Yesterday, the London Knights defeated the Rimouski Oceanic 3-1, registering their second win at the Memorial Cup. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan picked up two points in the third period to give the OHL representatives the win over the host team.
Through its first two games, the London Knights have proven why many saw them as the favourites going into the tournament. They defeated both QMJHL teams on back-to-back days to jump out to a fast start at the 2025 Memorial Cup. These weren't blowout games. London showed grit and determination in overcoming both teams.
Period after period, the Knights seem to be taking their game play up one notch at a time. This was on clear display in their opening game against Moncton. After an even first period, London dominated the Wildcats in both possession and scoring chances. If it weren't for the fantastic play of Mathis Rousseau London could have run away with the game.
The game against Rimouski was slightly different. For one thing, London didn't score early in the game, and ended up going down 1-0 early in the second period. Rimouski's only goal came courtesy of Washington Capitals prospect Eriks Mateiko, who represented Latvia at the most recent World Juniors.
Oilers Prospects Wins Opening Memorial Cup Match In OT
The London Knights won their opening game at the Memorial Cup in overtime, beating the Moncton Wildcats 3-2 in overtime. <a href="http://thn.com/edmonton">Edmonton Oilers </a>prospect Sam O'Reilly scored the game-winning goal in overtime.
London's veteran team did not flinch at the early setback, instead buckling down and getting to work. NHL Draft eligible defender Henry Brzustewicz fired a well-placed shot past Mathis Langevin to tie the game just seven minutes after Rimouski took the lead.
The game came down to the final minutes of the third period. Jacob Julien scored the game-winning goal with assists going to San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen and Cowan.
Rimouski pulled Langevin in an attempt to tie things up, but Cowan ended up scoring an empty-netter with assists going to Flyers prospect Denver Barkey and Oilers prospect Sam O'Reilly.
O'Reilly stood out in London's first game, during which he scored a pair of goals, including the game winner. Cowan's goal and assist against Rimouski boosted him to the top of the scoring charts for the tournament. He is currently tied with Oasiz Wiesblatt of the Medicine Hat Tigres for the tournament lead with four points.
CHL Hosts Meet The Coaches Press Conference Ahead of Memorial Cup
Earlier today, London Knights Head Coach Dale Hunter took
part in a pre-tournament press conference alongside the Head Coaches of the other
three participating teams. The panel consisted of Hunter, Willie Desjardins
(Medicine Hat), Gardiner MacDougall (Moncton) and Joël Perrault (Rimouski).
London's start to the Memorial Cup bodes well for their continued success. While the points are important, it is much more impressive to see how confident London looks in these tight games. On top of this, their stars are performing well, coming up with big goals at critical points in these games.
Austin Elliott's extraordinary regular season has rolled over to the Memorial Cu where he leads all goaltenders in save percentage (.948) and goals-against average (1.45).
Their next contest is scheduled to take place tomorrow evening against Medicine Hat. The OHL's finest will have the opportunity to clash with Gavin McKenna, who continues to impress despite his age.