"Go Knights, Go," chants able to be heard throughout the course of the event.
The London Knights were met with a proud London crowd at Budweiser Gardens after returning home from their 4-3 loss to the Saginaw Spirit in the Memorial Cup Final.
The team was defeated after recovering from a 3-0 deficit at the end of the second period and tying the game in the third.
“We had a slow start to the game and we kind of found our way back, then you know, it happens,” says Knights Forward, Jacob Julien.
“It’s not the end of the world. We would have liked to win, but, you know, it’s hockey.”
The Spirit would get the last laugh, breaking the tie game with just 21.7 seconds left on the clock.
“Heartbreak, right? These young lads work so hard all year, they put in dedication,” says London Knights fan, Sav Neth, who traveled out to Saginaw
The OHL champion, London Knights, who fell to the Saginaw Spirit in the Memorial Cup final.
for the whole tournament.
“We’re definitely proud of them. They’re all incredible on and off the ice, so you know, they definitely made London proud and I love to be a Knights fan because of them.”
The victory would give Saginaw its first Memorial Cup Championship in team history, with Londoners far and wide feeling the emotions from the tough game.
“You don’t want to take anything away from Saginaw, they played hard,” says Matt, a local Londoner.
“Sure, we were defeated in the final game, but at the end of the day, in the record book, London Knights are OHL Champions.”
Chants of “Go Knights, Go,” were echoed throughout the entire course of the event, even before the players themselves made an appearance. As soon as the players came out, the roars from the growing crowd grew louder.
The pride from Londoners stemmed further than the event itself as well, with local figureheads, businesses, and London Mayor Josh Morgan sharing their thoughts on the overall success of the team throughout the year.
“Thank you London Knights for an incredible season, and for representing London, Ontario so well in the Memorial Cup,” says London Mayor Josh Morgan in a social media post.
Knights players stuck around for photos as well signing autographs for fans.
“You are champions on and off the ice, and should hold your heads high. Proud to be a fan of this team.”
After speaking to fans, Knights players would stick around to get pictures, sign autographs, and give Londoners a chance to relish in the season they had, with the London Knights year officially wrapped up.
