The London Knights defeated the visiting Windsor Spitfires 6-1 Friday night, with a hat trick from Mitchell Marner, as well as goals from Aaron Berisha, Cliff Pu, and Kole Sherwood. The Knights also out shot the Spitfires 31-25.
It was Marner’s last game before leaving to join Canada’s 2016 World Junior Championship team, and he felt that it was a good send off.
“I want to get my feet under me, and that game obviously helps a little bit, but like I said: our team right now is working hard together… we’re buying into the systems, we’re playing hard, and we’re getting results for it.”
He is also certain that the team will be fine while he and a few others are gone for the championship.
“Me and [Dvorak] weren’t here for the first couple games, and our team still came out with wins. I have no doubt in my mind that our team can win without us… It’s like when [Domi] left us. Everyone bought in and played harder, and that’s what’s going to happen here.”
While Marner has been confirmed for Canada’s team, Olli Juolevi is hopeful as he waits for Finland to announce their line up.
“I’m excited, and I hope they select me for the team. I’ll hear next Monday, and I’m really hoping that they select me because it’s in my home town, and it’s going to be great.”
The International Ice Hockey Federation 2016 World Junior Championship will take place in Helsinki, Finland from December 25th to January 5th.
