Author - Jason Winders
Jason Winders, PhD, is a journalist and sport historian who lives in London, Ont. You can follow him on Twitter @Jason_Winders.
Around the Diamond: London’s offense has gotten the job done in three early wins; Cardoso has something to prove; Payano looking like an ace; Challenge ahead against champs — and more champs. Our news & notes …
In front of the home crowd Thursday, the London Knights finished off the Oshawa Generals in Game 5 to win their second straight OHL title — and earn a trip back to the Memorial Cup for a chance to win it all.
Austin Elliott, acquired by the London Knights early in the 2024-25 campaign, has brought experience — and a whole lot of winning — to the defending OHL champs. They’re hoping he can backstop them to a Memorial Cup.
Majors fans will see plenty of new faces — including an ‘electric’ shortstop — this season, as the team embarks on a new pursuit of an IBL championship. We preview the new roster, new season …
Knight Watch: London takes a perfect 12-0 playoff record into the OHL Finals; It’s a rematch vs. Oshawa; Can anyone stop London this year?; Knights look to book ticket to Memorial Cup …
With the season wrapped up, we ask: How can BSL basketball be better in Year 3? Our senior columnist, Jason Winders, has some ideas to improve game play, the fan experience, and the league’s professionalism …
Knight Watch: London has won eight straight to open playoffs. Can they continue momentum against Kitchener Rangers?; Star goalie Jackson Parsons gives Kitchener a chance. Columnist Jake Jeffrey previews the matchup …
After three straight championship seasons, the London Lightning played .500 basketball this year and got bounced in a postseason play-in game. Where does the franchise go from here? …
Knight Watch: After sweeping Owen Sound, London takes on the No. 5 Erie Otters in the second round of the OHL playoffs; Columnist Jake Jeffrey previews the matchup — and predicts the rest of the OHL series …
Around the Perimeter: London set for one-game playoff in New York. Winner moves on to semi; Coach Williams believes he’s found the right mix; Can Lightning conquer the Jackals’ den? …
Knight Watch: London squares off against No. 8 seed Owen Sound — and star goalie Carter George — in Round 1 of OHL playoffs; Columnist Jake Jeffrey previews the matchup — and has predictions for each OHL series …
Billy White, the long-time versatile veteran, is one of only three Lightning players left from the opening night roster. The former MVP has been a consistent presence — and he’s stepped up his game down the stretch.
Knight Watch: London wraps up regular season with three competitive contests this week; Sim hits 30-goal mark. Will Cowan, others follow?; Dickinson sets new D-man points mark; Playoff prep begins now …
Knight Watch: London can clinch with one win; Hunter reaches milestone victory; Elliott named OHL Goaltender of the Week; A hat-trick times two; It’s a busy four-game week …
Beckham Edwards, a Komoka, ON, native, has had a strong first OHL season. The Sarnia Sting forward has scored against his hometown team, netted the Teddy Bear Toss goal, and improved his prospect standing.
Knight Watch: It was a hat-trick weekend, with Cowan, O’Reilly achieving the feat; Two strong East opponents ahead, including Brantford on the road and Kingston at home (Friday); Could one be an OHL Final preview? …
Around the Perimeter: More roster changes bring new faces, while others depart; Scottie Lewis contributes in first weekend; James Towns drops 42 vs. Pontiac; Three-game week ahead; Lightning fifth in standings …
Knight Watch: London coming off overtime split; Medvedev a top 3 OHL goalie on leaderboard; Brzustewicz playing with confidence; Up next: Owen Sound at home, Niagara, Oshawa on the road …
Around the Perimeter: What’s holding London back? Three-pointers, defense, turnovers …; Paul Parks moves on from team; Up next: Must-win vs. Glass City? Three games in four days …
The London Lightning have long rostered Canadian players. But that number has never been lower. Are Canucks pursuing opportunities overseas instead? Will the BSL see more Canadians in the future?
Knight Watch: Two straight 3-game weekends on tap for London; Elliott continues to dominate; Hawery impresses; Barkey sets shorthanded mark; It’s Brampton, Erie, Kitchener this weekend …
Around the Perimeter: London needs wins. Will it happen this weekend?; JR Holder, Jaylon Tate join the fold; Who is the real James Towns?; Up next: Home vs. Windsor, then another tough back-to-back …
Knight Watch: London clinches early playoff spot; Woolley’s winners sweep week; Remarkable run for Cowan comes to an end; Cam Allen faces suspension; It’s Barrie Thursday, then back home for long weekend …
Around the Perimeter: Parity a plus for league; Nothing ‘free’ from the line for London; Godfrey an impact add; We’re at the midpoint; Up next: It’s two straight against rival Sudbury …
Jachai Taylor, aka Turbo, the uber athletic London Lightning guard, is embracing creativity — on the court and in all facets of his life. It’s been freeing — and fun.
Knight Watch: London looks to rebound from Windsor loss; Can clinch playoff spot — already — with win Tuesday; Julien picking things up; Medvedev Goalie of the Month; It’s Kitchener Tuesday, Petes Friday …
Knight Watch: London spreading out the scoring; Sim kicking things off; Dickinson continues to roll; Elliott earns Goaltender of the Week honours; It’s Erie at home Friday and Windsor on the road Sunday …
Around the Perimeter: Lightning play three in four days — including a wildly quick turnaround for a game in the U.S. Sunday. London leads league in scoring, but is last in defense. Is their style sustainable?
How hot has Blake Montgomery been? Try 38 points in his last 22 games (1.73 PPG). His transition to the OHL is complete, and he’s eyeing a championship to match his brother’s 2024 win.
The London Knights, back-to-back OHL champions, were oh so close to winning a Memorial Cup last year. They return to the big tournament this spring with one goal: Winning it all …