With the 2005 Memorial Cup Championship team looking on, the London Knights clinched the Hamilton Spectator Trophy and secured first place in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the second straight season.
London dominated the Guelph Storm with a 7-3 victory, marking their fifth consecutive win with just six games remaining before playoffs.
Cowan and Dickinson Shine in Offensive Showcase
Easton Cowan played a pivotal role, notching four assists, while Sam Dickinson had a standout performance, scoring twice and adding two assists. Dickinson is now just four points shy of the Knights’ all-time single-season record for a defenseman.
Max Namestnikov, who once cheered for his older brother Vladislav Namestnikov from the stands, opened the scoring early, but his goal was quickly answered. Just over four minutes later, Sam O’Reilly netted his fifth goal in three games, bringing his season total to 27, tying him with Cowan and Landon Sim for the team lead.
O’Reilly later left the game after crashing into the end boards and did not return.
Second Period Surge
The Knights took full control in the second period with three unanswered goals. Cowan orchestrated each play, assisting on:
- Sam Dickinson’s power-play one-timer for his 80th point of the season, making him just the second defenseman in team history to reach that milestone.
- Logan Hawery’s breakaway goal, his eighth of the year.
- Kasper Halttunen’s power-play goal, extending the lead to 4-1.
Just before the period ended, Will Nicholl set up Dickinson’s second goal of the night, giving London a commanding 5-1 lead after 40 minutes.
Guelph Fights Back, but London Stays Strong
The Storm responded in the third with a power-play goal from Carter Stevens at 11:38, closing the gap to 5-2.
With over five minutes left, Guelph pulled their goalie, but Evan Van Gorp took advantage, scoring his 18th of the season into the empty net.
Just 11 seconds later, Rene Van Bommel scored his fourth goal in two games, sealing London’s victory.
Guelph’s Rowan Topp scored with 20.8 seconds left, but after a review for goaltender interference, the goal stood, wrapping up the night’s scoring.
Key Stats
- Shots on goal: 38-38.
- London power play: 3-for-5.
- Penalty kill: 5-for-6.
Austin Elliott Named OHL Goaltender of the Week
For the second time this season, Austin Elliott has been recognized as the OHL Goaltender of the Week.
He shut out the Brantford Bulldogs 5-0 and followed with a 3-2 victory over Kingston, marking Dale Hunter’s 1000th coaching win.
Elliott currently leads the OHL in save percentage and goals-against average.
What’s Next?
London and Guelph face off again on Wednesday, March 12, at the Sleeman Centre for their final regular-season meeting.
Coverage starts at 6 p.m. on 980 CFPL, at 980cfpl.ca, and on iHeart Radio & Radioplayer Canada apps
