In a thrilling Game 1 showdown, the London Knights faced off against the Soo Greyhounds, but it was the Greyhounds who skated away with a 4-1 victory at Canada Life Place. The game was marked by a controversial hit early in the first period when Soo forward Jordan Charron delivered a dangerous blow to London’s defenceman Caleb Mitchell. The referees, Mac Nichol and Tyson Stewart, opted for a minor penalty for boarding, sparking debate over whether a major penalty and video review were warranted.
London assistant coach Dylan Hunter expressed his thoughts on the decision, highlighting the need for video review in such situations. “We had the ability to look at it, so look at it,” Hunter remarked. “Once you slow it down, I thought it was borderline.”
Mitchell’s absence was felt as he never returned to the ice and will be reassessed. Meanwhile, Charron avoided ejection and later engaged in a fight with London’s Rene Van Bommel, who received a minor penalty for instigating.
The Knights struggled to regain their composure after the incident, allowing the Greyhounds to capitalize with two quick goals. London defenceman Henry Brzustewicz noted, “They (the refs) get the final call, so there’s nothing you can do. We have to keep playing our game.”
Special teams played a crucial role in the outcome. The Knights went 0-for-3 on the power play, while the Greyhounds struck twice with the man advantage, sealing the game in the second and third periods.
“Keep the tempo up more on the power play instead of looking for the perfect play,” Hunter advised. “We have to make their goalie uncomfortable.”
Despite their loss, London showed strength in five-on-five play, but it was the special teams that turned the tide. The Greyhounds, with their offensive firepower, are eager to build on this momentum.
“London has some of the best special teams in the league,” Soo coach John Dean acknowledged. “We were lucky to get the right end of it.”
The game also saw notable NHL personnel in attendance, including Seattle Kraken GM Jason Botterill and others, adding to the high-stakes atmosphere. London’s lineup was missing over-age forward Jesse Nurmi due to an upper-body injury, though he’s hopeful to return for Game 2.
Young talent shone through as London rookie Jaxon Cover scored on the first shot of the series, and the Knights welcomed back Memorial Cup-winning goalie Austin Elliott. Meanwhile, the Greyhounds’ Lukas Fischer and Jeremy Martin were pivotal, with Martin netting two goals.
As the series progresses, both teams will look to make adjustments. Game 2 promises to be another intense battle as the Knights aim to bounce back and reclaim their home-ice advantage.