Photo credit: globalnews.ca

OHL Milestone: Dale Hunter Achieves 1000th Career Victory

In a thrilling match on March 7 at Canada Life Place, the London Knights narrowly defeated the Kingston Frontenacs 3-2, marking a significant milestone for head coach Dale Hunter, who recorded his 1000th career victory in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

With this achievement, Hunter joins the ranks of Ottawa 67’s head coach Brian Kilrea as one of only two coaches in OHL history to reach this impressive milestone. Notably, Hunter has consistently reached his career milestones in the fewest games played, having previously done so at his 500th and 900th wins.

The game started with both teams locked at 1-1 at the end of the first period, thanks to two quick goals scored just 23 seconds apart. At 8:45, Sam O’Reilly raced down the right wing, made a sharp move to the front of the Kingston net, and netted his 23rd goal of the season. Almost immediately after, Ethan Hay added his 13th goal, leaving the teams at a stalemate as they headed into the locker rooms.

In the second period, London’s offensive leaders each contributed to the scoreline. Easton Cowan and Landon Sim, both high scorers for the Knights, each found the back of the net, bringing their season totals to 27 goals. Cowan capitalized on a turnover in the Kingston zone, scoring his sixth in three games to give the Knights a 2-1 advantage. Later, Sim skillfully maneuvered a bouncing puck in front of the Kingston net, backhanding it past goaltender Charlie Schenkel to extend their lead to 3-1.

Sim’s performance throughout the game culminated in a Gordie Howe hat trick, which includes a goal, an assist, and a fight with Londoner Will Bishop. Despite a near miss earlier in the first period when a potential goal was called off due to offside, Sim’s contributions were pivotal in maintaining London’s lead.

The third period saw Kingston intensifying their efforts, especially after pulling their goaltender at the 16:28 mark. Tuomas Uronen managed to score, bringing Kingston within one goal, but that was as close as they would get, with London clinging to their lead to secure the win.

As for the stats, the Knights outshot the Frontenacs 24-23 and both teams struggled on the power play, with London going 0-for-2 and Kingston 0-for-1.

Jacob Julien Signs with Winnipeg Jets

In a significant move for the Knights, Jacob Julien, a London native, signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Winnipeg Jets on March 6. Just months after transitioning from a focused academic life at Western University to playing for the Knights, Julien’s future in professional hockey is now solidified as he prepares to join the Jets organization following his overage season.

Upcoming Matches

The London Knights are set to face the Sarnia Sting on Sunday, March 9, at 2 p.m., marking the final regular season meeting between the two teams. Currently, the Sting are battling for playoff positioning alongside the Owen Sound Attack and the Soo Greyhounds, after struggling with only two wins since February.

Listeners can catch the game with coverage starting at 6:30 p.m. on 980 CFPL, at www.980cfpl.ca, and through the iHeart Radio and Radioplayer Canada apps.

Source
globalnews.ca