Series features first J. Ross Robertson Cup Championship rematch since 1955
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced the schedule of games for the 113th J. Ross Robertson Cup Final to be played between the London Knights and Oshawa Generals in a rematch of last year’s Championship Series.
The Knights claimed their record third consecutive Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champions after defeating the Kitchener Rangers in four straight games, giving them three consecutive series sweeps to start the playoffs. London eliminated the Owen Sound Attack and the Erie Otters in the opening two rounds of the postseason.
The Knights are pursuing their sixth OHL title after hoisting the Robertson Cup last spring. They came within one win of hoisting the Memorial Cup last June in Saginaw.
The Generals are back where they were this time last year, eliminating the Barrie Colts in four games to earn the Bobby Orr Trophy for the second straight spring. The fourth-seed Generals have made their way through a challenging set of opponents, with previous series victories over the Brampton Steelheads and Brantford Bulldogs.
Oshawa leads the OHL with a total of 13 J. Ross Robertson Cup titles, with their latest coming in 2015 before advancing to claim the Memorial Cup in Quebec City.
The OHL Championship Series can be seen in its entirety on TSN, with Victor Findlay providing the call on play-by-play accompanied by colour analyst and OHL alumnus Frankie Corrado. The series will also be available to stream on OHL Live on CHL TV.
OHL Championship Series Schedule (1W) London Knights vs. (4E) Oshawa Generals Game 1 – Thursday, May 8 at London, 7:00pm Game 2 – Saturday, May 10 at London, 7:00pm Game 3 – Monday, May 12 at Oshawa, 7:00pm Game 4 – Tuesday, May 13 at Oshawa, 7:00pm Game 5 – Thursday, May 15 at London, 7:00pm* Game 6 – Saturday, May 17 at Oshawa, 7:00pm* Game 7 – Monday, May 19 at London, Time TBD*
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced Top Performers of the Week for the week of playoff games ending Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Generals’ Luca Marrelli Named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week
Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Luca Marrelli of the Oshawa Generals is the Cogeco OHL Player of the Week, registering a goal, six assists and seven points over two games played.
Helping the Generals secure their second straight trip to the OHL Championship Series, Marrelli recorded two assists in Tuesday’s 7-6 double-overtime win over the Barrie Colts. He followed up with a standout performance on Thursday, notching a goal and four assists to earn first star honours in an 8-4 victory.
A 19-year-old from Toronto, Ont., Marrelli racked up 74 points (19-55–74) in 67 games this season. Selected by Oshawa in the fifth round (81st overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selection, the 6-foot-2, 185 lb. defenceman has totaled 171 points (30-141–171) over 254 career regular season games. Leading all OHL scorers in the postseason, he’s recorded six goals, 25 assists, and 31 points through 16 games in the 2025 OHL Playoffs, establishing a new Generals playoff record by a defender. Marrelli was selected in the third round (86th overall) by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2024 NHL Draft and signed an entry-level contract with the club on December 11, 2024.
Also considered for this week’s award, Generals teammates in Anaheim Ducks prospect Beckett Sennecke (1-6-7) and 2025 NHL Draft-eligible forward Owen Griffin (3-2-5) helped Oshawa secure the Eastern Conference crown.
Knights’ Austin Elliott Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
Austin Elliott of the London Knights is the OHL Goaltender of the Week for the third time this season, playing to a 2-0 record along with a 2.00 goals-against average and .920 save percentage.
Backstopping the Knights to their third consecutive OHL Championship Series appearance, Elliott made a total of 46 saves last week. He stopped 21 of the 23 shots he faced on Monday in a 3-2 win over the Kitchener Rangers. The 6-foot-1, 189lb. netminder returned between the pipes on Wednesday, making 25 saves in a 4-2 victory to help the Knights clinch the Wayne Gretzky Trophy as Western Conference champions.
A 20-year-old from Strathmore, Alberta, Elliott posted an outstanding regular season with a 32-1-0-0 record, three shutouts, a 2.10 goals-against average, and a .924 save percentage. He’s remained perfect in the playoffs, going 12-0 with one shutout, a 2.31 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage. The Knights acquired the overage netminder from the Barrie Colts, who had claimed him off CHL waivers in early October. Elliott joined the OHL after beginning his junior career with the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades.
2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Playoffs: Apr. 28 – May 4: Austin Elliott (London Knights) Apr. 21 – Apr. 27: Jacob Oster (Oshawa Generals) Apr. 14 – Apr. 20: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers) Apr. 7 – Apr. 13: Sam Hillebrandt (Barrie Colts) Mar. 31 – Apr. 6: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers) Mar. 24 – Mar. 30: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs)
2024-25 OHL Goaltenders of the Week – Regular Season: Mar. 17 – Mar. 23: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion) Mar. 10 – Mar. 16: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs) Mar. 3 – Mar. 9: Austin Elliott (London Knights) Feb. 14 – Mar. 2: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds) Feb. 17 – Feb. 23: Mike McIvor (North Bay Battalion) Feb. 10 – Feb. 16: Collin MacKenzie (Ottawa 67’s) Feb. 3 – Feb. 9: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs) Jan. 27 – Feb. 2: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack) Jan. 20 – Jan. 26: Austin Elliott (London Knights) Jan. 13 – Jan. 19: Nolan Lalonde (Soo Greyhounds) Jan. 6 – Jan. 12: Easton Rye (Peterborough Petes) Dec. 30 – Jan. 5: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers) Dec. 28 – Dec. 29: Ben Hrebik (Barrie Colts) Dec. 16 – Dec. 22: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds) Dec. 9 – Dec. 15: Ryerson Leenders (Brantford Bulldogs) Dec. 2 – Dec. 8: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers) Nov. 25 – Dec. 1: Aleksei Medvedev (London Knights) Nov. 18 – Nov. 24: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers) Nov. 11 – Nov. 17: Carter George (Owen Sound Attack) Nov. 4 – Nov. 10: Andrew Oke (Saginaw Spirit) Oct. 28 – Nov. 3: Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers) Oct. 21 – Oct. 27: Nathan Day (Flint Firebirds) Oct. 14 – Oct. 20: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires) Oct. 7 – Oct. 13: Finn Marshall (Sudbury Wolves) Sept. 30 – Oct. 6: Joey Costanzo (Windsor Spitfires) Sept. 25 – Sept. 29: Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads)
Rangers’ Cameron Arquette Named OHL Rookie of the Week
Cameron Arquette of the Kitchener Rangers is the OHL Rookie of the Week, registering a goal and an assist across two games played.
Arquette recorded a goal and an assist to earn second star honours in Monday’s Game 3 of the West Final, despite the Rangers falling 3-2 to the London Knights.
Selected by Kitchener in the fourth round (71st overall) of the 2023 OHL Priority Selection from the Sun County Panthers U16 AAA program, the 18-year-old from Wheatley, Ont. suited up in 53 regular season games with the Rangers this year, registering eight goals and seven assists for 15 points. He spent the 2023-24 campaign with the OJHL’s Leamington Flyers, where he tallied 43 points (15-28–43) in 45 games. Despite Kitchener’s Western Conference playoff exit against the Knights, Arquette appeared in 16 postseason contests, contributing one goal and four assists.
The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) final between the London Knights and Oshawa Generals is shaping up to be a thrilling showdown, steeped in history and fueled by high stakes. This year’s series marks a highly anticipated rematch of last season’s final, where London dominated Oshawa in a sweep. Both teams have been on a warpath this season, carving their way through the playoffs to set up another dramatic battle for the J. Ross Robertson Cup.
Last Season’s Final: London’s Domination
The 2024 OHL final was a one-sided affair, with the London Knights cruising to a 4-0 series sweep over the Generals. The Knights overwhelmed Oshawa with their firepower, outscoring them 31-9 in four games. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan was the series MVP, finishing with 34 points in 18 playoff games. Oshawa struggled to find an answer to London’s relentless offense, and their goaltending simply couldn’t keep pace with the Knights’ relentless attack.
Now, a year later, the Generals are hungry for redemption. They’ve made adjustments, added depth, and refined their approach, hoping to avoid a repeat of last season’s heartbreak.
How They Got Here in 2025
Both teams have steamrolled through the playoffs, proving why they deserve to be in the final.
London Knights
London continues to be an OHL powerhouse, sweeping the Kitchener Rangers in the Western Conference final. In fact, the Knights are riding an incredible 17-game playoff win streak, dating back to last season.
Their offense has remained elite, led by Cowan, who has eight goals and 27 points in 12 playoff games. Defenseman Sam Dickinson, a San Jose Sharks prospect, has been a crucial presence on the blue line, shutting down opposing top scorers while contributing offensively. Meanwhile, goaltender Austin Elliott has held firm, sporting a 2.31 GAA and a .904 save percentage.
Oshawa Generals
Oshawa matched London’s dominance by sweeping the Barrie Colts in the Eastern Conference final. The Generals boast three of the top five playoff scorers, making them a far more dangerous team than they were last year.
Colby Barlow (13 goals, 29 points), Luca Marrelli (six goals, 31 points), and Beckett Sennecke (12 goals, 27 points) have been instrumental in Oshawa’s success. Goaltender Jacob Oster has been solid between the pipes, earning 12 wins with a 2.82 GAA.
This version of the Generals has more offensive firepower and a stronger defensive core compared to last year’s squad. Will it be enough to finally take down London?
Regular Season Matchups
The two teams met twice during the regular season, splitting their matchups:
December 6, 2024: Oshawa defeated London 5-3 in a statement win on the road.
March 2, 2025: London edged Oshawa 4-3, showcasing their resilience.
These matchups suggest this final will be far more competitive than last year’s one-sided sweep.
Players to Watch
London Knights
Easton Cowan (F) – London’s star forward, Cowan is a clutch player with elite playmaking skills.
Sam Dickinson (D) – two-way defenseman who plays a pivotal role in London’s structure.
Austin Elliott (G) – If Elliott keeps up his form, London will be nearly impossible to beat.
Oshawa Generals
Luca Marrelli (F, Columbus Blue Jackets prospect) – Leads the playoffs in points and is a nightmare for defenders.
Colby Barlow (F, Winnipeg Jets prospect) – A pure goal-scorer with an incredible finishing touch.
Jacob Oster (G) – The key to Oshawa’s defensive success—his ability to shut down London’s offensive weapons will determine this series.
Final Thoughts
This OHL final will be nothing short of spectacular. Oshawa is better prepared than last year, with more depth and confidence. London, however, remains the gold standard of the league, carrying their perfect playoff record into the championship series.
Can the Generals finally dethrone the Knights? Or will London continue their dynastic run? Buckle up—this series will be a thrilling battle for OHL supremacy.
The CHL was the only development hockey league in the world to feature one player on eight of the 10 participating countries at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship
FRISCO, TX — Tonight, 25 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) players proudly won gold as Canada topped the podium at the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship by defeating Sweden 7-0 in Saturday’s final in Frisco, Texas. The victory gave Canada consecutive gold medals at the IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship for the first time in their program’s history.
Having not allowed a goal over the last 144 minutes and 53 seconds of action he saw, Jack Ivankovic (Brampton Steelheads / OHL) recorded his second shutout of the tournament by stopping all 28 shots he faced in Saturday’s final. Brady Martin (Soo Greyhounds / OHL) led all skaters in the gold medal game with two goals, while Jackson Smith (Tri-City Americans / WHL), Xavier Villeneuve (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / QMJHL), Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs / OHL), Braeden Cootes (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL), and Jack Nesbitt (Windsor Spitfires / OHL) also lit the lamp for Canada.
Named the Top Goalie of the tournament, Ivankovic led all netminders in goals-against average (1.05), save percentage (.960), and shutouts (2) during the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship. In front of Ivankovic, Canada’s blueline contributed 12 goals at the U18s, led by Villeneuve (4G-4A in 7 GP) and Smith (4G-1A in 7 GP), who both recorded four goals in seven games, the most of any defencemen in the tournament. Canadian captain Cootes (6G-6A in 7 GP) led the team in scoring with 12 points through Canada’s undefeated run to a second straight gold medal. Following the gold-medal game, Ivankovic and Martin (3G-8A in 7 GP) were named to the tournament’s Media All-Star Team.
Although his country fell short against Canada in Saturday’s final, Swedish forward Filip Ekberg (Ottawa 67’s / OHL) put together an impressive performance in Texas as he was identified as the MVP and the Top Forward of the 2025 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship. Leading the tournament with 18 points (10G-8A) in seven games, Ekberg established a new single-tournament record for points by a Swede at the U18 World Championship by besting the previous mark of 16. In addition to being one of three CHL players to be selected to the tournament’s Media All-Star Team, Ekberg’s 10 goals were the most of any player at the tournament and now stand as the most-ever by a Swede at this event.
Earlier during the day, Blake Fiddler (Edmonton Oil Kings / WHL) and the United States earned bronze by defeating Slovakia 4-3 in overtime. Playing in his hometown of Frisco, Texas, Fiddler registered a pair of goals and added an assist over his seven games at the tournament.
In total, 27 players from the CHL proudly took home medals at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship (see complete list below), including 13 from the Western Hockey League (WHL), 10 players from the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and four from the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
A total of 37 CHL players participated in the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship (see complete list below), which was the most of any development hockey league in the world. The CHL was the only development hockey league in the world to feature one player on eight of the 10 participating countries at the tournament, showcasing the league’s global impact and commitment to developing elite talent.
Among the 37 CHL players who participated in the event, 25 of them were listed in NHL Central Scouting’s Final Rankings ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft, including Czech defenceman Radim Mrtka (Seattle Thunderbirds / WHL), Slovakian forward Andreas Straka (Québec Remparts / QMJHL), and German captain Carlos Händel (Halifax Mooseheads / QMJHL). There were also nine CHL skaters eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft who competed in the tournament, including seven members of Team Canada (Carels, Villeneuve, Di Iorio, Lin, Roobroeck, Rudolph, Verhoeff).
Following Canada’s gold medal victory on Saturday, Ethan Czata (Niagara IceDogs / OHL), Tyler Hopkins (Kingston Frontenacs / OHL), Alex Huang (Chicoutimi Saguenéens / QMJHL), and Cameron Schmidt (Vancouver Giants / WHL) joined Ivankovic, Erie Otters (OHL) defenceman Matthew Schaefer, and Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) forward Caleb Desnoyers as the only players to ever win gold for Team Canada at the U17s, U18s, and Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
Team Canada was led by two-time Stanley Cup champion and Guelph Storm head coach Cory Stillman (Guelph Storm / OHL), who served as the squad’s bench boss. He was joined by associate coach Travis Crickard (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL), assistant coach Mathieu Turcotte (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada / QMJHL), and goaltending consultant Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / WHL).
Since 2002, Canada has now won six gold medals at the IIHF U18 World Championship (2003, 2008, 2013, 2021, 2024, 2025), in addition to one silver (2005) and four bronze (2012, 2014, 2015, 2023).
37 CHL PLAYERS COMPETED AT THE 2025 IIHF U18 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
Owen Griffin of the Oshawa Generals. Photo by Tim Cornett/OHL Images
Owen Griffin has emerged as a promising talent in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), playing for the Oshawa Generals. After a challenging rookie season, Griffin has bounced back in his sophomore year, proving his ability to adapt and thrive in high-level competition.
A Season of Growth with the Oshawa Generals
Griffin was selected sixth overall in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection by the Generals. His rookie season was a struggle, as he managed only six points throughout the campaign. However, his second season has been a different story. Griffin started strong, and has since maintained a steady offensive presence. He finished the season with 22 goals and 29 assists through 62 games. More importantly, he has raised his game to a new level in these playoffs with 15 goals and 11 assists through 16 games.
Griffin is known for his above average playmaking ability and hockey IQ. Despite his 5-foot-10, 170-pound frame, he is fearless in battling for pucks in tight areas. His puck handling and shooting skills could make him an offensive threat. Ranked 197th NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings, he climbed all the way to 70th on their final rankings (both among North American skaters), suggesting concerns about his size have also diminished.
One of Griffin’s standout qualities is his relentless motor. He excels in forechecking, using his speed and awareness to disrupt plays and create scoring opportunities. His defensive positioning is another strong suit, as he consistently places himself in passing lanes and supports teammates in transition.
Griffin is projected to be selected in the fourth or fifth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. While he may not have the flashiness of some top prospects, his hard-nosed playing style and ability to generate offense make him an intriguing pick for teams looking for a reliable two-way forward. If he continues his strong postseason performance, he could rise on draft boards before the big day.
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League today announced that Kory Cooper of the Kingston Frontenacs is the 2024-25 recipient of the Jim Gregory OHL General Manager of the Year Award.
In his fourth season as General Manger in Kingston, Cooper helped construct the fifth 40-win season in Frontenacs history as they played to an overall record of 40-20-5-3. He made a pair of high impact trades leading into the 2024-25 season with the acquisitions of veteran centreman Cedrick Guindon from the Owen Sound Attack as well as eventual 90-point producer Tuomas Uronen from the Ottawa 67’s, who came off a campaign limited to just 11 games at the time of the trade. The Fronts were powered by former second round draft choices Jacob Battaglia and captain Quinton Burns while offseason recruit Emil Pieniniemi also made an impact, recording a point-per-game from the blueline.
“I am honoured to be selected as the recipient of the Jim Gregory Award for the 2024-25 season,” said Cooper. “Mr. Gregory was someone who helped evolve and shape the General Manager’s role into what it is today. To receive an award named in his honour is truly meaningful.
“It is my belief that this award is a team award, and I can only be successful by surrounding myself with good people,” he added. “I am surrounded by an incredible group of individuals that should all be proud of their contributions to this accomplishment.”
One of the highlights of the Frontenacs’ season came in the form of a 16-game winning streak at Slush Puppie Place, a new franchise record that spanned from December 8th through March 14th. Cooper’s Frontenacs proved to be one of the league’s best on home ice, finishing the season with a 25-7-1-1 record as hosts.
The second half saw the addition of veterans in goaltender Charlie Schenkel from the Soo Greyhounds and a former Memorial Cup champion trio of Ethan Hay, Joey Willis and Will Bishop acquired from the Saginaw Spirit as the Frontenacs would go on to reach a deciding Game 7 of their second round series against the Barrie Colts.
Cooper was selected as winner of the annual honour after he and finalists Matt Turek of the Brantford Bulldogs, Bill Bowler of the Windsor Spitfires and Mark Hunter of the London Knights finished as front-runners in voting by OHL General Managers. The final winner was decided upon by a committee consisting of media representatives from a market in each of the OHL’s four divisions, a representative from NHL Central Scouting, as well as a representative from the Ontario Hockey League.
“I could not be happier for a more deserving individual,” said Frontenacs President and Governor Doug Springer. “Kory works tirelessly to make our organization better on and off the ice. Additionally, there isn’t a person I know that cares more about his players than Coop, and I admire his commitment to providing the best experience for them. I am proud to call him the General Manager of the Kingston Frontenacs.”
Originally from Winsloe, PEI, Cooper enjoyed a four-year OHL playing career as a goaltender with the Belleville Bulls and Sudbury Wolves from 1994-98. After eight years of professional hockey, Cooper transitioned into coaching where he served as Goaltending Coach with the Frontenacs from 2005-10 before stints with the Mississauga Steelheads and the AHL’s Belleville Senators. After a season as Assistant General Manager in Kingston, he was named General Manager of the Fronts in July 2021.
First announced in August 2019, the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award is presented annually to the General Manager who best excelled in his role during the regular season. The award honours the memory of one of the game’s great builders in former long-time NHL executive Jim Gregory who passed away in October 2019 at the age of 83.
Cooper follows previous award winners in Adam Dennis of the North Bay Battalion in 2024, Mark Hunter of the London Knights in 2023, Steve Staios of the Hamilton Bulldogs in 2022 and James Boyd of the Ottawa 67’s in 2020. He’ll be formally presented with the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award at the OHL’s Awards Ceremony at The Hockey Hall of Fame in June.
Oshawa, ON – The Oshawa Generals are heading back to the OHL Championship Series for a rematch with the London Knights, defeating the Barrie Colts by a score of 8-4 at home on Thursday to complete the series sweep.
Tied at three entering he third period, a breakaway goal from Matthew Buckley broke the deadlock, inspiring an Oshawa run of three goals in under two minutes to establish a three-goal cushion.
“We understood the magnitude of the third period and I thought it was our best period. It’s a good way to close things out,” said Generals head coach Brad Malone, currently in his first OHL season at the helm. “I’m very confident in the guys, I just wish I was playing with them. It’s been a pleasure to be back there behind the bench and work with them everyday. It’s been a lot of fun.”
Generals blueliner Luca Marrelli was the game’s first star with a goal and four assists as he climbed into the OHL playoff scoring lead with 31 points (6-25–31) over 16 games. NHL Draft prospect Owen Griffin was also a standout with two goals and an assist. New York Islanders prospect Calum Ritchie also had three points, finishing with a goal and two helpers.
Oshawa wins a second straight Bobby Orr Trophy, advancing to the OHL Championship Series after eliminating Brampton, Brantford and now Barrie.
“We played three great teams, they were all hard series,” said Generals forward Colby Barlow. There’s a lot of leadership in our room and it’s a special group of guys to be able to do this with.”
The Barrie Colts see their season come to an end, one that saw them claim the Emms Trophy as Central Division champions. Barrie overagers Beau Jelsma, Dalyn Wakely and Owen Van Steensel each played their final OHL contest to cap-off successful careers.
“It’s not the outcome we wanted, we’ve been grinding all season long and I love all those guys in there,” said Colts forward Cole Beaudoin. “We fought till the end. I’m proud of the group but it’s definitely frustrating.”
“The East was a different animal this year, it was a real gauntlet and there were six teams who all could win,” said Colts head coach Marty Williamson. “Oshawa’s the last man standing. I’m proud of this group of guys. I thought when we got the fourth goal we were going to be able to come back tonight but it just wasn’t meant to be.”
The Oshawa Generals become the first team to ever win back-to-back Bobby Orr Trophies since it was first introduced under the conference format in 1999. It marks the Generals’ third Eastern Conference title after previously coming out on top in 2024 and 2015.
Generals overagers Jacob Oster, Luca D’Amato and Luke Torrance were presented with the Bobby Orr Trophy by OHL Vice President of Hockey Operations Barclay Branch before a crowd of 5,915 at the Tribute Communities Centre.
Kitchener, ON – The London Knights are Western Conference champions for a third straight year, defeating the Kitchener Rangers 4-2 in Game 4 of the Western Conference Championship Series on Wednesday.
Kitchener’s Luke Ellinas opened the scoring before London responded with four straight markers, completing their third straight sweep of the 2025 OHL Playoffs after previous four-game finishes against Owen Sound and Erie.
“The players are really playing well defensively and creating a lot offensively,” said Knights head coach Dale Hunter. “We played four pretty complete hockey games and we’re hard to beat when we do that.
“We played good defence,” he continued. “It’s no fun playing defence, you want to score, but it’s a credit to these guys – they buy into the team game right here and we’ve been through it before.”
Noah Read, Sam Dickinson, Kasper Halttunen and Jesse Nurmi provided London goals in front of a 25-save performance from goaltender Austin Elliott. The Knights join the 2022 Hamilton Bulldogs and 2019 Ottawa 67’s as the third team in OHL history to enter the OHL Championship Series with a perfect 12-0 record.
“Defence wins championships,” said Dickinson post-game. “It’s buying in to the systems that we play, trusting our forwards. It’s all about everyone buying in.”
The Knights become the first team in OHL history to win three consecutive Wayne Gretzky Trophies, an award first introduced with the advent of the league’s conference system in 1998-99. They join the Soo Greyhounds in the history books as the first team since 1993 to advance to three consecutive OHL Championship Series.
The Kitchener Rangers saw their season come to an end on the heels of their fourth 100-point season in franchise history. Overage netminder Jackson Parsons, who was awarded the Jim Rutherford Trophy as OHL Goaltender of the Year earlier in the week, made 32 saves in his final contest.
“In one way it sucks, but in one way it’s the best ending possible,” said Parsons. “To be able to finish at home and be able to say thank you to the fans one last time. They’ve been so good to me and I’m so proud to be a Ranger.”
The Knights, who claim the Wayne Gretzky Trophy for the ninth time in franchise history, advance to face the winner of an Eastern Conference Final series between the Oshawa Generals and Barrie Colts, a series Oshawa leads 3-0 heading into Game 4 on Thursday night at home.
Knights overage players Jacob Julien, Landon Sim and Austin Elliott were presented with the Wayne Gretzky Trophy by OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford following a game played before a sold out crowd of 7,496 at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
OHL Writers 