Gameday in 5

A look to the week ahead — and a recap of the week that was (Apr. 18-24) — for London’s teams and athletes.

Goaltender Brett Brochu made his triumphant return for Game 1 of the playoffs. He’s helped the Knights take a 2-1 series lead over Kitchener heading into Tuesday’s Game 4. (Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

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London Knights

The Knights played the first three games of their first-round playoff series against the Kitchener Rangers last week, and they hold a 2-1 series lead heading into Tuesday’s Game 4 in Kitchener. Despite the surprise return of star goalie Brett Brochu, London actually got off to a slow start in the series, losing 3-2 last Thursday in the series opener. Down 2-0 heading into the third, the Knights watched the Rangers extend their lead to 3 early in the period. The Knights answered back shortly after, with Antonio Stranges scoring — and then notching another on a penalty shot halfway through the period. But despite some late Knights chances, the Rangers held on to win Game 1.

The Knights bounced back on Friday, winning 5-2 and tying the series at one game apiece. London got off to a strong start in the first, with Cody Morgan and Antonio Stranges scoring less than 2 minutes apart to give the home side the early lead. Gerard Keane extended the Knights’ lead 21 seconds into the second period (assists to Landon Sim and Camaryn Baber). After extending their lead to 4-0 in the third, the Rangers cut the lead to two before Keane put the game away with a late powerplay goal.

Game 3 proved to be a close one, but the Knights held on to beat the Rangers 4-3. London’s Tye McSorley opened the scoring with a powerplay goal just past the 1-minute mark of the contest. Luke Evangelista added to the lead shortly after with a powerplay goal of his own. The teams traded goals to close out the period, and the Knights led 3-2 to start the second period. McSorley scored the only goal in the second, and it proved to be the winner. The Rangers scored in the third to bring themselves within a goal, but the Knights held on for the win and the 2-1 series advantage.

Up next:

Game 4 happens Tuesday in Kitchener, and then the teams get four days off before Game 5 back in London Sunday afternoon.

OHL Playoffs - First Round (London, No. 2, vs. Kitchener, No. 7) (Knights lead series 2-1)
Game 4: Tues. April 26 (7:00pm @ Kitchener)
Game 5: Sun. May 1 (2:00pm vs. Kitchener)
Game 6: Tues. May 3 (7:00pm @ Kitchener) (if necessary)
Game 7: Wed. May 4 (7:00pm vs. Kitchener) (if necessary)

London Lightning

The Lightning had an eventful week. They split their two games, both on the road, but they played shorthanded in both, without several regulars due to injury and illness. Things got off to a bad start Friday, as London was handed a 110-92 loss to the Windsor Express — just their third loss to a Canadian opponent this season. Though they kept the game close enough in the first half, the Express pulled away in the third, taking a 20-point lead by the end of the quarter. It was a tough loss for the Lightning, who played without Amir Williams (illness), Cam Forte (bereavement), Jordan Jensen-Whyte (injury) and a couple other regulars. Terry Thomas had a strong game in the loss, scoring a season-high 35 points with 6 rebounds and a pair of steals.

The Lightning bounced back — perhaps, surprisingly so — on Saturday, despite playing with even fewer bodies. Jaylon Tate sat due to a knee injury, and London played with just a seven-man rotation. But they managed to come away with a 106-103 win over the KW Titans. The Lightning had a strong first half and led by 10 heading into the third. The Titans fought their way back in the second half, and at one point took the lead, 100-99, with 2:39 remaining. A huge three-pointer late by Ryan Taylor, in just his second game with the Lightning, was the difference, lifting London to the win. Taylor finished with 24 points, while Jermaine Haley Jr. and Terry Thomas scored 21 apiece.

Up next:

The Lightning (16-4), who clinched first place in the NBLC standings with their win Saturday, will get some much-needed time to rest before returning to the court Sunday back in Windsor.

Sun. May 1 (2:00pm @ Windsor Express)

London Nationals

The Nationals began their second-round playoff matchup with the Chatham Maroons, and through three games are trailing 2-1 in the series. It was the Nationals who jumped out to a series lead Wednesday, though — and in convincing fashion. They won 8-2 on home ice, including scoring the first seven goals of the contest. Rylan Bowers opened the scoring, with Ryan Nichols and Riley Wood extending the lead in the first. Bowers scored again to start the second, with Jacob Julien following with a pair of his own. Julien completed the hat-trick in the third, extending London’s lead to 7-0. Chatham scored twice in the third before James Passafiume scored the Nationals’ 8th goal to round out the lopsided scoring.

The Maroons got their payback on Friday, as they beat the Nats 6-1 to even the series. Chatham scored four straight goals before London found the back of the net — for their lone goal of the game. It was a powerplay marker by Riley Wood (assists to Jeff Burridge and Owen McGowan).

The Nats didn’t fare much better on Saturday, losing 5-2 back at home. Down 1-0 to start the second period, London’s Bradyn Santavy tied the game. The Maroons took the lead again at the 12:42 mark, but London’s Rylan Bowers evened things again 23 seconds later. But that’s where the scoring ended for the Nationals, while the Maroons took the lead late in the second and added insurance markers in the third to come away with the win — and a 2-1 series lead.

Up next:

The Nationals, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, will now move on to face the No. 3 Chatham Maroons in a tough semi-final matchup. Game 1 of the best-of-seven series gets underway Wednesday at the Western Fair District.

Playoffs - Conference Semi-Final (London, No. 2, vs. Chatham, No. 3) (Chatham leads series 2-1)
Game 4: Tues. April 26 (7:00pm @ Chatham)
Game 5: Wed. April 27 (7:00pm vs. Chatham)
Game 6: Fri. April 29 (7:00pm @ Chatham) (if necessary)
Game 7: Sat. April 30 (7:00pm vs. Chatham) (if necessary)

FC London

The beautiful game is back, as FC London’s men’s and women’s teams opened their 2022 seasons this past weekend — both on the road against Unionville Milliken S.C.

The women put an exclamation mark on their return to the pitch, earning an 8-1 lopsided win over Unionville Sunday night under the lights. Ally Hicks scored FC London’s first of the season in the 12th minute. Midfielder Julia Benati put the women ahead 2-0 heading into the break, and then FC London poured it on in the second half. Goal scorers included Thalia Lewis, Natalie Abbate, Jennifer Milligan (2) and Cheyenne Bower (2).

The men didn’t fare as well in their opener, as they dropped a 2-0 decision to Unionville Saturday night. The home side scored their first in the 35th minute. FC London’s Santiago Fonseca nearly tied things on a solo run in the 60th minute, but Unionville stopped that — and all other chances to earn the win. An insurance goal by Roberto Edic in the 89th minute sealed the deal.

Up next:

Both teams will be in London next weekend for their home openers at Tricar Field (Note: Most home games this year will be played at the Portuguese Club).

Men (0-1-0): Sat. April 30 (7:00pm vs. St. Catharines Roma, 1-0-0)
Women (1-0-0): Sat. April 30 (4:00pm vs. Darby FC, 0-1-0)