Gameday in 5
A look to the week ahead — and a recap of the week that was (Jan. 10-16) — for London’s teams and athletes.
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
With two of their three games postponed (Thursday and Friday against Saginaw, due to COVID-19 protocols), the Knights had just one game last week — a tilt against the Sarnia Sting at home. Playing in front of an empty arena for the second time at Bud Gardens, London lost for the fourth time this season against the Sting, this time a 4-2 decision in which Sarnia Ben Gaudreau stole the show. Trailing 3-0 to start the second period, Sean McGurn got the Knights on the board with his 7th goal of the year, but the Sting responded quickly to regain a three-goal advantage. A late Knights rally, which included a Logan Mailloux goal (his third of the year), was handled by the Sting, who have now won four of the first six contests between these two teams. Luke Evangelista had two assists on the night. Brody Crane and Max McCue also picked up assists for the Knights, who outshot Sarnia 51-13. Gaudreau’s 49 saves were the difference, and he was named first star of the game.
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The Knights (19-9-1-0), who entered the week one point ahead of the Guelph Storm for first place in the Midwest Division, will look to extend that lead with a busy weekend of games — including two against that very same foe.
Fri. Jan. 21 (7:00pm vs. Erie Otters)
Sat. Jan. 22 (7:00pm @ Guelph Storm)
Sun. Jan. 23 (2:00pm vs. Guelph Storm)
The Lightning signed their fifth player for the 2022 season: Forward Scott Plaisance. The 6-foot-9 University of New Orleans Privateers alum is also a former Louisiana State High School Player of the Year. Plaisance last played in Portugal (for AD Sanjoanense), where he posted 15 points and 7 rebounds per game prior to COVID-19 shutdown.
“Scott is a skilled big with high IQ,” Lightning head coach Doug Plumb said in a team statement. “He will fit in seamlessly into our system and will add value from day 1. He is a proven pro and we look forward to what he will add to our team.”
Plaisance joins London’s first four recruits for 2022, which include Canadian Jordan Jensen-Whyte, American guard Marlon Taylor, and returnees (from 2019-20) Jaylon Tate and Mareik Isom.
The Lightning are scheduled to tip off their season in mid-February.
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 continued to see action off the ice, though, with more player movement, including multiple signings — in addition to some trade activity.
After a coaching staff rehaul, the biggest news, of course, has been the loss of leading scorer Zach Power to the Steinbach Pistons of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (MJHL). Other moves in the new year include: the additions of defenseman Kurtis Heggie (from Brantford) and Bradyn Santavy (from Sarnia); a player swap with the Strathroy Rockets that saw defenseman Charley Barnes and forward Michael Elliston depart and forward Riley Wood and goaltender Gordie O’Dwyer join the Nationals; and the signings of defenseman Alexander Bikos and forward Ian Babenko.
The Majors announced their second signing for the 2022 season (and first new signing, following the news that veteran Cleveland Brownlee will be returning to the team for a 12th season). It’s right-handed pitcher Bo Lewington, a Calgary, AB native who last played down under with the South Perth Cubs in Australia’s State League 1 amateur circuit.
The 28-year-old spent time in the Independent Pecos League with the High Desert Yardbirds, back in 2017, and previously played in the WMBL with the Okotoks Dawgs.
There are some familiar faces, but there’s a sense of renewal in London as the Lightning embark on a new season. With a new coach and several new players, is a new era upon us? What to expect in 2024-25 …