The London Knights bounced back in Game 2 of the OHL Finals with a commanding 5-2 victory over the Oshawa Generals on May 10, 2025, evening the best-of-seven series at 1-1.
A Strong Response from London
After dropping Game 1, the Knights came out determined to make a statement. Oshawa struck first, with Cal Ritchie capitalizing on a rebound at 9:16 of the first period to give the Generals a 1-0 lead. However, London’s Easton Cowan, who had been held off the scoresheet in Game 1, responded with a brilliant individual effort at 16:37, firing a shot past Jacob Oster to tie the game at 1-1.
Knights Take Control
The second period saw London take control of the game. Cowan set up Sam O’Reilly for a give-and-go goal just past the five-minute mark, putting the Knights ahead 2-1. Moments later, Oliver Bonk extended the lead to 3-1 with a perfectly placed wrist shot over Oster’s shoulder. Oshawa answered quickly, as LukeTorrance knocked in a loose puck to cut the deficit to 3-2.
Sealing the Victory
Cowan continued his dominant performance, stealing the puck in the neutral zone and setting up Jacob Julien for a one-timer that made it 4-2 heading into the third period. The Knights held off Oshawa’s push in the final frame, killing off two Generals power plays before Cowan iced the game with an empty-net goal at 1:39 remaining.
Looking Ahead
With the series now tied, both teams will shift their focus to Game 3 in Oshawa on May 12. The Knights will look to build on their momentum, while the Generals aim to reclaim the series lead.
London’s ability to respond after a tough loss shows their resilience, and with Cowan leading the charge, they are poised to make a deep run for the championship. The battle for the J. Ross Robertson Cup is heating up, and fans can expect more thrilling action as the series progresses.
Toronto, ON – The Ontario Hockey League (OHL) today announced that London Knights captain Denver Barkey is this year’s recipient of the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the OHL Humanitarian of the Year.
Through his Barkey’s Buds program in partnership with the London Knights Fan Club, the Philadelphia Flyers prospect led a cause that resulted in the donation of more than 1,500 pieces of hockey equipment to children with learning, emotional and social disabilities through the George Bray Sports Association. More than 500 tickets were provided through the Barkey’s Buds initiative so that London-area children and their families could come and watch a Knights game. Through equipment donations, 10 children were able to register in an organized hockey program for the first time.
“It’s such an honour to receive this award,” said Barkey. ” Ever since I came to London as a 16-year-old the support and passion from the fans was something I noticed right away. Now being in my last year, to be able to start Barkey’s Buds and give back to the community that has treated me and my teammates so well was the least I could do. It’s really special for me, my family and the fan club to see so many kids and their families get a chance to play and watch the game we love.”
In addition to his work with Barkey’s Buds, the fourth-year Knights forward participated in monthly visits to Children’s Hospital in London and took part in several school visits to speak with students about the importance of teamwork, healthy living and commitment to their studies. He also attended practices with local minor hockey teams, providing a mentorship presence on the ice.
“It’s a proud moment for Denver and his family and for the London Knights organization,” said Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter. “Denver is a high character young man and for him to take on this community service is something that we take pride in, giving back to the London area. Denver along with Knights Fan Club President Sav Neth and our fans have done a tremendous job this season.”
Barkey finished his fourth OHL season with the Knights registering 25 goals, 57 assists and 82 points over 50 games with a plus/minus rating of plus-46. The 20-year-old from Newmarket, Ont. has compiled 258 points (89-169–258) over 228 career regular season games since being London’s first round (16th overall) pick in the 2021 OHL Priority Selection. Barkey helped the Knights hoist the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions last spring, producing 27 points (6-21–27) over 18 games. He was Philadelphia’s third round (95th overall) pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and signed with the Flyers on March 3, 2024.
“The impact that Denver and the London Knights organization have made in our community goes far beyond the rink,” said Sav Neth, President of the London Knights Fan Club. “Their unwavering support and generosity have opened doors for countless young people, giving them not just the chance to watch a game, but to dream, belong, and grow through the sport of hockey. For many kids, this is more than just a game — it’s a source of confidence, connection, and purpose. By investing in our youth, Denver and the Knights are shaping stronger individuals and a more united community, leaving a legacy that will inspire generations to come.”
Each year the OHL awards a player that has demonstrated outstanding qualities as a positive role model in the community with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy. The Ontario Hockey League Board of Governors announced in 2004 that the OHL Humanitarian of the Year award would be named in recognition of the former Owen Sound Platers captain, who was twice named his team’s Humanitarian of the Year in recognition of his tremendous efforts in supporting community activities.
Barkey follows Jason Metcalfe (1998) as the second player in London Knights history to win the award. Other recent OHL recipients include Mason Vaccari of the Kingston Frontenacs (2023-24), Dalyn Wakely of the North Bay Battalion (2022-23) and Mark Woolley of the Owen Sound Attack (2021-22).
Barkey finished as this year’s award recipient followed by finalists Carson Woodall of the Windsor Spitfires and Nic Sima of the Saginaw Spirit.
Barkey will be formally presented with the Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy at the 2025 OHL Awards Ceremony this June at The Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto.
For a full history of OHL award winners, click here.
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.
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.
Hockey fans were treated to an unforgettable night on April 29, 2025, as the Oshawa Generals edged out the Barrie Colts in a 7-6 double-overtime thriller at Tribute Communities Centre. The victory gave Oshawa a commanding 3-0 lead in the OHL Eastern Conference Final Series, putting them one step closer to the championship.
A Game for the Ages
From the opening puck drop, it was clear this matchup would be a battle. The Generals and Colts traded goals throughout regulation, with Riley Patterson leading the charge for Barrie with two goals. The Colts held a 6-5 lead with just over a minute left in the third period, but Oshawa refused to back down.
With the clock winding down, Colby Barlow—a Winnipeg Jets prospect—stepped up in a big way, scoring his second goal of the night to force overtime. Barlow also contributed an assist, proving to be a key player in Oshawa’s offensive attack.
Double-Overtime Heroics
After a tense first overtime period, the Generals finally broke through in the second OT. Luke Torrance played the role of hero, netting the game-winning goal at 8:44 of the second overtime period to send the Oshawa crowd into a frenzy. His clutch performance cemented the Generals’ victory and put them on the brink of advancing to the OHL Finals.
Key Contributors
Oshawa’s offensive firepower was on full display, with Brooks Rogowski, Beckett Sennecke, Noah Powell, and Owen Griffin all finding the back of the net. Luca Marrelli and Sennecke each tallied two assists, showcasing their playmaking abilities.
For Barrie, aside from Patterson’s two-goal effort, Anthony Romani, Cole Beaudoin, Owen Van Steensel, and Kashawn Aitcheson each chipped in with a goal. Brad Gardiner and Romani added two assists apiece, keeping the Colts competitive throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
With the series now 3-0 in favor of Oshawa, the Generals have a golden opportunity to close things out in Game 4 on Thursday. The Colts, however, will be desperate to keep their championship hopes alive and avoid elimination.
If this game was any indication, fans can expect another high-intensity showdown as these two teams continue their battle for OHL supremacy.
What do you think—can Oshawa finish the job in Game 4, or will Barrie fight back?
The London Knights continued their dominant playoff run with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Kitchener Rangers in Game 3 of the OHL Western Conference Final on Monday, April 28, 2025. The win, which took place at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium, gave the Knights a commanding 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven series and set a new franchise record for most consecutive playoff victories with 11.
First Period: A Fast-Paced Start
The Knights wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, with Landon Sim opening the scoring at the 7:33 mark of the first period. Sim set up in front of the Rangers’ net and redirected a Sam Dickinson slap pass behind Kitchener goaltender Jackson Parsons to give London a 1-0 lead. The Rangers responded quickly, as Luke Ellinas found the back of the net at 9:39, tying the game at 1-1. However, London regained the lead on a power play when Jacob Julien backhanded a puck through Parsons’ legs at 16:20, marking his third goal in two games and fourth of the postseason.
Second Period: Knights Take Control
The Rangers managed to tie the game once again before the first period ended, with Cameron Arquette wristing a shot past Knights goaltender Austin Elliott on the power play. The game remained deadlocked until the midway point of the second period, when Dickinson and Sim connected for the second time in the game. Sim deflected a Dickinson shot from the left point into the Kitchener goal at 10:47, giving London a 3-2 lead heading into the final period.
Third Period: Defensive Battle
The third period was a tense, defensive showdown, with both teams battling hard to gain an edge. The Rangers came close to tying the game when Jack Pridham was sent in alone and slid a puck through Elliott’s legs, but it stalled just before crossing the goal line. London successfully killed off a double-minor penalty to start the period and held strong defensively to secure the win.
Stars of the Game
Landon Sim: With two goals, Sim was the offensive catalyst for the Knights, playing a crucial role in securing the victory.
Sam Dickinson: Dickinson’s two assists and strong defensive presence earned him recognition as one of the game’s top performers.
Jacob Julien: Julien’s power-play goal proved to be a key moment in the game, helping London maintain control.
Goaltending Matchup
London’s Austin Elliott continued his stellar postseason performance, stopping 21 of 23 shots and making several key saves to preserve the Knights’ lead. On the other side, Jackson Parsons faced a barrage of 37 shots, making 34 saves. While Parsons showed resilience, the Knights’ relentless offensive pressure proved too much to handle.
Special Teams and Key Stats
London outshot Kitchener 37-23, highlighting their offensive dominance. The Knights went 1-for-5 on the power play, while the Rangers converted 1-of-4 opportunities.
Looking Ahead
With the series shifting back to Kitchener for Game 4 on Wednesday, April 30, the Rangers face a must-win situation to keep their championship hopes alive. Meanwhile, the Knights are just one victory away from advancing to the OHL Championship Series, where they will look to defend their title.
The London Knights’ victory on April 28 was a testament to their depth, skill, and determination. As the series progresses, fans can expect more thrilling action between these two storied franchises.
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.
MEDICINE HAT, AB — By tallying five assists during Game 2 of the WHL’s Eastern Conference Championship on Saturday night, Medicine Hat Tigers forwardGavin McKenna has registered a point in 51 consecutive games dating back to November 6, 2024, making it the Canadian Hockey League’s (CHL) longest point streak of the 21st century (postseason and Memorial Cup included).
McKenna ultimately passed Québec Remparts (QMJHL) graduate Alexander Radulov, who went 50 straight games with a point from October 26 to March 15 during the 2005-06 season (see the CHL’s list of Top-10 point streaks since 2000 below).
The 17-year-old from Whitehorse, Yukon, extended his point streak to 51 games as the Medicine Hat Tigers defeated the Lethbridge Hurricanes 7-2 in Game 2 of the WHL’s Eastern Conference Championship. The five assists tallied by McKenna on Saturday night match the most he’s ever recorded in a single game in the WHL, whether in the regular season or postseason. The Tigers now lead the series 2-0 after winning the first game 5-2 on Friday night at Co-op Place in Medicine Hat. This series and the WHL’s Western Conference Championship can be seen live in their entirety and on-demand for free on Victory+.
Since November 6, McKenna has totaled 39 goals and 90 assists for 129 points in 51 contests, giving him a CHL-best 2.53 points-per-game average over that stretch. Comparatively, over his 50-game point streak in 2005-06, Remparts alumnus Alexander Radulov averaged 2.40 points per game by amassing 45 goals and 75 assists for 120 points.
McKenna initially strung together 40 straight games to cap off the 2024-25 regular season, before eventually stretching it to 51 games during the 2025 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien. Over his 51-game point streak, the Medicine Hat Tigers forward has collected 41 multi-point outings and played an important role in the Tigers’ strong second half in 2024-25.
With 36 victories in 42 contests (36-4-1-1) since the beginning of January, including 10 wins in 11 playoff games, Medicine Hat is aiming to earn its first WHL Championship title and Memorial Cup appearance since 2007. Following Game 2 of the WHL’s Eastern Conference Championship on Saturday night, through 11 postseason games in 2025, McKenna ranks third among scorers in the WHL and CHL this postseason with 29 points (7G-22A).
In addition to his current point streak and the success of his club, the 2024-25 campaign has been a memorable one for McKenna. The reigning WHL and CHL Rookie of the Year finished third in the CHL in scoring with 129 points (41G-88A), trailing only Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa (134 points) and Spokane Chiefs forward Andrew Cristall (132 points). Moreover, McKenna’s 88 assists were the most of any skater in both the WHL and CHL in 2024-25.
Earlier this season, at the end of January, McKenna reached a major milestone against the Portland Winterhawks by collecting his 200th career point in what was his 118th career regular-season game. The latter made him the third-fastest skater in the WHL to hit the mark since 1996, trailing only reigning NHL Rookie of the Year and Regina Pats alumnus Connor Bedard (107 games) and Calgary Hitmen alum Pavel Brendl (96 games). Additionally, at the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa, the Tigers forward made history by becoming the eighth youngest player to ever suit up for Team Canada at a World Juniors.
Taken first overall in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, McKenna has previously captured gold for Team Canada at both the 2024 IIHF World U18 Championship and the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Following the 2023-24 season, McKenna was named a member of both the CHL’s Third All-Star and All-Rookie Teams after he registered 97 points in 61 games as a 16-year-old.
LONGEST CHL POINT STREAKS IN A SINGLE SEASON SINCE 2000 (INCLUDES POSTSEASON & MEMORIAL CUP) (as of April 26, 2025)
COMPARISON BETWEEN GAVIN MCKENNA & ALEXANDER RADULOV’S POINT STREAKS
Gavin McKenna (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL) 39G-90A-129 PTS over 51-game point streak Averaging 2.53 points per game 41 multi-point outings Eight multi-goal games Single-game high of seven points (3G-4A) on Mar. 15, 2025
Alexander Radulov (Québec Remparts / QMJHL) 45G-75A-120 PTS over 50-game point streak Averaging 2.40 points per game 37 multi-point outings 12 multi-goal games Single-game high of seven points (6G-1A) on Oct. 28, 2005
The London Knights showcased their dominance in Game 1 of the OHL Western Conference Finals on April 25, 2025, with a commanding 5-2 victory over the Kitchener Rangers at Canada Life Place. The Knights, who entered the series well-rested after consecutive sweeps in earlier rounds, wasted no time asserting their presence.
The first period was a masterclass in offensive execution, as the Knights scored four goals to stun the Rangers. Landon Sim opened the scoring just 2:08 into the game, redirecting a pass from Cam Allen past Rangers goaltender Jackson Parsons. Less than two minutes later, Sam Dickinson, the newly crowned OHL Defenceman of the Year, capitalized on his own rebound to double the lead. Dickinson wasn’t done yet; he added another goal with just 10.2 seconds remaining in the period, bringing his tally to two goals and two assists for the night. Kasper Halttunen also contributed to the first-period onslaught with a powerful one-timer during a Knights power play.
The second period saw the teams exchange goals. Blake Montgomery extended London’s lead to 5-0 with a brilliant individual effort down the left wing. Kitchener responded with their first goal of the series, courtesy of Luca Romano, who found the back of the net on a pass from Tanner Lam. Romano struck again in the third period, narrowing the deficit to 5-2, but the Rangers couldn’t mount a comeback.
Knights goaltender Austin Elliott was solid between the pipes, making key saves to preserve the lead, while the Knights’ penalty kill went a perfect 3-for-3. The Rangers struggled to find their rhythm, outshot 41-24 by the Knights.
Sam Dickinson was undoubtedly the star of the game, leading the Knights with his four-point performance. His contributions on both ends of the ice highlighted why he is one of the league’s premier players. Kasper Halttunen and Blake Montgomery also shone, showcasing their offensive prowess.
The Knights’ victory sets the tone for the series as they chase back-to-back OHL titles. Game 2 is scheduled for April 27, and the Knights will look to build on their momentum while the Rangers aim to regroup and challenge their formidable opponents. The Battle of the 401 promises more thrilling hockey action in the days ahead.
OSHAWA GENERALS 3 – BARRIE COLTS 1
The Oshawa Generals kicked off the OHL Eastern Conference Finals with a decisive 3-1 victory over the Barrie Colts on April 25, 2025, at Sadlon Arena. The Generals, riding a wave of momentum from their previous playoff series, showcased their resilience and skill in this high-stakes opener.
The game remained scoreless through the first period, with both teams trading chances but unable to capitalize. Generals goaltender Jacob Oster and Colts netminder Sam Hillebrandt were stellar, keeping their respective teams in the contest. The second period, however, saw the Generals break through. Owen Griffin opened the scoring with his 12th goal of the playoffs, assisted by Beckett Sennecke. Griffin’s goal was confirmed after a video review, adding drama to the moment. Just minutes later, Matthew Buckley doubled Oshawa’s lead with a power-play goal, deflecting a shot from Noah Powell. Buckley’s goal also underwent video review but was upheld, solidifying the Generals’ 2-0 advantage heading into the final frame.
The Colts fought back in the third period, with Anthony Romani finding the back of the net to cut the lead to 2-1. Romani’s goal, his 10th of the playoffs, showcased his offensive prowess and gave Barrie hope for a comeback. However, Oshawa’s Calum Ritchie dashed those hopes with an empty-net goal in the final minute, sealing the Generals’ victory.
Jacob Oster was a standout performer, making 27 saves and providing a steady presence in net for Oshawa. Owen Griffin’s opening goal and overall playoff performance solidified his status as a key player for the Generals. Matthew Buckley’s power-play marker proved to be the game-winner, highlighting his ability to deliver in crucial moments. Calum Ritchie’s empty-net goal was the icing on the cake, ensuring Oshawa’s triumph.
The Generals’ win not only gave them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series but also wrested home-ice advantage from the Colts. With Game 2 set for April 27, Oshawa will look to build on their momentum, while Barrie aims to regroup and even the series. The Eastern Conference Finals promise more thrilling action as these two teams battle for a spot in the OHL Championship.
OHL Writers 