Gameday in 5
A look to the week ahead — and a recap of the week that was (Jan. 17-23) — for London’s teams and athletes.
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
Facing one of their toughest weekends to date, the Knights won two of three, including splitting their home-and-home series against their most difficult Midwest rival this year, the Guelph Storm. London got off to a strong start Friday night, beating the Erie Otters 6-2 at home. Trailing 2-1 after the first period, the Knights stormed back, scoring three goals in the second and adding two in the third. Isaiah George scored the game-winner, while Sean McGurn and Luke Evangelista both scored twice in the game.
The Knights followed up Friday’s victory with another one — a 5-3 win over division rival Guelph on the road on Saturday night. Up 1-0 to start the second, the Knights allowed three straight goals before Gerard Keane answered back. London then scored three unanswered goals in the third, with Antonio Stranges notching the game-winner on a breakaway. Cody Morgan, Sean McGurn, and Luke Evangelista were the team’s other goal scorers.
The Knights didn’t fare as well on Sunday. A quick turnaround against the same Guelph Storm on Sunday afternoon resulted in a 3- 2 loss for the home side at Budweiser Gardens. Trailing 2-0 early in the second period, London responded with two goals of their own, with Easton Cowan (the first of his OHL career) and Brody Crane doing the honours. But the Storm scored a short-handed goal early in the period to pull ahead 3-2, and the visitors held on to that lead for the remainder of the game.
Up next:
The Knights (21-10-1-0) enter the week in first place in the Midwest Division (two points ahead of Guelph) and second in the Western Conference (two points behind the Soo Greyhounds). The week will feature a trio of games against U.S. opponents, including a pair against ninth-place Saginaw.
Fri. Jan. 28 (7:30pm vs. Saginaw Spirit)
Sat. Jan. 29 (7:05pm @ Saginaw Spirit)
Sun. Jan. 30 (2:00pm @ Flint Firebirds)
The National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) announced it has pushed the start of its 10th anniversary season back to align with the lifting of provincial COVID-19 restrictions. The season's original start date was February 5, but it has been moved to February 21, Family Day, the date the province has announced that arenas will be allowed 50% capacity.
The Lightning will now open the season on the road against the KW Titans, with tip-off scheduled for 2:00pm. Stay tuned for the release of the remainder of the schedule.
The Majors re-signed pitcher Braeden Ferrington for the 2022 season. Ferrington enjoyed a career year in 2021, leading all relievers with a 0.86 ERA during the regular season. He fell just 6 1/3 innings from qualifying for the league’s ERA crown, and he played a key role in helping the Majors capture a league pennant in 2021.
The Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) released its schedule for the 2022 season, which will feature each team playing 42 regular season games. The Majors will open the season on May 15 with a rematch against their opponent in the 2021 IBL Final: the Toronto Maple Leafs. The game will be played in Toronto at Christie Pits. London’s home opener is scheduled for May 20 against the Kitchener Panthers.
The Majors will play each of their opponents six times during the season. Friday nights at 7:35pm will remain the primary home night for London. On Canada Day, they’ll host the Barrie Baycats at 6:00pm. The team’s regular season will wrap up August 21 against the Maple Leafs.
The Nationals (18-4-1-1) remained away from the ice due to government restrictions around COVID-19, but an announcement was made by the GOJHL that the season will officially resume on January 31.
The Nationals will return to the ice with a brand new coaching staff, as well as a roster shakeup after several moves in the new year — most notably the loss of top scorer Zach Power, who will complete his junior season in Manitoba.
Natalie Thirsk, a para athlete, has become a Canadian record holder in three short years. Her cerebral palsy doesn’t define her, but she’s a passionate advocate for persons with disabilities. Will she one day compete at the Paralympics?