The London Knights finished their last home game of 2017 on a high note. They defeated the Mississauga Steelheads 3-1 before 8,774 at Budweiser Gardens.
The Knights acquired three players early to turnaround their slow start to the season, they were the difference in the contest.
Tyler Rollo scored twice including a shorthanded goal(6,7) while Shane Collins added the other goal, his first in the OHL.
Joseph Raaymakers made his 23rd consecutive start in net, having a light work load as he only faced 20 shots.
” If I get a night off it’s great. I like playing so I don’t mind at all” said the Knights goaltender.
” He’s always been great, we never blame him. Usually it’s off of our turnovers, we left him out to dry. This game was a bounce back for him and we have huge confidence in him.” said Rollo about Raaymakers starting after being pulled yesterday against Sarnia.
The 3 overage players have scored the past 5 goals for the Knights. Sam Miletic scored 2 Friday while Rollo and Collins scored the goals in this game.
Both teams were perfect on the penalty kill. London killed off their 5 penalties while Mississauga was 3-for-3 on the PK.
The Knights have a quick turnaround tomorrow to finish their 3-in-3 weekend and last game before the Christmas break.
The bus is leaving around 8:30 A.M as they travel to take on their MidWest Division rival Owen Sound Attack.
This is the 4th time of the 6 games the two teams meet. London leads the season series 2-1. Owen Sound won the first match at Budweiser Gardens, while London has won the past two games 5-3 and 4-1.
Puck drop at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre is scheduled for 2 P.M.
The next time London is at home will be on New Year’s Day against the Sarnia Sting at 4 P.M.
Team Canada comes to town
Knights fans will have the chance to see some familiar faces Wednesday, this time with a different logo on their chest.
London Captain Robert Thomas, speedy forward Alex Formenton and smooth skating defenceman Victor Mete could be in the lineup as Canada takes on the Czech Republic at Budweiser Gardens at 7.
The Canadian team is searching for their 16th gold medal. They open the tournament against Team Finland on Boxing Day, which features former Knights Olli Juolevi and Janne Kuokkanen.
Around the O
The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds extended their win streak to 20 games.
Noah Carroll and Morgan Frost combined for 8 points and +10 as the Hounds defeated the Guelph Storm 7-1 at the Sleeman Centre. They now sit 5 back of the all-time CHL win-streak record set by the Kitchener Rangers in 1983-84 at 25 games.
The Greyhounds are the top ranked team in the country with a record of 29-3-2-0.
London is 2nd on the list with 24 consecutive wins.
