Gameday in 5

A look to the week ahead — and a recap of the week that was (Oct. 24-30) — for London’s teams and athletes.

The London Nationals are off to a dominant start to the 2022-23 season, sporting a 14-1-0-1 record through their first 16 games. (Photo: Bruce Laing).

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London Knights

The Knights had a second straight successful week, winning two of their three games, including a 3-2 overtime win Thursday against the Niagara IceDogs to get the week started. Sean McGurn had a standout performance, scoring two of the team’s three goals, while Logan Mailloux logged an assist and scored the game-winner in overtime.

London’s second game of the week, at home Friday, was just as close as the first, though this one had a different outcome, with the Knights losing a tight 4-3 game to the visiting North Bay Battalion. Jackson Edward and Ben Bujold both scored their first goals of the season, while George Diaco had London’s third goal, scored with 59 seconds remaining in the second period. That put the Knights up 3-2, but North Bay scored twice in the third period to steal the win — and on a short-handed marker.

After suffering a close loss Friday, the Knights bounced back on Saturday and beat the Sudbury Wolves 5-4 in another close contest at Budweiser Gardens. After London took a 1-0 lead in the first (Diaco), the Wolves scored three times in a span of less than four minutes in the second period to take the lead. The Knights responded, though, as Sam Dickinson and Brody Crane notched second-period goals to tie things at three. London then took the lead in the third period with Jackson Edward and Ethan MacKinnon both scoring. The Wolves scored a goal late, but the Knights held on for the win.

Up next:

The Knights (5-5-1-0), now middle of the pack in the Midwest Division, will look to continue their recent strong play this weekend when they host Erie and then travel to Owen Sound.

Fri. Nov. 4 (7:00pm vs. Erie Otters)
Sat. Nov. 5 (7:30pm @ Owen Sound Attack)

Western Mustangs

The Mustangs’ football team took advantage of their first-round playoff bye to rest up and prepare for their OUA semi-final matchup this weekend. On Saturday, they’ll take on the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, who won 41-13 over the Carleton Ravens last weekend in their quarterfinal matchup. Laurier quarterback Taylor Elgersma, a London native, had a big game in that contest, completing 21 of 28 pass attempts for 303 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Running backs Quentin Scott and Tanner Nelmes combined for 170 yards on 26 carries while running in three scores. During the Mustangs’ (8-0) dominant regular season, Laurier was the only team to lose to them by less than 20 points (34-19 back on Sept. 3).

Up next:

The Mustangs (8-0) will host the Laurier Golden Hawks (6-3 overall) at Western Alumni Stadium Saturday in an OUA semi-final game. The other semi will feature the Queen’s Gaels (8-1) and Ottawa Gee Gees (7-2).

Sat. Nov. 5 (1:00pm vs. Laurier Golden Hawks) (OUA Semi-final)

London Nationals

The Nationals won both their games last week, continuing a dominant season up to this point. They started off strong by beating the St. Thomas Stars, 5-3, on Wednesday. London got off to a fast start with Rylan Bowers scoring the icebreaker in the first. Riley Wood extended the team’s lead in the second, and then Bowers added on shortly after. The Stars made the game close in the third, but the Nats managed to hold on, with Bradyn Santavy and Jacob Julien both scoring in the third period.

After winning handily Wednesday, the Nationals bested the Chatham Maroons 5-2 on Sunday. After falling behind 1-0 in the first, London responded — in a big way — with four goals, including two while short-handed. Goals from Riley Wood, Rylan Bowers, Brayden Thompson, and Sam O’Reilly put the Nats up 4-1. After a quiet second period, Bowers scored his second of the game in the third to put the game out of reach for Chatham.

Up next:

The Nationals (14-1-0-1) remain six points ahead of the St. Marys Lincolns for first place in the GOJHL’s Western Conference. Entering the new week, London had three of the top five scorers in the league, including Lucas Chard (2nd, 36 points), Jacob Julien (3rd, 35 points) and Riley Wood (5th, 32 points).

Wed. Nov. 2 (7:00pm vs. Leamington Flyers)
Sat. Nov. 5 (7:30pm @ Strathroy Rockets)