection for a team that seems so close. "This is my family, these guys are my brothers," said San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson. "It feels like it's the perfect ending for this core ... it's how it should have gone out." Advertisement This time around, the Knights had to walk the hard road to the Memorial Cup Final after they lost their first encounter with the Tigers 3-1. Medicine Hat went down early in that game before scoring three unanswered goals to seal their place in the final. Knights Heading To Memorial Cup Semi-Finals Following Loss To Medicine Hat Knights Heading To Memorial Cup Semi-Finals Following Loss To Medicine Hat The London Knights missed out on the opportunity to go straight to the Memorial Cup Finals due to a 3-1 loss at the hands of the Medicine Hat Tigers on Tuesday night. London made it through the semi-final in dominant fashion beating Moncton 5-2 while outshooting their opponent 37-23. Advertisement In the rematch against Medicine Hat, it was once again the Knights who struck first. Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Julien scored halfway through the first to give London the early lead. The score would remain 1-0 heading into the second. As they did so often in the OHL Playoffs, the Knights took over in the second period, opening up a four-goal lead within the opening 12 minutes of the period thanks to a goal from Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan and a pair scored by Barkey. Former Colt To Take Up Head Coaching Reins In Barrie Former Colt To Take Up Head Coaching Reins In Barrie Earlier today, the Barrie Colts announced that Assistant Coach Dylan Smoskowitz will take over as Head Coach effective immediately. He replaces Marty Williamson, who will stay on with the club as Vice President and GM of Hockey Operations moving forward. Advertisement The Tigers pushed back in the third with star forward Gavin McKenna scoring a goal early in the period to give the team hope. With minutes to go McKenna put another puck into the net before the goal was called back upon review. The Knights fought the Tigers off for the rest of the period leading to the final score of 4-1. The win gave Head Coach Dale Hunter his third Memorial Cup trophy, tying him for the most ever won by single coach. Early in the tournament he took the title of most wins in Memorial Cup history. This London team will go down in the history books as one of the best rosters ever iced by an OHL team. Their accomplishments are impressive, and many of these players will make their way into the NHL in the very near future. While this team will never play together again, their names will sit next to each other on the Memorial Cup.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Memorial Cup run comes to an end for Lightning prospect
Medicine Hat Tigers goaltender and South Surrey's own Harrison Meneghin has won back-to-back WHL Goaltender of the Week honours. (Randy Feere/Medicine Hat Tigers photo) Lightning prospect Harrison Meneghin and the Medicine Hat Tigers fell short on Sunday night, after losing 4-1 in the Memorial Cup Final to the London Knights. Meneghin was originally drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round, 206th overall, of the 2024 NHL Draft. On May 19, the Lightning announced Meneghin was signed to a three-year, entry-level contract. Advertisement The 20-year old goalie helped lead the Medicine Hat Tigers to their first Memorial Cup appearance since 2007. Through 16 post-season games, he recorded a 14-1 record while posting a .906 save percentage, a 2.35 goals against average and three shutouts. His efforts earned him WHL Playoff MVP honors, which made him only the third player in Tigers history to receive the award. Meneghin finished the tournament with 4GP 2.54GAA and a .906SV%.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Cam Fowler's defensive impact fueled St Louis Blues' playoff push and could influence his contract extension
Cam Fowler's impact could define Blues' defensive future (Image via: Getty Images) The St. Louis Blues gained a powerful defensive weapon when they acquired Cam Fowler from the Anaheim Ducks. Fowler's veteran presence and impressive play helped transform the Blues' blue line, fueling their push into the 2023 NHL playoffs. As Fowler enters the final year of his contract, the team faces a crucial decision that could shape their defensive future. Cam Fowler's key role in the Blues' defense and playoff run When St. Louis acquired Cam Fowler from Anaheim in February 2023, they added a seasoned defenseman who immediately made a significant impact. Fowler quickly became a key figure on the Blues' blue line, showcasing strong defensive skills while also contributing offensively. Over 51 regular-season games with St. Louis, he tallied 36 points and maintained an impressive plus-19 rating, providing much-needed stability to a previously inconsistent defensive corps. Fowler's influence didn't stop there. In the 2023 NHL playoffs, he emerged as a leading playmaker for the Blues, recording eight assists and a total of 10 points in just seven games. His role on the top defensive pairing and power play unit proved critical, giving the Blues a competitive edge in high-pressure situations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo This performance solidified Fowler's reputation as a valuable midseason acquisition and a cornerstone of the team's defense. Looking ahead, Fowler is entering the final year of his current contract, which expires after the 2025-26 season. The Blues will be eligible to begin extension talks starting July 1, and with Fowler openly expressing interest in remaining with the team, a contract renewal seems likely. Given his age and veteran status, a short-term extension could offer the Blues flexibility while retaining a key contributor to their defensive lineup. Also Read: Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan leads London Knights to 2025 Memorial Cup Final rematch The upcoming contract decision will be a major factor in the Blues' strategy to build a roster capable of competing deep into the playoffs in the highly competitive Central Division. Hockey analysts and fans will be watching closely as St. Louis works to secure Fowler's future and continue bolstering their defense for seasons to come. How the Blues handle Fowler's extension could set the tone for their long-term defensive stability and overall team success.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan leads London Knights to 2025 Memorial Cup Final rematch
Easton Cowan leads London Knights to 2025 Memorial Cup Final (Image via: Getty Images) Easton Cowan, a promising Toronto Maple Leafs first-round pick, has been the driving force behind the London Knights' impressive journey to the 2025 Memorial Cup Final. With his standout performances, Cowan is not only leading his team but also showing NHL scouts why he's a talent to watch. The Knights now face a familiar foe in Medicine Hat. Cowan powers London Knights to Memorial Cup Final vs Medicine Hat After falling short in last year's Memorial Cup Final, the London Knights have returned stronger, fueled by a core of experienced players determined to claim the championship this time. Cowan, the 20-year-old phenom, has been central to this resurgence, combining skill and poise in high-pressure moments. Their dominant OHL playoff run and Cowan's leadership have made London a favorite heading into the 2025 Memorial Cup Final. With the eyes of the hockey world on him, Cowan's performance could be the key to securing the Knights' long-awaited championship. In the semi-final against the Moncton Wildcats, Cowan's two-point game was pivotal in the Knights' 5-2 victory. His precise assist to captain Denver Barkey gave London the crucial lead, and his empty-net goal in the final minutes secured the win. Cowan's six points have made him the tournament's leading scorer, underlining his critical role. Facing the undefeated Medicine Hat Tigers in the final will be no easy task. The Tigers dominated the round-robin stage and handed the Knights their only loss this tournament. However, the saying 'it's hard to beat the same team twice' adds a layer of hope for London. Cowan's exceptional postseason—39 points in 17 OHL playoff games combined with the Knights' relentless 16-1 playoff record, speaks to their championship pedigree. But the pressure is intense. With 13 players returning from last year's final loss, the Knights aren't just playing for a trophy; they're playing to erase a painful memory. Also Read: Sam Bennett's stunning revival is powering Panthers toward back-to-back Stanley Cups Sunday's game in Rimouski isn't just a match; it's a defining moment for Cowan, the London Knights, and the Maple Leafs organization watching closely as their prospect makes his mark on Canadian junior hockey's biggest stage.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Flames Prospect Morin's Memorial Cup Campaign Ends In Defeat To Knights In Sem-Final
Flames Prospect Morin's Memorial Cup Campaign Ends In Defeat To Knights In Sem-Final Calgary prospect Etienne Morin and the Moncton Wildcats' push for the Memorial Cup came to an end as they lost 5-2 to the OHL champions London Knights in the semi-final on Friday evening. Morin made many efforts in the man-advantage for the QMJHL champions. Advertisement In the first power play, the 20-year-old set up teammates Vincent Collard and Caleb Desnoyers but they couldn't finish. He even put up a shot that rang the crossbar. In the second man-advantage, Morin and the Wildcats finally struck oil, feeding the puck to Desnoyers who sniped the puck into the goal from the left faceoff circle, allowing Morin to register his first assist and third point of the tournament. The score got tied 1-1 This was Moncton's first successful power play after the previous four in the tournament did not yield a goal. Morin was called back into action for the Wildcats' third power play. He put up two blocked shots, but Moncton levelled the game 2-2 as soon as his shift ended on the man-advantage. Advertisement The 2023 second-round pick was quarterbacking 5v5 situations as well, as close to the end of the second period, London's Jared Woolley broke his stick in the offensive zone and wound up having to take Landon Sim's stick, leaving the Knights pseudo-shorthanded. Morin put up a shot that got blocked by Sim and fed another pass to Desnoyers which did not find the back of the net. Unfortunately, in the fourth of the third period, Morin would be unable to contain London's Blake Montgomery from scoring the game-winning goal. The Quebec native never recovered after that. The London Knights will now face another Flames prospect in Andrew Basha and the WHL champions Medicine Hat Tigers in the Memorial Cup Final on Sunday Puck drop is at 7 pm ET/4 pm ET.
