Gameday in 5
A recap of the week that was (Nov. 8-14) — and a look to the week ahead — for London’s teams and athletes.
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
It was a 2-1 week for the Knights, who suffered just their second loss of the season Tuesday, a 4-3 defeat in overtime against the Guelph Storm at Budweiser Gardens. Most of the action in that contest took place in the second period, where the lead changed twice and the Storm took a 3-2 into the intermission. Antonio Stranges tied the game late in the third (his first of the season) to force the extra frame, but the Storm scored just 9 seconds into overtime to earn the win. Colton Smith (7) and Max McCue (3) were the other goal scorers for London, while Ruslan Gazizov had a pair of assists.
The Knights bounced back in a big way Friday, beating the first-place (West Division) Soo Greyhounds, 7-4. The Knights took an early lead and finished off strong. Six different London players scored goals, including two by Max McCue (5). Brody Crane scored his first OHL goal, while Colton Smith (8), Cody Morgan (4), Liam Gilmartin (2) and Landon Sim (3) also scored for the Knights.
The Knights delivered another outpouring of offense on Saturday in Erie, as they beat the Otters, 7-4, in their second game across the border this season. Ahead 2-1 after the first period, the Knights allowed three straight Erie goals to fall behind 4-2. But a late second-period goal by Denver Barkey (2) shifted the momentum, and the Knights went on to score four unanswered goals in the third to secure the win. Brody Crane (3) had two goals and Antonio Stranges (3) had a pair of goals and an assist, while Cody Morgan (5) and Luke Evangelista (12) also found the back of the net.
Up next:
The Knights (11-1-1-0), first place in the Midwest Division (four points ahead of Guelph), will look to continue their success during a very busy week ahead. They’ll play four games in all, including a pair of home-and-home matchups against the Sarnia Sting and Kitchener Rangers.
Tue. Nov. 16 (7:05pm @ Sarnia Sting)
Fri. Nov. 19 (7:30pm vs. Sarnia Sting)
Sat. Nov. 20 (4:00pm vs. Kitchener Rangers)
Sun. Nov. 21 (2:00pm @ Kitchener Rangers)
The Nationals won two of three last week, starting with a big 8-3 home win over the LaSalle Vipers. Ahead 3-1 after one, the Nats never looked back. Two goals from Lucas Chard got the team off to a strong start. Zach Power had a goal and three assists, while captain Jeff Burridge had an impressive six-point night (two goals and four assists).
The Nationals weren’t as fortunate in their game Friday, losing 4-3 to the St. Marys Lincolns in a shootout. Down 3-2 at the end of the second period, Power scored the game-tying goal in the third to force overtime — and eventually a shootout. The two teams swapped goals in the first round before two rounds of no goals. St. Mary’s scored in the fourth round to win the game.
On Saturday, the Nats got back in the win column, beating the Strathroy Rockets 5-3. Thomas Harbour opened the scoring with a power-play goal to put the Nats ahead in the first. London added three goals in the second to go ahead 4-1. The Rockets scored two in the third to come within a goal before Harbour scored an empty-net goal to seal the win. Jeff Burridge and Josh Cornfield both had a goal and an assist.
Up next:
The Nationals (12-3-0-1), who enter the week in first place in the GOJHL’s Western Conference, will look to separate themselves from the second-place Leamington Flyers this week when they take on the St. Thomas Stars (6-9-0-1) and Chatham Maroons (9-5-1-2).
Wed. Nov. 17 (7:00pm vs. St. Thomas Stars)
Sun. Nov. 21 (3:30pm @ Chatham Maroons)
The National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) released its schedule for the 2022 season last week, and the London Lightning’s 24-game slate, which will tip off Feb. 5, will include games against the other returning Ontario teams (Sudbury Five, KW Titans and Windsor Express), as well as four U.S.-based teams (Lansing Pharoahs, Syracuse Stallions, Albany Patroons and Flint United).
The Lightning, who are busy recruiting players for the season, will tip off first against Sudbury and play their first home Feb. 11 against the same northern Ontario team. The regular season for the league’s 10th anniversary campaign will run to April 28 and then be followed by playoffs. Stay tuned to Gameday London’s Lightning team page for updates and stories as the roster is built leading up to the season.
The Mustangs are headed to the 2021 Yates Cup after beating the Guelph Gryphons, 33-12, on Saturday. Guelph was the only team to beat the Mustangs during the regular season. The OUA semi-final was close through two quarters, with the Mustangs leading just 14-9 at the half. Overall, Western’s defense held the Gryphons to 12 points (all via field goals). The Mustangs put up a touchdown in the third quarter and then four field goals of their own in the fourth (courtesy Brian Garrity) to secure a spot in the finals. Keon Edwards ran in a pair of one-year touchdowns, while Justin Nickson caught an Evan Hillock touchdown pass in the win.
Up next:
The Mustangs (7-1) will play the Queen’s Gaels on the road Saturday in this year's Yates Cup. The Gaels are a perfect 8-0 this season, and they’ve continued their dominance into the playoffs. The winner will earn a trip to the national semi-finals.
Sat. Nov. 20 (1:00pm @ Queen’s Gaels)
Around the Perimeter: London and KW are the final two teams standing. It’s experience vs. youth; Will Lightning match the Titans’ energy?; Will defense decide this matchup? Read our series preview …