The London Knights have the best goaltender tandem in the OHL and former WHL netminder Austin Elliott remains undefeated since coming over. Exclusive interview with the overage goalie figuring out why his transition has been so seamless.
The London Knights have the best goaltender tandem in the OHL and former WHL netminder Austin Elliott remains undefeated since coming over. Exclusive interview with the overage goalie figuring out why his transition has been so seamless.
The London Knights won the 2024 OHL Championship with help from goaltender Michael Simpson. During their run to glory, Simpson allowed two or fewer goals in nine out of his 15 playoff wins, finishing with a record of 15-2, a goals-against average of 2.59, and a save percentage of .908%.
Unfortunately for London, last season was Simpson's last year of eligibility to play in the league, and moved on to the Ottawa Senators organization, signing an AHL contract with their AHL affiliate, the Belleville Senators.
In October, Knights GM Mark Hunter and his management team decisively revamped their goaltending situation, a move that has quickly emerged as one of the standout decisions made by any OHL GM this season.
London made a trade with Barrie to acquire overage goaltender Austin Elliott, who had been playing for the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL for the previous two seasons but was released by the team.
We had the opportunity to speak with Austin and ask him what his reaction was when he found out he was going to be a member of the London Knights.
"It was a whirlwind of a couple of weeks, through getting released (by Saskatoon) and going through the whole waiver process. But once London reached out, there was just excitement. I didn't really expect the Knights to be calling me. Just super excited," said Elliott.
He mentioned that even over in Western Canada everyone hears about how amazing of a place and the program the London Knights have built.
Elliott recently announced his commitment to play D1 hockey in the NCAA for UMass Lowell beginning in 2025-26.
"I just recently committed to UMass Lowell for next year. Definitely looking forward to that opportunity, but don't want to get too far ahead of myself. I want to take care of business here and bring home a Memorial Cup."
The Strathmore, Alberta native has posted a goals-against average of 2.27 — second best in the league — and a save percentage of .916% — fourth-best. He has allowed two or fewer goals in 11 of his 20 games and has recorded a save percentage of .900% or better in 15 games.
The transition to the OHL and living in Ontario could have thrown a wrench into Elliott's play and performance, but it hasn't affected him in the slightest.
"It hasn't been too big of a transition. The OHL and WHL have similar schedules. But I've never been to Ontario before except for when I was at the (Toronto) Maple Leafs development camp (in 2023) so it's been cool to travel around Ontario."
The OHL recently named Elliott their Goaltender of the Week after compiling a 2-0 record last week, which included a stellar 31-save performance against North Bay and stopped 25 of 28 shots in London's 7-3 win over the Greyhounds.
Has Austin noticed any differences between the OHL and WHL playstyle?
"I think the OHL might be a bit more offensive. I feel like in the WHL there are a couple of more teams that are more dialed in on the defensive side, a lot of structure. But the skill level I would say is roughly the same and maybe that's why the transition hasn't been too difficult."
As we enter the final days of January 2025, Elliott maintains his unbeaten streak through his first 20 OHL games. He is now just four wins away from breaking the record of 24 consecutive victories, a record set by Kitchener Rangers goaltender Ray LeBlanc during the 1983-84 season.
It's been an incredible run for the 6-foot-1 goaltender and he credits the team in front of him for their dedication to wanting to win every night. Elliott doesn't face more than 30 shots often. He's had to face 30-plus in only seven games.
However, when he is tasked with a heavier workload or defensive breakdowns happen, the young man looks extremely composed and tactical with his positioning in the crease.
What helps the London netminder stay so composed in the crease?
"I've worked with a mental coach for the last couple of years and that's helped me on the mental side of things to stay composed. I've always sort of had a calm demeanor, which I think helps me in pressure situations and being able to stay calm, cool, and collected."
That poise Elliott has shown throughout the regular season thus far will be beneficial when the stakes are at their highest in the playoffs, and the Knights look poised for another deep playoff run.
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