Knights win the Memorial Cup second time in team's history

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: HENCY THACKER
The London Knights pose with the Memorial Cup in Victoria Park.

The London Knights brought home the Memorial Cup to expectant fans in Victoria Park on May 30.

This was the second time bringing home the cup in the franchise's history, the last being in 2005.

The team's win was celebrated with their fans in Victoria Park, where the Knights lifted their cup in the air as people chanted, “Go Knights go!”

“The last game was a heck of a game. The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies played well too and gave us a tough competition. But we didn't quit. It takes a great character to win, and that's what we have,” said head coach Dale Hunter at the event.

The Memorial Cup was a well-deserved feat for the Knights who dominated their competition throughout the season. First with the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) playoffs and then with a completely undefeated record in the Memorial Cup; the Knights managed to go 17 wins in a row, something that is unheard of at this level of hockey.

“It was a team effort and we are very fortunate that we have a great team here. And that includes all of the members including our trainers who work endless hours for the team,” said Basil McRae, the General Manager of the London Knights. “We have great players, the best trainers in CHL and amazing staff to back us up here.”

The nail-biting final match between the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and the London Knights was concluded on May 29 with the win of the Knights by 3-2. The goal, which claimed the title of best team in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), was scored by Matthew Tkachuk 7:49 into overtime.

Tkachuk played through the tournament on a sprained ankle, suffered during the OHL championship. And although Tkachuk was credited with the winning goal, he isn't even sure that it was his. According to an interview with the CBC, it might have gone off Christian Dvorak's back.

Whether the goal was his or Dvorak's, the team still managed to bring home the Memorial Cup, a huge feat for our local franchise.

“All's well that ends well,” said a London Knights fan. “I am extremely proud of the team. And to say that I come from the home ground of the London Knights team, which is the best team in CHL is such an honour.”

London Knights victory celebrationA big crowd came out to show their appreciation for the 2016 Memorial Cup winning London Knights (Credit: HENCY THACKER)