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London Knights Secure Victory Over Windsor Spitfires

The London Knights triumphed over the Windsor Spitfires with a score of 4-2 on December 13 at Canada Life Place in London, Ontario. This game was marked by a productive third period that saw the Knights score three quick goals to seize control.

The match started with both teams locked in a 1-1 tie. Windsor drew first blood during a power play late in the first, with defenceman Anthony Cristoforo finding the net through traffic with only 33.5 seconds remaining in the period.

However, the Knights quickly rebounded in the second period. At 9:28, Landon Sim netted the equalizer by capitalizing on a rebound from a Kasper Halttunen shot. The momentum shifted decisively in the third as William Nicholl and Jacob Julien scored within a span of just over a minute, putting London ahead 3-1 less than two minutes into the final frame.

Halttunen added to the scoring with a powerful shot from the left side, extending the Knights’ lead to 4-1 just over three minutes into the third period. Tnias Mathurin of Windsor managed to score with just under three minutes left in the game, narrowing the gap to 4-2, but the Knights successfully held on to their lead for the remainder.

In addition to Halttunen’s standout performance, he and Sim each recorded a goal along with two assists. Sim’s efforts earned him the title of second star of the game, while Halttunen received the first star honor. Sam O’Reilly also showcased his skills by contributing two assists and excelling in the faceoff circle, winning 17 out of 22 duels.

The Knights demonstrated a commanding performance, outshooting the Spitfires 34-27, and were effective on special teams, converting 1 of 2 power play opportunities compared to Windsor’s 1 of 4.

Team Roster Updates

Despite the victory, the Knights played without key players Denver Barkey, Easton Cowan, Oliver Bonk, and Sam Dickinson, who were attending Canada’s final selection camp for the upcoming World Junior Hockey Championship. Following the game, the roster for Team Canada was revealed, including Knights’ defencemen Bonk and Dickinson, and forward Cowan, along with Londoner Jett Luchanko. These players are set to compete at the World Juniors in Ottawa starting on Boxing Day.

Upcoming Matches

London and Windsor are scheduled to face off again on Saturday, December 14, at 7 p.m. at the WFCU Centre in Windsor. Following this matchup, the Knights will travel to Erie, Pennsylvania, for a game against the Otters on December 18, before returning home to wrap up their pre-holiday schedule against the Sarnia Sting on December 20. Fans can catch all the action on 980 CFPL, as well as through the iHeart Radio and Radioplayer Canada apps.

Source
globalnews.ca