Gameday in 5
A recap of the week that was (Nov. 1-7) — and a look to the week ahead — for London’s teams and athletes.
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
The Knights extended their season-opening win streak to nine games before finally losing their first of the season. They made it nine straight on Friday at home, beating the Owen Sound Attack, 2-1, for the fifth time already this season. This one went into overtime, and Luke Evangelista played the hero, scoring 59 seconds into extra time to secure the win. Cody Morgan had London’s other goal.
On Saturday, the Knights were handed their first loss of the season, falling 3-2 to the Flint Firebirds in their first game across the border in 20 months. With Evangelista a scratch (due to flu-like symptoms), Flint got on the board first. The Knights took the lead in the second period, though, as Liam Gilmartin and Denver Barkey each scored their first OHL goals with the Knights. But the Firebirds replied with two goals of their own, and some excellent goaltending from Luke Cavallin — particularly during the last 2:45 with London’s goalie pulled — helped Flint hold on for the win.
Up next:
The Knights (9-1-0-0) have a busy week ahead, with three games on the schedule, as they hope to start a new win streak. It’ll be the first time this season they’ve faced each of their opponents this week.
Tue. Nov. 9 (7:00pm vs. Guelph Storm)
Fri. Nov. 12 (7:30pm vs. Soo Greyhounds)
Sat. Nov. 13 (7:00pm @ Erie Otters)
The National Basketball League of Canada (NBLC) announced last week that it will return, after a lengthy hiatus, this February for its 10th anniversary season, and the Lightning will be back, too. The league, which had partnered with The Basketball League, and will play cross-border games for the first time, will tipoff on Feb. 5.
The Lightning will open their 2022 season that day on the road in Sudbury. They’ll play their first home game Feb. 11 — against the same Sudbury Five. The 24-game schedule will include games against the other remaining NBLC teams (KW Titans and Windsor Express), as well as the U.S.-based Lansing Pharoahs, Syracuse Stallions, Albany Patroons and Flint United.
The Nationals won both of their games last week to move them into second place in the GOJHL’s Western Conference. On Wednesday at home, the team held on to beat the first-place Leamington Flyers, 3-2. The Nats led 2-0 heading into the second period thanks to goals by Thomas Harbour and Deacon Holmes. Jeff Burridge then made it 3-0 before the Flyers responded with two goals of their own in the second. But it was a scoreless third, as the Nationals held on for the win.
On Saturday, the Nationals enjoyed their biggest comeback of the season during a 7-4 win over the Strathroy Rockets on the road. Down 4-2 in the third period, the Nats scored five unanswered goals to secure the win. Daniel Torrealba and Michael Elliston both had two goals and an assist in the game (Burridge scored the game-tying goal and Elliston scored the winner). Zach Power and Jacob Julien were the other London goal scorers, while Owen McGowan and Lucas Chard has three assists apiece.
Up next:
The Nats (10-3) will look to further improve their record during a busy three-game week ahead, including contests against LaSalle and St.Marys — and a rematch against Strathroy.
Wed. Nov. 10 (7:00pm vs. LaSalle Vipers)
Fri. Nov. 12 (7:30pm @ St. Marys Lincolns)
Sat. Nov. 13 (7:30pm @ Strathroy Rockets)
The Mustangs are moving on to the OUA semifinals after a big 51-24 quarterfinal win Saturday over the Waterloo Warriors. Down 10-0 early, the Mustangs bounced back quickly and relied on a three-touchdown second quarter to pull away. Quarterback Evan Hillock completed 21 of 30 pass attempts for 227 yards and three touchdowns (with one interception).
The Mustangs relied on a balanced offensive attack during the win. Antonio Valvano caught two of Hillock’s three touchdown passes, with running back Keon Edwards securing the other. Edwards also had a touchdown on the ground, while Trey Humes had a pair on 19 carries.
Up next:
The Mustangs will now host the Guelph Gryphons in an OUA semi-final matchup on Saturday at Western Alumni Field. Guelph is the only team to defeat the Mustangs (6-1) so far this year. They accomplished the feat back in Week 2, with a 23-21 win in Guelph.
Sat. Nov. 13 (1:00pm vs. Guelph Gryphons)
Knight Watch: London back in familiar territory; Sam Dickinson OHL Player of the Week; Efficiency from goal-scoring Van Gorp; Powerplay clicking once again; Knights get Soo showdown Friday …