The London Knights showcased their explosive offense in a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Moose Jaw Warriors at the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow. Despite the WHL Champions striking first, the OHL-winning squad’s impressive three-goal second period tipped the scales in their favor. Warriors Head Coach Mark O’Leary praised his team’s strong start but acknowledged the missed opportunities that could have changed the game’s outcome. With a 0-2 record, Moose Jaw now faces a crucial must-win match against the winless Drummondville Voltigeurs, the QMJHL Champions.
Denton Mateychuk, a Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, initiates the scoring for the Warriors at 3:39 of the first period, with assists from Atley Calvert and Cosmo Wilson. Despite a brief review, the goal stood, showcasing Mateychuk’s skill as he received a drop pass from Calvert in the high slot and fired a powerful shot for his second goal of the tournament.
Ruslan Gazizov equalizes the game at 11:58 of the first period, thanks to the assists from Jacob Julien. Moments later, Jacob Julien skillfully snatched a loose puck behind the Moose Jaw net, setting up a perfect pass to Ruslan Gazizov, who capitalized on the opportunity to even the score.
2024 NHL Draft prospect Sam Dickinson propels the lights to a 2-1 lead from the high circles at 2:50 of the first period, with assists credited to Denver Barkey and Oliver Bonk. London secured their first lead of the game as Dickinson unleashed a powerful shot through traffic, beating Jackson Unger and giving his team a 2-1 edge heading into the intermission.
Shots on goal in the first period were 12-9 for the Knights
The Warriors tied the game back up at 2 when Fort St. John, BC native Ethan Semeniuk grabbed a rebound and buried it at 7:01 of the second period. The assists on the goal went to Aiden Ziprick and Vojtech Port.
Sam O’Reilly, another promising draft prospect, reclaims the lead for the Knights at 9:02 of the second period, with assists from Max McCue and Easton Cowan. O’Reilly’s mesmerizing goal, one of the trickiest of the tournament, involved him skillfully weaving around a defender and firing the puck from an improbable angle to find the far side of the net.
Landon Sim increases the Knights’ lead to 4-2 at 12:47 of the second period, with Sam O’Reilly and Jackson Edward providing the assists. Sim’s forceful wrist shot on a two-on-one play effectively quashed any potential Moose Jaw comeback, as the Warriors’ powerplay began to falter.
London extends their lead to 5-2 at 16:14 of the second period, as San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen finishes off a remarkable three-goal second period for the team. Halttunen’s one-timer from the high slot was set up by Easton Cowan and Denver Barkey, showcasing the Knights’ stacked line up. (not that Moose Jaw isn’t stacked either)
In a sudden twist, Moose Jaw’s Ethan Semeniuk scores his second goal of the game off a bouncing shot reminiscent of a golf ball at 16:20 of the second period, with the assist credited to Rilen Kovacevic. This peculiar goal, fired from center ice, injects new life into the Warriors’ efforts as Semeniuk, a 6-foot, 185-pound forward, powers forward after the draw and puts the puck on net after receiving a pass near the blue line.
London’s Max McCue and Moose Jaw’s Kalem Parker engaged in one of the most intense fights in recent Memorial Cup history on Monday. As the skirmish unfolded, a skater wearing white and carrying a camera emerged from the penalty box area to capture close-up shots of the altercation. While initially peculiar, this practice has been in use since at least the 2012 tournament in Shawinigan, when Knights defenseman Brett Cook noticed a camera near him during a similar brawl. Both McCue and Parker received the customary five-minute penalties in the Ontario and Western leagues. In contrast, the Quebec Maritime league imposes stricter rules, resulting in automatic ejections or more severe consequences for engaging in fights. (More)
Shots on goal in the second period were 12-11 for the Knights
With 4:30 remaining in the game, the Warriors take a daring risk by pulling their goalie, a move that had previously proven successful for them. Their boldness pays off as Martin Rysavy, a Columbus Blue Jackets prospect, manages to poke the puck across the goal line amidst a chaotic scramble in front of the net. The Knights wanted a review, but if they are wrong (which they would be they would get a penalty), which brings the Warriors within one. The goal, scored at 16:04, was assisted by Matt Savoie and Jagger Firkus, with Unger pulled for an additional attacker. It just wasn’t enough for the Warriors.
Shots on goal in the third period were 10-4 for Moose Jaw with the Warriors outshooting the Knights 30-28.
Michael Simpson made 26 saves on the 30 shots that he faced for the win for the Knights. While Jackson Unger made 23 saves on the 28 shots that he faced for the Warriors.
Player of the game was Sam O’Reilly of the London Knights.
Attendance in Saginaw was 4,768
Warriors next game is Tuesday night against Drummondville. This is the tie breaker as both teams are 0-2. Loser of this game is done.
