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Knights Heading To Memorial Cup Semi-Finals Following Loss To Medicine Hat
Knights Heading To Memorial Cup Semi-Finals Following Loss To Medicine Hat

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

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 and Medicine Hat were undefeated at the tournament going into their final round robin game. The winner would instantly go to the finals, while the loser would still be guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals. Advertisement The Knights looked head and shoulders above the Tigers to start the game. They moved the puck cleanly and repeatedly generated high-quality scoring chances. San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen deflected Sam Dickinson's shot home very early in the period to give London the lead. While it looked like the OHL representatives were primed to run away with the game, this would end up being their only goal of the contest. As the period went on, Medicine Hat stabilized and started pushing back against London's strong play. Ethan Neutens, who is committed to the University of Alaska-Anchorage next season, got the Tigers on the board early in the second, tying the game at one. The game stayed at a deadlock until early in the third period when Matthew Ward gave Medicine Hat the lead for the first time in the game. Minnesota Wild prospect Ryder Ritchie, who leads the tournament in points, sealed the win for Medicine Hat with an empty-net goal late in the third. While London certainly won't be happy with the outcome, there are positives to draw from the game. They kept Gavin McKenna off the scoreboard other than an assist on Ritchie's goal at the end of the game. The young star has prodigious offensive talent, and keeping him in check is no mean feat. Advertisement The Knights also outshot the Tigers in every period, finishing the game with 36 shots to 29. It's somewhat telling that the first star of the game went to Medicine Hat goaltender Harrison Meneghin rather than Neutens, who ended up recording two points in the contest. The Moncton Wildcats' victory over Rimouski means London will play Moncton in the semi-final tomorrow evening. The last game between the two ended in a 3-2 overtime win for London. While the game was close on the scoreboard, London clearly took over as the game went on. They outshot Moncton 48-29 in the game, mostly because they nearly doubled the Wildcats' shots in the second period and dominated the shot clock 16-3 in the third. However, this doesn't mean anything going into an elimination game. This puts London in a position that they really haven't been in all season. The talented young team dominated the OHL and cruised to a J. Ross Robertson Cup, losing only one game in the playoffs. It's been proven time and time again that beating London in a series was impossible this season. Advertisement In a tournament like the Memorial Cup, you don't have to beat them in a best-of-seven series. All it takes is one game. The London Knights that show up to the semi-finals will be in a do-or-die scenario that the team hasn't faced since the 2024 Memorial Cup Finals. That game ultimately didn't go their way, and you can bet that will be on the minds of the players when they take the ice tomorrow night. If the Knights beat Moncton, they will get another shot at Medicine Hat and the Memorial Cup. The game against Moncton is scheduled to take place tomorrow evening at 7:00 p.m.

Helenius Shows Promise In First Season With Rochester
Helenius Shows Promise In First Season With Rochester

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

Helenius Shows Promise In First Season With Rochester

The Buffalo Sabres were fortunate at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas after trading down three slots with the San Jose Sharks the day before the draft to garner an extra second-round pick. At #11, the Sharks selected London defenseman Sam Dickinson, who had a 91-point season with the OHL Knights, and Minnesota chose blueliner Zeev Buium, who won gold with Team USA at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championships. Both are excellent prospects, but are also left-handed defensemen, which the Sabres have in ample quantity. At #14, the Sabres selected Finnish center Konsta Helenius, who many draft analysts labeled as the most pro-ready forward next to top pick Macklin Celebrini after playing last season in the Finnish SM-Liiga, and for Finland at the Under-18's, World Junior Championships and World Championships. The 19-year-old chose to come and play in the American Hockey League and finished with 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 65 games with Rochester, but stepped up his level of performance in the Calder Cup Playoffs, with six points (3 goals, 3 assists) in eight playoff games. Although it would be unwise to rush Helenius to the NHL, it is encouraging that he was able to adjust to the North American game so quickly. Other Sabres Stories Is Peterka In Prime Position For Big Payday? Sabres Summer Dilemmas - Bowen Byram Sabres Facing An Off-Season Of Change Here is an update on other players selected in 2024: Adam Kleber – D – 42nd overall The Minnesota native in his freshman season with Minnesota-Duluth has five points (2 goals, 3 assists) in 33 games and was part of Team USA's gold medal-winning squad at the WJC in Ottawa. A Konsta Helenius shorty to finish off the night😮‍💨@AmerksHockey | #LAVvsROC | #CalderCup — American Hockey League (@TheAHL) May 24, 2025 Brodie Ziemer – RW – 71st overall A product of the US National Development Program, Ziemer made his mark at the World Juniors in Ottawa, scoring seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in seven games for the victorious US squad. As a freshman at the University of Minnesota impressed with 12 goals in 38 games, but the 19-year-old winger's NCAA season ended abruptly, as the Golden Gophers lost 5-4 in overtime to UMass at the NCAA regional in Fargo, ND. Luke Osburn – D – 108th overall The 6'1', 183 lb. blueliner is committed to play for the University of Wisconsin next season and is playing his second season for the Youngstown Phantoms. In 55 games, the 18-year-old blueliner had 41 points (10 goals, 31 assists) and was named the USHL's Defenseman of the Year. Follow Michael on X, Instagram, and Bluesky @MikeInBuffalo

London Knights win 6th OHL title in last 20 years with defeat of Oshawa Generals
London Knights win 6th OHL title in last 20 years with defeat of Oshawa Generals

Toronto Sun

time16-05-2025

  • Sport
  • Toronto Sun

London Knights win 6th OHL title in last 20 years with defeat of Oshawa Generals

London won 5-2 in Game 5 to clinch the championship Sam Dickinson of the London Knights hoists the J. Ross Robertson Cup after beating the Oshawa Generals in Game 5 of the Ontario Hockey League final at Canada Life Place in London on May 15, 2025. (Mike Hensen/The London Free Press) There have been many powerhouse squads in Ontario Hockey League history and a lot of different ways to measure them. But these London Knights put one debate to rest. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account They are the greatest major junior playoff team ever assembled in this province and proved it with a 5-2, Game 5 championship-clinching victory over the Oshawa Generals before 9,061 Thursday at Canada Life Place. They dominated with a near-perfect 16-1 post-season run and celebrated with a second straight J. Ross Robertson Cup as league champs. No one could touch them once they got all their star players back from NHL camps and they will enter the Memorial Cup next week in Rimouski, Que., as the favourites. 'They really pulled for each other the whole year,' London coach Dale Hunter said. 'Throughout the season and playoffs, we had guys missing and the next guy steps up and plays. That's how you have winning teams. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It was easy because they enjoy the game. We would skate and work but they had lots of fun doing it, too.' This was the Knights' sixth league title in 20 years. Does it ever get old? 'No,' Dale Hunter said with a laugh. This London crew joined the 2012 and '13 Knights and the 2009 and '10 Windsor Spitfires as OHL teams who have won back-to-back titles. The 1988 Spitfires (12-0) and 1998 Guelph Storm (12-1) had yardstick playoff runs, but neither had to grind it out for four rounds at the time. The current core group went 32-3 over the past two springs – 35-4 if you count the Memorial Cup in Saginaw last year. 'It's so hard mentally,' said veteran forward Landon Sim, who scored late in the third period Thursday to give the Knights the necessary breathing room. 'You feel like you played for so long last year and you have to go through the ups and downs again. We listen to Dale. He teaches us how to play. That's our base and the skill takes over. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We've been through a lot, but this caps it off and we're not done.' Sam Dickinson has played in three straight OHL finals and won twice. He admitted it's a hard road and that's why very few teams have accomplished it. 'It really is special to have this little stretch we've been on in London,' the Sharks first-rounder said. 'Winning is what gets bred here. You're around guys like Easton (Cowan), Denver (Barkey), Jules (Jacob Julien) and Simmer and that winning attitude breeds throughout the dressing room. 'Everything they do is to win and it makes it that much more fun.' The London Knights celebrate after winning the Ontario Hockey League championship by beating the Oshawa Generals at Canada Life Place in London on May 15, 2025. (Mike Hensen/The London Free Press) HALTTUNEN MVP: The Generals' biggest problem the past week was letting Kasper Halttunen get scorching hot. The big Finn followed up his eight-goal final last year with a jaw-dropping nine goals this time – eight of them over the last three games. He brought clutch scoring to another level with 17 goals and four hat tricks in a career nine OHL championship series contests. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He was the first European to be named Wayne Gretzky 99 playoff MVP for his 15-goal, 21-point performance over 17 games. He finished it with two goals, including the series winner in the second period. 'It (scoring) has always been my thing and when you get a couple of goals in you, your confidence goes up a lot,' the Sharks prospect said, 'but it was never about that. It was about doing everything for the win. That's a team trophy and I couldn't have done that without everyone. 'The guys lifting that trophy (the Robertson Cup) – that's all that matters.' Cowan led the OHL playoffs in points for the second straight year and gave credit to Halttunen for his opportune finishing. 'Back-to-back hat tricks (in Oshawa) and two more here – and he could have had three (except for a post),' the Maple Leafs first-rounder said. 'One hundred per cent the right decision (to name him MVP).' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. There were many Knights who played at the highest level when it mattered most. Halttunen, Cowan and Dickinson all had their moments of greatness. 'They were all MVP calibre,' Dale Hunter said. 'You look at the guys and they're all happy for Kasper. He can really score.' BARKEY BACK: London captain Denver Barkey returned to the lineup after missing seven games with an ankle injury suffered in the first game of the Kitchener series. He was relieved the timing worked out that he could dress and play – although sparingly, of course. It meant a lot to him to raise the Robertson Cup while in uniform. 'I'm super proud of everyone,' the Flyers prospect said. 'We have great fans, great coaching staff and a great team. It comes down to the guys in that room wanting to buy in and sacrifice. We all want to do it for each other and it creates such a tight group. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'We play for each other and work our hardest.' Barkey spent the last week on the ice – half of it in a non-contact jersey during practice. On Thursday, he took warmup to see if he was good to go and got the green light. 'We all love him,' London forward and Oilers draft pick Will Nicholl said. 'He's our captain. He's the heart and soul of this team. It brings a lot to us and helps our spirits to see him back.' Will he be back to 100 per cent in a week or so for the Memorial Cup opener? 'That's what I'm working towards,' Barkey said. 'We'll see.' AROUND THE RINK: Dale Hunter tied Hap Emms (Barrie, Niagara Falls) with five J. Ross Robertson Cup championships. He received a Gatorade shower on the ice and, typically, thanked his players for helping get him another title. 'You gotta enjoy the journey,' the legendary coach said. 'This is part of it. You win one, there's another one to go. It's enjoyable. Enjoy winning, because it's really hard to do.' . . . Not for Austin Elliott, of course. The Knights goaltender improved to 51-2 this season starting back in the fall with Saskatoon. ''If you told me at the start of the year I would end up an OHL champion, I'd tell you you're crazy,' the 21-year-old from Alberta said. 'It hasn't even sunk in. (When you come up short in previous playoffs), It's just learning from those times. You fall down, you have to pick yourself up.' He was at his best in the third periods against Oshawa when he had to protect leads . . . Cowan became the first player since Windsor's Taylor Hall (2009-10) to lead the OHL championship series in scoring in back-to-back years. He finished with 12 points after racking up 15 last year and ended up with a franchise-record 96 career points in 60 post-season games . . . Oliver Bonk was plus-11 in the final series and was a standout on the back end . . . The final power play total was 24-16 for Oshawa. In the end, it didn't matter . . . On Thursday, Halttunen scored with 20.1 seconds left in the first period and Oshawa's Beckett Sennecke answered with 24.7 seconds remaining in the second period. The Sennecke goal came right after a lengthy review to see if Sam O'Reilly's collision with Luke Torrance was intentional. The refs eventually removed the five-minute major call and determined there was no infraction on the play. It could have been a much different game if the penalty stuck . . . The Knights were 8-1 at home this spring and a perfect 8-0 on the road. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. rpyette@ OHL HOCKEY Knights 5, Generals 2 (London wins best-of-seven OHL championship series 4-1) London goals: Kasper Halttunen (2), Sam O'Reilly, Landon Sim, Easton Cowan Oshawa goals: Andrew Gibson, Beckett Sennecke Next: The Knights will head to the Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Que., starting next week. Thursday at Canada Life Place Knights 5, Generals 2 First period 1., Oshawa, Gibson 8 (Sinivuori, Rogowski) 6:57 2. London, Halttunen 14 (Dickinson, Julien) 19:39 Penalty – Wang, Osh (cross-checking) 9:50. Second period 3. London, O'Reilly 7 (Dickinson, Cowan) 5:43 4. London, Halttunen 15 (O'Reilly, Bonk) 13:05 5. Oshawa, Sennecke 14 (unassisted) 19:35 Penalty – Gibson, Osh (holding) 7:27. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Third period 6. London, Sim 12 (Montgomery, Julien) 15:18 7. London, Cowan 13 (unassisted) 16:18 (en) Penalties – Bonk, Ldn (illegal equipment) 4:10, Julien, Ldn (roughing) 19:42. Shots on goal by Osh 4 12 18–34 Ldn 8 10 7–25 Power plays: Osh 0-2. Ldn 0-2. Goalies: Oster, Osh (L, 13-8). Elliott, Ldn (W, 16-1) Referees – Pat Myers, Chad Ingalls. Lines – Spencer Knox, Justin Noble. Attendance – 9,061 (9,061). Three stars: 1., Kasper Halttunen, Knights; 2. Sam O'Reilly, Knights; 3. Austin Elliott, Knights Read More

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