Blake Montgomery played his part as the London Knights clinched their sixth Ontario Hockey League (OHL) title, securing their place in the prestigious Memorial Cup with a decisive 5-2 victory over the Oshawa Generals in Game 5 of the Championship Series. A packed Budweiser Gardens witnessed the Knights lift the J. Ross Robertson Cup after a commanding performance on home ice.
Finnish forward Kasper Halttunen once again proved to be a pivotal figure for the Knights, netting two crucial goals to lead his team to victory. The San Jose Sharks prospect continued his stellar playoff form, providing the offensive firepower that the Generals struggled to contain throughout the series.
Sam O'Reilly and the dynamic Easton Cowan also contributed significantly to the Knights' triumph, each scoring a goal and adding an assist. Landon Sim rounded out the scoring for London, further cementing their dominance in the decisive Game 5.
The Knights' offensive prowess was matched by their playmaking ability, with Sam Dickinson and Jacob Julien each registering two assists, demonstrating the depth of talent within the London ranks. Between the pipes, goaltender Austin Elliott was solid and reliable, turning away 32 of the 34 shots he faced from the Generals, ensuring a comfortable victory for his team.
For the Oshawa Generals, Andrew Gibson and Beckett Sennecke managed to find the back of the net, but their efforts proved to be mere consolation against a determined and clinical London side. Generals goaltender Jacob Oster faced a barrage of shots, ultimately saving 20 of the 24 he faced.
Montgomery and his London Knights teammates can now celebrate their OHL Championship triumph and turn their attention to the Memorial Cup, where they will compete against the champions from the other major junior hockey leagues in Canada for national supremacy. Their dominant playoff run, culminating in this decisive Game 5 victory, marks them as a formidable contender on the national stage. The Budweiser Gardens erupted in celebration as the Knights hoisted the J. Ross Robertson Cup, marking another successful chapter in the storied history of the London Knights.
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Montgomery's Knights One Win from OHL Glory
IslandStats.com
Blake Montgomery and his London Knights teammates are on the cusp of securing back-to-back Ontario Hockey League (OHL) championships after a decisive 6-2 victory over the Oshawa Generals in Game 4 of the Championship Series at the Tribute Communities Centre.
This latest triumph on the road gives the Knights a commanding 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series as they now head home with the chance to lift the J. Ross Robertson Cup in Thursday's Game 5.
For the second consecutive game, San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen stole the show with a sensational hat trick. The Finnish winger has a remarkable knack for performing on the biggest stage, having also delivered back-to-back three-goal performances against these very same Oshawa Generals in Games 2 and 3 of last year's 2024 OHL Championship series.
Halttunen's consecutive hat tricks mean he has now registered three-goal games in four of his last eight OHL Championship appearances, underlining his status as a dominant offensive force when the stakes are highest. His impact hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates, with fellow San Jose Sharks prospect Sam Dickinson full of praise for the Finn's crucial contributions.
The Knights' consecutive victories in Oshawa have put them in a commanding position. Returning to their home ice for Game 5, they will be eager to capitalize on their series lead and clinch the OHL Championship title in front of their loyal fans. The Generals, facing elimination, will need to dig deep and find a way to overcome Halttunen's potent scoring threat if they are to extend the series and keep their own championship aspirations alive. The stage is set for a potentially title-deciding Game 5 in London.
Monday, May 12, 2025
Montgomery's Knights Survive Fightback to Take Final Lead
IslandStats.com
Blake Montgomery and his London Knights teammates endured a chaotic third period but ultimately held off a determined Oshawa Generals side to secure a thrilling 7-5 victory in Game 3 of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) Championship Series at the Tribute Communities Centre. The win gives the Knights a crucial two-games-to-one lead in the best-of-seven final.
The Knights appeared to be cruising to victory after establishing a commanding 5-1 lead heading into the final period. However, the resilient Generals, spurred on by their home crowd, mounted a furious comeback, clawing their way back to within a single goal with significant time still remaining on the clock. The atmosphere in the Tribute Communities Centre became electric as Oshawa threatened to complete an improbable turnaround.
But the Knights, showing composure under pressure, managed to weather the storm and ultimately added two more goals to seal the victory. Kasper Halttunen was the offensive catalyst for London, recording an impressive hat trick, while the in-form Easton Cowan continued his stellar playoff campaign with a brace of goals and an assist.
Despite the final scoreline, the Generals came out firing in front of their passionate home support, registering the first six shots of the game. However, the Knights proved clinical in their early opportunities, scoring the opening two goals to silence the home crowd momentarily.
The series now takes on added significance as London and Oshawa face each other again on back-to-back nights. Game 4 of the OHL Championship is scheduled for tonight, Tuesday, May 13th, at 7 p.m. at the Tribute Communities Centre. With the Knights holding the series lead, the Generals will be desperate to level the score on home ice, setting the stage for another potentially thrilling encounter.
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Bermuda Earn CAC Games Spot Despite Bronze Medal Heartbreak
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Bermuda's Women's National Field Hockey team narrowly went down in the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games after a hard-fought battle against Puerto Rico in the Bronze Medal match. With qualification on the line as the tournament drew to a close, Puerto Rico emerged with a slender 1-0 victory. However, as Mexico had prequalified and won the tournament, Dominican Republic are hosting and automatically gets a spot, Bermuda after finishing fourth have qualified for the CAC Games 2026 along with Venezuela, and Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico 1 Bermuda 0
Puerto Rico Starting Line-Up: - Anyia Woods, Sophia Prianti, Lyneishka Leon, Maria Pianetti, Alexis Morales, Antonina Aponte, Sheila Vazquez, Carina Ramirez, Nadia Briddell, Zoe Norton, Abigail Johnson - Substitutes: - Tabatha Aponte, Andrielys Lopez, Tyra Cream, Nilvia Vazquez, Jade Salas - Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - Christina Stephens-Weser, Alyssa De Silva, Georgia Harris, Elizabeth Stewart, Grace Lightowler, Jessica Hollis, Chrysda Smith, Megan Troake, Abigail Brewer, Jennifer Chisnall, Elizabeth Davidson - Substitutes: - Mackenzie Heaney, Robin Stempel, Heather Sinclair, Cindi Davis, Amber McHugh, Zaynab Brown
Having witnessed Puerto Rico snatch a dramatic last-minute winner in their previous encounter during the group stages, Bermuda were determined to avoid a repeat of that late heartbreak. However, despite a resolute defensive performance for much of the game, the solitary goal proved decisive.
The first half of the contest remained scoreless, with both teams battling fiercely for control and creating limited clear-cut opportunities. Bermuda's defence stood firm, denying Puerto Rico's attacking advances.
However, the crucial breakthrough came just two minutes after the restart. In the 32nd minute, Puerto Rico's Alexis Morales found the back of the net from a well-executed Penalty Corner. This single goal ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.
Despite their best efforts in the remaining time, Bermuda were unable to breach the Puerto Rican defence and find an equaliser. The final whistle brought disappointment for the Bermudian players and staff, as they watched Puerto Rico celebrate securing their place in the CAC Games.
While the loss is undoubtedly a setback, the Bermuda Women's National Team will take pride in their overall performance throughout the qualifying tournament. Their journey showcased their commitment and competitiveness, and they will look to build on this experience as they continue to develop the sport on the island. For Puerto Rico, the narrow victory sparked celebrations as they secured their coveted spot in the Central American and Caribbean Games.
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Bermuda Fall to Venezuela in CAC Qualifier
IslandStats.com
Bermuda's Women's National Field Hockey team faced a tough challenge in their final group game of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament, going down 6-1 to a strong Venezuela side who began the day in second place in the standings.
The Bermudian team, looking to secure their third victory of the tournament, came up against a determined Venezuelan outfit at the National Hockey Centre.
Bermuda 1 Venezuela 6
Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - Christina Stephen-Weser, Alyssa De Silva, Georgia Harris, Elizabeth Stewart, Grace Lightowler, Jessica Hollis, Chrysda Smith, Robin Stempel, Megan Troake, Abigail Brewer, Jennifer Chisnall - Substitutes: - Mackenzie Heaney, Cindi Davis, Elizabeth Davidson, Amber McHigh, Zaynab Brown - Venezuela Starting Line-Up; - Yamileth Pargas, Marioska Peralta, Keila Farias, Mariannys Gonzalez, Patricia Mujika, Maria Artigas, Yurami Navas, Yhorlainy Rojas, Julie Artigas, Victoria Torres, Eva Montes - Substitutes; - Jessica Melendaz, Doriannys Tovar, Valentina Luismar, Irismar Vargas, Zaisbel Marin
Venezuela made a rapid start to the match, establishing a 2-0 lead in the first period. Patricia Mujika opened the scoring in the 12th minute, before Yamileth Pargas doubled their advantage just three minutes later in the 15th minute.
The second period saw Venezuela continue their dominance. Mujika extended their lead further in the 26th minute, converting a Penalty Corner to make it 3-0. Just four minutes later, Mariannys Gonzalez added a fourth goal, giving Venezuela a commanding 4-0 lead heading into the half-time break.
Venezuela continued their scoring momentum after the restart. Mujika completed her hat-trick in the 39th minute, once again converting from a Penalty Corner to make it 5-0. Bermuda finally managed to get on the scoresheet in the 45th minute when Jessica Hollis coolly slotted home a Penalty Stroke, reducing the deficit to 5-1.
However, Venezuela had the final say, with Gonzalez netting her second goal of the match in the 60th minute to seal a comprehensive 6-1 victory for her side.
Despite the defeat, Bermuda will reflect on their overall performance in the CAC Games Qualifying Tournament.
