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Knights Hold 3-0 Series Lead with Win Over Attack

In an exciting matchup on April 1 at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, the London Knights secured a decisive 7-4 victory against the Owen Sound Attack in Game 3 of their Western Conference quarter-final series. This win puts the Knights firmly in control of the series, leading three games to none.

Star players Sam O’Reilly and Easton Cowan each contributed significantly to the Knights’ offensive success, recording two goals and two assists. Additionally, Sam Dickinson added to the effort with one goal and three assists, showcasing a strong performance for London.

The game kicked off with Owen Sound’s Ben Cormier making a notable play, scoring the first goal by banking a backhand shot off a defender’s skate at just 3:21 into the first period. This early lead, however, was short-lived as the Knights’ Dickinson scored during the final minute of the period, tying the game 1-1 with a shot from the left point that found its way through traffic.

Shortly thereafter, the Knights found themselves a man down due to a penalty, yet Dickinson managed to intercept a puck in the defensive zone. He cleverly set up O’Reilly for a quick goal, shifting the momentum in London’s favor as they ended the first period leading 2-1, with Dickinson and O’Reilly’s goals coming just 25 seconds apart.

The second period opened dramatically, with both teams combining for five goals that resulted in a 4-4 tie. Landon Hookey scored for Owen Sound on a two-man advantage just over a minute into the period, equalizing the score at 2-2. A couple of minutes later, O’Reilly set up Denver Barkey for a goal, pushing the Knights ahead 3-2.

London further extended their lead with Cowan scoring a short-handed goal, but Owen Sound responded with goals from Tristan Delisle and Declan Waddick, bringing the game back to a tie before the end of the period.

Going into the third period, the Knights dominated the ice, outshooting the Attack 15-4. O’Reilly scored the game-winning goal, despite breaking his stick on the shot, which put London ahead 5-4. Jared Woolley added insurance with another goal, and Cowan sealed the deal with an empty-netter late in the game.

Overall, London outperformed Owen Sound in shots, leading 39 to 22. The Knights were unsuccessful on one power play opportunity, while the Attack converted one of their six chances.

Player Performance Highlights

Looking at other players in the league, former Knights’ player Michael Simpson is making strides with the Belleville Senators, where he has played most of the 2024-25 season, posting a 3.35 goals against average in 10 games. Max McCue, another former Knight, has totaled eight points and boasts a hefty 107 penalty minutes while playing for the Cleveland Monsters.

Kaleb Lawrence, drafted by the L.A. Kings, has split his first professional year between the Ontario Reign and the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, indicating a promising career ahead as he gathers valuable experience on the ice.

Looking Ahead

The Knights and the Attack will meet again for Game 4 on Thursday, April 3, at 7 p.m. If necessary, a potential Game 5 is scheduled for Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m. Coverage for the upcoming games will start at 6:30 p.m., broadcasted on 980 CFPL and via the iHeart Radio and Radioplayer Canada apps.

Source
globalnews.ca