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Knights Surge Ahead in OHL Championship Series
The London Knights delivered a strong performance in Game 2 of the 2025 OHL Western Conference Championship, defeating the Kitchener Rangers 6-2. Forward Jacob Julien played a pivotal role, contributing four points to lead his team to victory.
Julien also showcased his prowess in the faceoff circle, winning 12 out of 17 draws and earning the game’s first star designation. This win extends London’s series lead to 2-0 and marks their impressive playoff record of 10-0 in the current postseason, matching their performance from the previous year.
Despite missing captain Denver Barkey and forward Evan Van Gorp due to injury, the Knights jumped ahead early, scoring twice in the first period while limiting Kitchener to just two shots on goal.
Jesse Nurmi opened the scoring at 4:11 of the first period, capitalizing on a turnover in the slot and firing a shot that hit the post before finding the net. Shortly after, Cam Allen scored his third playoff goal, making it 2-0 after a quick shot from the blue line that overpowered Ranger goaltender Jackson Parsons.
Kitchener responded swiftly, leveling the game at 2-2 within the first six minutes of the second period. Trent Swick and Luca Romani, the latter scoring on a power play, brought energy back to the Rangers.
Resilient Response from London
Unfazed by the quick turnaround, London rallied with two goals in just 1:37. Oliver Bonk’s shot from the right circle deflected off a body, putting the Knights back in front 3-2. Shortly thereafter, Jared Woolley found Julien at the crease, who redirected a shot into the net, enhancing London’s lead to 4-2 as the teams headed into the third period.
Woolley and Henry Brzustewicz each contributed two assists, while Montgomery notched a goal and an assist to add to the Knights’ scoring. Julien’s playmaking skills shone again as he set up Blake Montgomery, who tapped in a beautiful feed, extending the lead to 5-2.
Julien capped the scoring for London during a power play, sliding a low shot inside the left post to finalize the game’s tally. The Knights outshot the Rangers significantly, 41-25, with both teams converting once on four power play opportunities.
Playoff Performers
Sam O’Reilly and Easton Cowan have become key players for London, each recording at least one point in every playoff game this year. O’Reilly has accumulated five goals and 12 assists over ten games, while Cowan leads the team with 24 points, featuring eight goals and 14 assists. Cowan’s scoring streak has garnered attention, as he previously had a 42-game point streak last season and maintained consistency into this year’s regular season.
What’s Next
Game 3 of the series is scheduled for Monday, April 28, at 7 p.m. at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Fans can tune in starting at 6:30 p.m. on 980 CFPL and through the iHeart Radio and Radioplayer Canada apps.
Source
globalnews.ca