LONDON KNIGHTS 6 – KITCHENER RANGERS 2
The London Knights continued their dominant playoff run with a resounding 6-2 victory over the Kitchener Rangers in Game 2 of the OHL Western Conference Final on April 27, 2025. The win, which took place at Canada Life Place in London, Ontario, gave the Knights a commanding 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Here’s a breakdown of the game, including the key players, goal scorers, and the goaltending duel that shaped the match.
First Period: Knights Set the Tone
The Knights wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first period. Jacob Julien, who has been a standout throughout the playoffs, opened the scoring with a well-placed shot that beat Kitchener’s goaltender Jackson Parsons. Julien’s goal was followed by a tally from Jesse Nurmi, who capitalized on a defensive lapse by the Rangers to double the lead. The Knights’ aggressive forechecking and quick puck movement left the Rangers scrambling to keep up.
Second Period: Rangers Fight Back, Knights Respond
The second period saw the Rangers show some life, with Trent Swick and Luca Romano finding the back of the net to briefly tie the game at 2-2. Swick’s goal came off a rebound, while Romano’s was a result of a well-executed power play. However, the Knights quickly regained control. Cam Allen scored to restore the lead, and Oliver Bonk added another to make it 4-2 heading into the third period. Bonk’s goal, a laser from the blue line, proved to be the game-winner.
Third Period: Knights Seal the Deal
The Knights put the game out of reach in the final period, with Blake Montgomery and Julien each scoring to bring the final tally to 6-2. Julien’s second goal of the night capped off a four-point performance (two goals, two assists), earning him the first star of the game. Montgomery’s goal showcased his speed and skill, as he weaved through the Rangers’ defense before firing a shot past Parsons.
Stars of the Game
- Jacob Julien: With two goals and two assists, Julien was the undisputed star of the game. His ability to create scoring opportunities and finish plays was instrumental in the Knights’ victory.
- Oliver Bonk: Bonk’s game-winning goal and solid defensive play earned him the second star. His presence on the blue line was a key factor in shutting down the Rangers’ offense.
- Jared Woolley and Henry Brzustewicz: Both players contributed two assists, showcasing their playmaking abilities and vision on the ice.
Goaltending Matchup
The goaltending battle was another storyline in this game. London’s Austin Elliott continued his stellar postseason performance, stopping 23 of 25 shots. Elliott’s calm and composed play between the pipes has been a cornerstone of the Knights’ playoff success. On the other side, Jackson Parsons faced a barrage of 41 shots, making 35 saves. While Parsons showed flashes of brilliance, the Knights’ relentless offensive pressure proved too much to handle.
Special Teams and Key Stats
Both teams went 1-for-4 on the power play, but the Knights’ ability to generate scoring chances at even strength was the difference-maker. London outshot Kitchener 41-25, highlighting their offensive dominance. The Knights also won the majority of faceoffs, allowing them to control possession and dictate the pace of the game.
Looking Ahead
With the series shifting to Kitchener for Game 3, the Rangers will need to regroup and find a way to counter the Knights’ high-powered offense. For London, the focus will be on maintaining their momentum and continuing their unbeaten run in the playoffs. The Knights are now just two wins away from advancing to the OHL Championship Series, where they will look to defend their title.
OSHAWA GENERALS 7 – BARRIE COLTS 1
The Oshawa Generals showcased their dominance in Game 2 of the OHL Eastern Conference Final on Sunday, April 27, 2025, with a resounding 7-1 victory over the Barrie Colts. This commanding win, held at the Colts’ home arena, gave the Generals a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and highlighted their offensive prowess, defensive discipline, and stellar goaltending. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the game, including goal scorers, standout players, and the goaltending duel.
First Period: Generals Set the Tone
The Generals wasted no time asserting their dominance, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the opening period. Beckett Sennecke opened the scoring with a precise wrist shot that beat Barrie’s goaltender, Sam Hillebrandt. Sennecke’s goal was followed by a power-play marker from Andrew Gibson, who capitalized on a solo effort. The Generals’ aggressive forechecking and quick puck movement left the Colts struggling to find their footing.
Second Period: Generals Extend Their Lead
The second period saw the Generals continue their offensive onslaught, adding three more goals to their tally. Sennecke, a consistent offensive threat throughout the playoffs, scored twice in the period. His first goal came off a perfectly placed one-timer, while his second came on a breakaway. Colby Barlow also found the back of the net with a booming one-timer of his own.
Third Period: Colts Find a Consolation Goal
The Generals added two more goals in the third, courtesy of Luca Marelli and Gibson adding his second of the game. The Colts managed to break through in the third period, with Owen Van Steensel scoring their lone goal on a power play. The final score of 7-1 reflected the Generals’ dominance in all facets of the game.
Stars of the Game
- Beckett Sennecke: With three goals and one assist, earning him the first star.
- Luca Marelli: With a goal and three assists was second star.
- Colby Barlow: Also with a goal and three assists was third star.
Goaltending Matchup
The goaltending battle was another significant aspect of the game. Oshawa’s Jacob Oster was outstanding, stopping 31 of 32 shots and making several key saves to preserve the Generals’ lead. Oster’s calm and composed play has been a cornerstone of Oshawa’s playoff run. On the other side, Hillebrandt faced a barrage of 30 shots through two periods, making 25 saves. Ben Hrebik took over in the third and stopped 9 of 11 shots he faced.
Special Teams and Key Stats
The Generals’ power play was a difference-maker, converting on four of their seven opportunities. Their penalty kill was equally impressive, limiting the Colts to just one goal on three power-play chances.
With the series shifting to Oshawa for Game 3, the Generals will look to maintain their momentum and move closer to securing a spot in the OHL Championship Series. For the Colts, it’s a must-win situation as they try to regroup and find a way to counter the Generals’ high-powered offense.
OHL Writers 