Gameday in 5

A look to the week ahead — and a recap of the week that was (Jan. 3-9) — for London’s teams and athletes.

Canadian Jordan Jensen-Whyte was one of two signings the London Lightning made last week. (Photo: FIBA / Canada Basketball).

London Knights

The Knights reclaimed first place in the Midwest Division and Western Conference last week by winning each of their first two games following their holiday break. London got off to a strong start with a 6-1 win Friday (Jan. 7) over the Flint Firebirds at Budweiser Gardens — albeit in front of no fans (due to current provincial government COVID-19 restrictions). The Knights scored just over three minutes into the first period and added two more before the frame was over. Kirill Steklov had three assists in his first game of the year with the Knights, while captain Luke Evangelista had a four-point game (two goals and two assists).

Following the postponement of Saturday’s game in Flint, the Knights were back in action on Sunday (Jan. 9) against the Kitchener Rangers on the road. Kirill Steklov opened the scoring with his first goal of the year. Antonio Stranges added a marker halfway through the first to put the Knights up 2-0, and then the visitors added two more in the second (Landon Sim and Stranges’ second of the game) to go ahead 4-0 entering the third period. The Rangers scored twice to pull within two goals, but the Knights responded with a pair of their own (Logan Mailloux’s first two goals of the season). Stranges finished with four points. Sean McGurn and Cody Morgan tallied two assists each.

Up next:

The Knights will look to distance themselves from the second-place Guelph Storm (who have had their number this year, winning each of the teams’ four contests) this week after taking back possession of top spot in the Conference. London is scheduled to face the U.S.-based Saginaw Spirit (13-15-1-0) twice, followed by a Sunday home game against Sarnia (11-12-3-0).

Thurs. Jan. 13 (7:05pm @ Saginaw Spirit)
Fri. Jan. 14 (7:30pm vs. Saginaw Spirit)
Sun. Jan. 16 (2:00pm vs. Sarnia Sting)

London Lightning

The Lightning’s third and fourth player signed for the 2022 season are Canadian Jordan Jensen-Whyte and American guard Marlon Taylor. Jensen-Whyte, a 6-foot-6 forward has previous experience in the NBLC and has represented Canada on the 3-on-3 circuit, earning a spot at the Olympic Qualifiers. He’s also played for and with (back in their university days) with Coach Doug Plumb.

Taylor joins the Lightning after several stints with G-League teams, including the Erie Bayhawks (New Orleans Pelicans affiliate) and Capital City Go-Go (Washington Wizards affiliate). The guard saw his last action while playing for the Leones de Santo Domingo of the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto in the Dominican Republic.

The Lightning are scheduled to tip off their season Feb. 5 on the road and play their home opener on Feb. 11 at Budweiser Gardens.

London Nationals

The Nationals (18-4-1-1) remained away from the ice due to government restrictions around COVID-19, which have put the GOJHL season on ‘pause’ until at least January 26. The team has seen significant personnel changes in recent weeks, most notably the departure of their entire coaching staff and the hiring of a new one. Departing were head coach Colin Martin and assistants Adam McKee and Ryan Shipley. The new staff will be led by head coach David Matsos and assistants Dennis Maruk and Rumun Ndur.

London Majors

The Majors announced that long-time fan favourite (and the longest-tenured player on the team) Cleveland Brownlee will return for the 2022 season. The 37-year-old, who is the franchise’s home run record holder, will play his 12th season next summer, this time for the IBL’s defending champions. In 2021, Brownlee hit .243 with 7 HR (tied for team high) and 21 RBIs during the regular season, helping lead the Majors to an IBL pennant — and then to the team's first league title in 46 years.