London Knights

London Knights
London Knights
City	London, Ontario
League	Ontario Hockey League
Conference	Western
Division	Midwest
Founded	1965
Home arena	Canada Life Place
Colours	Green, yellow, black, and white;
General manager	Mark Hunter
Head coach	Dale Hunter
Affiliates	London Nationals, St. Thomas Stars
Website	www.londonknights.com
Franchise history
1965–1968	London Nationals
1968–present	London Knights
Championships
Playoff championships	Memorial Cup: 2005, 2016; OHL: 2005, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2024
Current uniform

The London Knights are a junior ice hockey team from London, Ontario, Canada, playing in the Ontario Hockey League, one of the leagues of the Canadian Hockey League. The Knights started out in 1965 as the London Nationals but changed to their current name in 1968. The Knights have won two Memorial Cup championships.

History

Early days

The London Nationals were granted a franchise in the OHA for the 1965–66 season under the ownership of the London Gardens arena, with the Toronto Maple Leafs controlling the team's players.^[1]

After three seasons, direct NHL sponsorship of junior teams ended. The team and Gardens was sold to businessman Howard Darwin for $500,000, who renamed the team to the Knights and changed the colours to green and gold.^[2]

1968–1986: the Darwin era

In 1968, businessman Howard Darwin bought the London Nationals (he also owned the Ottawa 67's) as the era of NHL sponsorship of junior hockey ended. Darwin wanted to give a fresh look to the team, and so held a contest to rename the team.^[3]

1986–1994: new owners, new dawn

In 1986 Howard Darwin sold the Knights and the arena to Paris, Ontario businessmen Jack Robillard, Al Martin and Bob Willson.^[4]

1994–2000: "Knightmare" and redemption

In 1994 the Knights were sold to St. Thomas, Ontario, real estate developer Doug Tarry Sr. He died before the team had played a game under his ownership, and the team was inherited by his son, Doug Tarry Jr. Upon taking command, Tarry carried out further renovations on the Gardens including a name change to the "London Ice House." He also alienated a fair portion of the team's fan base by changing the team's colours from green, gold and black to eggplant and teal, and changing the logo to a cartoon logo instantly and derisively nicknamed "Spiderknight".^[5]

2000–present: the Hunter era

In 2000, former NHL players Dale Hunter, Mark Hunter, and Basil McRae bought the Knights from Doug Tarry Jr.^[6]

The 2003–04 OHL season would mark the beginning of a remarkable dynasty. The Knights had the best regular season record in the CHL and set an OHL record with 110 points, but lost the OHL Western Conference final to the Guelph Storm. In the 2004–05 season, the Knights set a new CHL record by going 31 games in a row without a loss (29–0–2).^[7] The Knights finished the season with 120 points (59 wins, 7 losses, 2 ties), breaking their own OHL record set the previous season. In the playoffs, the Knights started by sweeping two best-of-seven series against the Guelph Storm and Windsor Spitfires. In the Western Conference final, the Knights defeated the Kitchener Rangers 4–1 to win the Wayne Gretzky Trophy. In the OHL finals against the Ottawa 67's, the Knights won the series 4–1 to win their first J. Ross Robertson Cup, ending the longest championship drought in the CHL. The London Knights qualified for the 2005 Memorial Cup both as OHL Champion and the tournament host. In the tournament round robin, they defeated the Rimouski Océanic 4–3, the Kelowna Rockets 4–2, and the Ottawa 67's 5–2. This earned the Knights a bye into the championship game in which they defeated Rimouski 4–0 to win their first Memorial Cup.^[8] In 2018, the 2004–05 London Knights were named the CHL's "Team of the Century".^[9]

Dale Hunter announced on May 14, 2012, he would not return to coach the Capitals in the 2012–13 season, choosing instead to return to the London Knights.^[10]

The Knights capped their OHL season with a game seven win over the Barrie Colts as Bo Horvat scored the game-winning goal in the last second of the third period to capture the Knights' second consecutive J. Ross Robertson Cup.^[11]

London finished the 2013–14 season third in the OHL with 103 regular season points. However, the only two teams above them were their division opponents, the Guelph Storm and Erie Otters, thus denying the Knights a third straight division title. After sweeping the Windsor Spitfires in the first round the Knights were eliminated by the Storm in five games. Nevertheless, the Knights earned a berth in the 2014 Memorial Cup, their third straight, by virtue of being selected to host the tournament the day after winning the OHL championship the year before.^[12]

On October 21, 2014, Mark Hunter resigned as Knights general manager after being appointed director of player personnel for the Toronto Maple Leafs.^[13]

The Knights entered the 2016 Memorial Cup as favourites due to their impressive winning streak and did not disappoint, dominating the round robin and outscoring their opponents by a combined score of 20–5. In the championship game, the Knights faced off against the CHL number-one ranked Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. The Huskies pushed the Knights to the limit, carrying a 2–1 lead late into the third period before Christian Dvorak scored with 4:11 remaining to force overtime, where a goal by Matthew Tkachuk earned the Knights their 17th-straight win and second Memorial Cup championship.^[14]

On July 6, 2016, McRae stepped down as general manager of the London Knights to become the director of player personnel for the Columbus Blue Jackets. He was replaced by former assistant general manager and former assistant coach of the London Knights, Rob Simpson.^[15]

The Knights subsequently finished the 2016–17 OHL season third in the Midwest. In the playoffs, they defeated the Windsor Spitfires in seven games before falling to the Erie Otters in seven games in the second round.^[16]

Having resigned from his role with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Mark Hunter returned as general manager of the London Knights on August 10, 2018, with Rob Simpson returning to his former role as assistant general manager.^[17]

Championships

The London Knights have won the Memorial Cup tournament two times, won the J. Ross Robertson Cup five times, won the Western Conference eight times, and have won sixteen division titles.

Memorial Cup (CHL champions)

2004–05 Champions vs. Rimouski Océanic
2011–12 Finalists vs. Shawinigan Cataractes
2012–13 Finished 3rd place
2013–14 Finished 4th place
2015–16 Champions vs. Rouyn-Noranda Huskies
2023–24 Finalists vs. Saginaw Spirit

J. Ross Robertson Cup (OHL champions)

1976–77 Lost to Ottawa 67's
1998–99 Lost to Belleville Bulls
2004–05 Champions vs. Ottawa 67's
2005–06 Lost to Peterborough Petes
2011–12 Champions vs. Niagara IceDogs
2012–13 Champions vs. Barrie Colts
2015–16 Champions vs. Niagara IceDogs
2022–23 Lost to Peterborough Petes
2023–24 Champions vs. Oshawa Generals

Hamilton Spectator Trophy (Most points in regular reason)

2003–04 – 110 points – 53–11–2–2
2004–05 – 120 points – 59–7–2–0
2005–06 – 102 points – 49–15–1–3
2006–07 – 104 points – 50–14–1–3
2011–12 – 99 points – 49–18–0–1
2012–13 – 105 points – 50–13–2–3
2023-24 - 104 points — 50-14-1-3

Wayne Gretzky Trophy (Western Conference champions)

1998–99
2004–05
2005–06
2011–12
2012–13
2015–16
2022-23
2023-24

Division trophies

1977–78 – Emms Division
1989–90 – Emms Division
1997–98 – West Division
2003–04 – Midwest Division
2004–05 – Midwest Division
2005–06 – Midwest Division
2006–07 – Midwest Division
2008–09 – Midwest Division
2009–10 – Midwest Division
2011–12 – Midwest Division
2012–13 – Midwest Division
2018–19 – Midwest Division
2019–20 – Midwest Division
2021–22 – Midwest Division
2022–23 – Midwest Division
2023–24 – Midwest Division

Awards

Canadian Hockey League

CHL Player of the Year

1981–82 – Dave Simpson
1993–94 – Jason Allison
2015–16 – Mitch Marner

Ed Chynoweth Trophy
Top Scorer at the Memorial Cup

2016 - Mitch Marner

George Parsons Trophy
Most Sportsmanlike Player at the Memorial Cup

2013 – Bo Horvat

Hap Emms Memorial Trophy
Outstanding Goaltender at the Memorial Cup

2005 – Adam Dennis
2016 - Tyler Parsons

Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy
Most Valuable Player at the Memorial Cup

2005 – Corey Perry
2016 – Mitch Marner

Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award

2003–04 – Dale Hunter

CHL Executive of the Year

1997–98 – Paul McIntosh

CHL Defenceman of the Year

2004–05 – Danny Syvret

CHL Goaltender of the Year

2011–12 – Michael Houser

CHL Humanitarian of the Year

1997–98 – Jason Metcalfe

CHL Rookie of the Year

2006–07 – Patrick Kane

CHL Top Draft Prospect Award

2006–07 – Patrick Kane
2008–09 – John Tavares

CHL Top Scorer Award

1993–94 – Jason Allison
2006–07 – Patrick Kane

Ontario Hockey League

Bobby Smith Trophy
Scholastic Player of the Year

1981–82 – Dave Simpson

Dan Snyder Memorial Trophy
Humanitarian of the Year

1998 – Jason Metcalfe

Dave Pinkney Trophy
Lowest Team G.A.A.

2003–04 – Ryan MacDonald & Gerald Coleman
2004–05 – Adam Dennis & Gerald Coleman
2015–16 – Brendan Burke & Tyler Parsons

Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy
Top Scorer

1981–82 – Dave Simpson
1993–94 – Jason Allison
2004–05 – Corey Perry
2005–06 – Rob Schremp
2006–07 – Patrick Kane
2008–09 – John Tavares

Emms Family Award
Rookie of the Year

1972–73 – Dennis Maruk
1987–88 – Rick Corriveau
2000–01 – Rick Nash
2006–07 – Patrick Kane

F.W. "Dinty" Moore Trophy
Lowest G.A.A. among Rookie Goaltenders

1976–77 – Barry Heard
1989–90 – Sean Basilio
2003–04 – Ryan MacDonald
2017–18 – Jordan Kooy
2019–20 – Brett Brochu
2022–23 – Zach Bowen

Jack Ferguson Award
Top Draft Pick

1996 – Rico Fata

Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy
Highest Scoring Right Winger

1972–73 – Dennis Ververgaert
1977–78 – Dino Ciccarelli
1997–98 – Maxim Spiridonov
2003–04 – Corey Perry
2004–05 – Corey Perry
2005–06 – Dave Bolland
2006–07 – Patrick Kane
2012–13 – Seth Griffith
2014–15 – Mitch Marner

Matt Leyden Trophy
Coach of the Year

1976–77 – Bill Long
1992–93 – Gary Agnew
1997–98 – Gary Agnew
2003–04 – Dale Hunter
2004–05 – Dale Hunter
2009–10 – Dale Hunter

Max Kaminsky Trophy
Most Outstanding Defenseman

1975–76 – Rick Green
1977–78 – Brad Marsh and Rob Ramage
1984–85 – Bob Halkidis
1999–00 – John Erskine
2004–05 – Danny Syvret
2018–19 – Evan Bouchard

Mickey Renaud Captain's Trophy
Team Captain that Best Exemplifies Leadership

2014-15 – Max Domi

OHL Executive of the Year

1997–98 – Paul McIntosh
2003–04 – Mark Hunter

OHL Goaltender of the Year

2005–06 – Adam Dennis
2006–07 – Steve Mason
2011–12 – Michael Houser

Red Tilson Trophy
Most Outstanding Player

1974–75 – Dennis Maruk
1981–82 – Dave Simpson
1993–94 – Jason Allison
2004–05 – Corey Perry
2011–12 – Michael Houser
2015–16 – Mitch Marner
2023-24 - Easton Cowan

Roger Neilson Memorial Award
Top Academic College/University Player

2007–08 – Scott Aarssen

Wayne Gretzky 99 Award
Playoffs MVP

2005 – Corey Perry
2012 – Austin Watson
2013 – Bo Horvat
2016 – Mitch Marner

William Hanley Trophy
Most Sportsmanlike Player

1981–82 – Dave Simpson
1993–94 – Jason Allison

Coaches

The London Nationals were coached by Jack McIntyre for the 1965–66 season. For their second and third seasons from 1966 to 1968, the Nationals were coached by Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender Turk Broda.

London Knights coaches have won the Matt Leyden Trophy, emblematic of the OHL's Coach of the Year, five times. Bill Long won it once, in 1976–77, Gary Agnew twice, in 1992–93 and in 1997–98, and Dale Hunter twice, in 2003–04 and 2004–05. Dale Hunter also won the Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award, emblematic of CHL Coach of the Year honours, in 2003–04.

As London Nationals:

1965–1966 — Jack McIntyre
1966–1968 — Turk Broda

As London Knights:

1968–1969 — Gene Taylor
1969–1971 — Bep Guidolin
1971–1972 — Bronco Horvath
1972–1980 — Bill Long
1980–1983 — Paul McIntosh
1983–1986 — Don Boyd
1986–1990 — Wayne Maxner
1990–1994 — Gary Agnew
1994–1995 — Mike Fedorko
1995–1996 — Murray Nystrom (interim)
1995–1996 — Tom Barrett
1996–1997 — Brad Selwood
1996–1997 — Paul McIntosh (interim)
1997–2000 — Gary Agnew
2000–2001 — Lindsay Hofford
2001–2011 — Dale Hunter
2011–2012 — Mark Hunter
2012–present – Dale Hunter

Notes: Mike Fedorko was entering his second season as Knights' coach and GM in the autumn of 1995. He was fired in October 1995 when the Knights began the season with a 13-game losing streak. Assistant Murray Nystrom took over coaching duties temporarily. Tom Barrett, who had led the Kitchener Rangers to the 1984 Memorial Cup, was named head coach in December. Barrett died of cancer in April 1996, shortly after the conclusion of the season. Moe Mantha was originally named the head coach to take over from Barrett, but left to coach the Baltimore Bandits of the American Hockey League before coaching a game. Brad Selwood was ultimately named Barrett's replacement for 1996–97 but was fired mid-season and GM Paul McIntosh took over on an interim basis for the rest of the season. Gary Agnew was rehired at the start of 1997–98.^[18]

Players

NHL or WHA alumni

The following is a complete list of London Knights who later played in the National Hockey League or World Hockey Association.^{[citation needed]}

London Nationals

London Knights

First round picks in NHL or WHA drafts

The London Knights have had at least one player drafted in each NHL Entry Draft from 1969 onward.^[19]

The following players were selected in the first round of the NHL entry draft:^{[citation needed]}

Darryl Sittler – 1970, 8th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs
Dan Maloney – 1970, 14th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks
Dennis Ververgaert – 1973, 3rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks
Rick Green – 1976, 1st overall by the Washington Capitals
Scott Campbell – 1977, 9th overall by the St. Louis Blues
Brad Marsh – 1978, 11th overall by the Atlanta Flames
Rob Ramage – 1979, 1st overall by the Colorado Rockies
Jim Sandlak – 1985, 4th overall by the Vancouver Canucks
Brendan Shanahan – 1987, 2nd overall by the New Jersey Devils
Nick Stajduhar – 1993, 16th overall by the Edmonton Oilers
Jason Allison – 1993, 17th overall by the Washington Capitals
Rico Fata – 1998, 6th overall by the Calgary Flames
Rick Nash – 2002, 1st overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets
Corey Perry – 2003, 28th overall by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim
Rob Schremp – 2004, 25th overall by the Edmonton Oilers
Patrick Kane – 2007, 1st overall by the Chicago Blackhawks
Sam Gagner – 2007, 6th overall by the Edmonton Oilers
John Tavares – 2009, 1st overall by the New York Islanders
Nazem Kadri – 2009, 7th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs
Vladislav Namestnikov – 2011, 27th overall by the Tampa Bay Lightning
Olli Maatta – 2012, 22nd overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins
Bo Horvat – 2013, 9th overall by the Vancouver Canucks
Max Domi – 2013, 12th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes
Nikita Zadorov – 2013, 16th overall by the Buffalo Sabres
Mitch Marner – 2015, 4th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs
Olli Juolevi – 2016, 5th overall by the Vancouver Canucks
Matthew Tkachuk – 2016, 6th overall by the Calgary Flames
Max Jones – 2016, 24th overall by the Anaheim Ducks
Robert Thomas – 2017, 20th overall by the St. Louis Blues
Evan Bouchard – 2018, 10th overall by the Edmonton Oilers
Liam Foudy – 2018, 18th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets
Connor McMichael – 2019, 25th overall by the Washington Capitals
Oliver Bonk - 2023, 22nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers^[20]
Easton Cowan - 2023, 28th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs^[20]

The following players were selected in the first round of the WHA amateur draft:^{[citation needed]}

Reg Thomas – 1973, 8th overall by the Los Angeles Sharks
Rick Green – 1976, 10th overall by the Quebec Nordiques
Scott Campbell – 1977, 1st overall by the Houston Aeros

Retired numbers

List of numbers retired by the London Knights.^[21]

5 – Rob Ramage
8 – Dino Ciccarelli
9 – Darryl Sittler
19 – Brendan Shanahan
22 – Brad Marsh
61 – Rick Nash
88 – Patrick Kane
91 – Dave Bolland
94 – Corey Perry

Hall of Famers

List of London Knights players in the Hockey Hall of Fame.^{[citation needed]}

Season-by-season results

Legend: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime losses, SL = Shoot-out losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against

Memorial Cup champions	OHL champions	OHL runners-up

Season	GP	W	L	T	OTL	SL	Pts	Win %	GF	GA	Standing	Playoffs
1965–66	48	12	29	7	-	-	31	0.323	149	235	9th OHA
1966–67	48	18	21	9	-	-	45	0.469	185	214	6th OHA	Lost Quarterfinal (Niagara Falls Flyers) 8–4
1967–68	54	17	31	6	-	-	40	0.370	177	262	7th OHA	Lost Quarterfinal (Hamilton Red Wings) 8–2
1968–69	54	19	26	9	-	-	47	0.435	242	258	7th OHA	Lost Quarterfinal (Peterborough Petes) 8–4
1969–70	54	22	25	7	-	-	51	0.472	209	238	6th OHA	Won Quarterfinal (Peterborough Petes) 8–4 Lost Semifinal (Toronto Marlboros) 9–3
1970–71	62	19	35	8	-	-	46	0.371	232	281	8th OHA	Lost Quarterfinal (Montreal Junior Canadiens) 8–0
1971–72	63	23	31	9	-	-	55	0.437	253	285	8th OHA	Lost Quarterfinal (Ottawa 67's) 8–6
1972–73	63	33	22	8	-	-	74	0.587	334	246	4th OHA	Won Quarterfinal (Kitchener Rangers) 8–0 Lost Semifinal (Peterborough Petes) 9–5
1973–74	70	36	27	7	-	-	79	0.564	282	250	4th OHA	Lost Quarterfinal (Toronto Marlboros) 9–1
1974–75	70	26	37	7	-	-	59	0.421	296	368	9th OHA
1975–76	66	31	26	9	-	-	71	0.538	317	256	2nd Emms	Lost Quarterfinal (Toronto Marlboros) 8–2
1976–77	66	51	13	2	-	-	104	0.788	379	203	2nd Emms	Won Quarterfinal (Toronto Marlboros) 9–3 Won Semifinal (St. Catharines Fincups) 9–7 Lost OHL Championship (Ottawa 67's) 8–4
1977–78	68	35	22	11	-	-	81	0.596	333	251	1st Emms	Won Quarterfinal (Kitchener Rangers) 8–0 Lost Semifinal (Hamilton Fincups) 9–5
1978–79	68	37	29	2	-	-	76	0.559	310	287	2nd Emms	Tied First-round (Windsor Spitfires) – Series disputed Lost Semifinal (Niagara Falls Flyers) – Round-robin
1979–80	68	26	38	4	-	-	56	0.412	328	334	5th Emms	Lost First-round (Niagara Falls Flyers) 6–4
1980–81	68	20	48	0	-	-	40	0.294	300	388	6th Emms
1981–82	68	35	30	3	-	-	73	0.537	359	328	3rd Emms	Lost First-round (Brantford Alexanders) 6–2
1982–83	70	32	37	1	-	-	65	0.464	336	339	5th Emms	Lost First-round (Brantford Alexanders) 6–0
1983–84	70	32	37	1	-	-	65	0.464	288	319	4th Emms	Won First-round (North Bay Centennials) 6–2 Lost Quarterfinal (Kitchener Rangers) 8–0
1984–85	66	43	22	1	-	-	87	0.659	340	276	2nd Emms	Won First-round (Windsor Spitfires) 8–0 Lost Quarterfinal (Hamilton Steelhawks) 6–2
1985–86	66	28	33	5	-	-	61	0.462	271	292	6th Emms	Lost First-round (North Bay Centennials) 9–1
1986–87	66	25	39	2	-	-	52	0.394	259	329	7th Emms
1987–88	66	40	22	4	-	-	84	0.636	309	273	2nd Emms	Won First-round (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) 4–2 Lost Quarterfinal (Hamilton Steelhawks) 4–2
1988–89	66	37	25	4	-	-	78	0.591	311	264	3rd Emms	Won First-round (Guelph Platers) 4–3 Won Quarterfinal (North Bay Centennials) 4–3 Lost Semifinal (Niagara Falls Thunder) 4–3
1989–90	66	41	19	6	-	-	88	0.667	313	246	1st Emms	Lost First-round (Niagara Falls Thunder) 4–2
1990–91	66	38	25	3	-	-	79	0.598	301	270	3rd Emms	Lost First-round (Windsor Spitfires) 4–3
1991–92	66	37	25	4	-	-	78	0.591	310	260	3rd Emms	Won First-round (Owen Sound Platers) 4–1 Lost Quarterfinal (Niagara Falls Thunder) 4–1
1992–93	66	32	27	7	-	-	71	0.538	323	292	3rd Emms	Won First-round (Kitchener Rangers) 4–3 Lost Quarterfinal (Detroit Junior Red Wings) 4–1
1993–94	66	32	30	4	-	-	68	0.515	293	279	5th Emms	Lost First-round (Guelph Storm) 4–1
1994–95	66	18	44	4	-	-	40	0.303	210	309	4th Western	Lost First-round (Detroit Junior Red Wings) 4–0
1995–96	66	3	60	3	-	-	9	0.068	179	435	5th Western
1996–97	66	13	51	2	-	-	28	0.212	215	365	5th Western
1997–98	66	40	21	5	-	-	85	0.644	301	238	1st Western	Won First-round (Erie Otters) 4–3 Won Quarterfinal (Kingston Frontenacs) 4–1 Lost Semifinal (Ottawa 67's) 4–0
1998–99	68	34	30	4	-	-	72	0.529	260	217	3rd West	Won First-round (Sarnia Sting) 4–2 Won Quarterfinal (Plymouth Whalers) 4–3 Won Semifinal (Owen Sound Platers) 4–1 Lost OHL Championship (Belleville Bulls) 4–3
1999–2000	68	22	36	7	3	-	54	0.397	186	250	5th West
2000–01	68	26	34	5	3	-	60	0.441	222	263	4th West	Lost First-round (Erie Otters) 4–1
2001–02	68	24	27	10	7	-	65	0.478	210	249	5th West	Won First-round (Plymouth Whalers) 4–2 Lost Quarterfinal (Erie Otters) 4–2
2002–03	68	31	27	7	3	-	72	0.529	220	205	2nd Midwest	Won First-round (Windsor Spitfires) 4–3 Lost Quarterfinal (Plymouth Whalers) 4–3
2003–04	68	53	11	2	2	-	110	0.809	300	147	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Windsor Spitfires) 4–0 Won Quarterfinal (Erie Otters) 4–0 Lost Semifinal (Guelph Storm) 4–3
2004–05	68	59	7	2	0	-	120	0.882	310	125	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Guelph Storm) 4–0 Won Quarterfinal (Windsor Spitfires) 4–0 Won Semifinal (Kitchener Rangers) 4–1 Won OHL Championship (Ottawa 67's) 4–1 1st place in Memorial Cup Round-robin Won Memorial Cup Final (Rimouski Océanic) 4–0
2005–06	68	49	15	-	1	3	102	0.750	304	211	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) 4–0 Won Quarterfinal (Owen Sound Attack) 4–2 Won Semifinal (Guelph Storm) 4–1 Lost OHL Championship (Peterborough Petes) 4–0
2006–07	68	50	14	-	1	3	104	0.765	311	231	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Owen Sound Attack) 4–0 Won Quarterfinal (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) 4–3 Lost Semifinal (Plymouth Whalers) 4–1
2007–08	68	38	24	-	4	2	82	0.603	250	230	2nd Midwest	Lost First-round (Guelph Storm) 4–1
2008–09	68	49	16	-	1	2	101	0.743	287	194	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Erie Otters) 4–1 Won Quarterfinal (Saginaw Spirit) 4–0 Lost Semifinal (Windsor Spitfires) 4–1
2009–10	68	49	16	-	1	2	101	0.743	273	208	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Guelph Storm) 4–1 Lost Quarterfinal (Kitchener Rangers) 4–3
2010–11	68	34	29	-	4	1	73	0.537	230	253	5th Midwest	Lost First-round (Owen Sound Attack) 4–2
2011–12	68	49	18	-	0	1	99	0.728	277	178	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Windsor Spitfires) 4–0 Won Quarterfinal (Saginaw Spirit) 4–2 Won Semifinal (Kitchener Rangers) 4–0 Won OHL Championship (Niagara IceDogs) 4–1 1st place in Memorial Cup Round-robin Lost Memorial Cup Final (Shawinigan Cataractes) 2–1 (OT)
2012–13	68	50	13	-	2	3	105	0.772	279	180	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Saginaw Spirit) 4–0 Won Quarterfinal (Kitchener Rangers) 4–1 Won Semifinal (Plymouth Whalers) 4–1 Won OHL Championship (Barrie Colts) 4–3 3rd place in Memorial Cup Round-robin Won Memorial Cup Tiebreaker (Saskatoon Blades) 6–1 Lost Memorial Cup Semifinal (Portland Winterhawks) 2–1
2013–14	68	49	14	-	1	4	103	0.757	316	203	3rd Midwest	Won First-round (Windsor Spitfires) 4–0 Lost Quarterfinal (Guelph Storm) 4–1 4th place in Memorial Cup Round-robin^[a]
2014–15	68	40	24	-	1	3	84	0.618	289	260	2nd Midwest	Won First-round (Kitchener Rangers) 4–2 Lost Quarterfinal (Erie Otters) 4–0
2015–16	68	51	14	-	2	1	105	0.772	319	182	2nd Midwest	Won First-round (Owen Sound Attack) 4–2 Won Quarterfinal (Kitchener Rangers) 4–0 Won Semifinal (Erie Otters) 4–0 Won OHL Championship (Niagara IceDogs) 4–0 1st place in Memorial Cup Round-robin Won Memorial Cup Final (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies) 3–2 (OT)
2016–17	68	46	15	-	3	4	99	0.728	289	194	3rd Midwest	Won First-round (Windsor Spitfires) 4–3 Lost Quarterfinal (Erie Otters) 4–3
2017–18	68	39	25	-	2	2	82	0.603	233	212	3rd Midwest	Lost First-round (Owen Sound Attack) 4–0
2018–19	68	46	15	-	6	1	99	0.728	299	211	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Windsor Spitfires) 4–0 Lost Quarterfinal (Guelph Storm) 4–3
2019–20	62	45	15	-	1	1	92	0.742	265	187	1st Midwest	Playoffs cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2020–21	Season cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic
2021–22	68	39	22	-	5	2	85	0.625	264	232	1st Midwest	Lost First-round (Kitchener Rangers) 4–3
2022–23	68	45	21	-	2	0	92	0.676	269	214	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Owen Sound Attack) 4–0 Won Quarterfinal (Kitchener Rangers) 4–1 Won Semifinal (Sarnia Sting) 4–2 Lost OHL Championship (Peterborough Petes) 4–2
2023–24	68	50	14	-	1	3	104	0.765	322	197	1st Midwest	Won First-round (Flint Firebirds) 4–0 Won Quarterfinal (Kitchener Rangers) 4–0 Won Semifinal (Saginaw Spirit) 4–2 Won OHL Championship (Oshawa Generals) 4–0 1st place in Memorial Cup Round-robin

Notes

^ The London Knights automatically qualified for the 2014 Memorial Cup as tournament hosts.

Arenas

The London Gardens was built in 1963 and served as the home of the Knights from the team's inception in 1965 to its closing in 2002. The building was renamed London Ice House in 1994. The Knights final game played at the arena was in the 2002 playoffs, where the Knights lost in overtime in the sixth game of the second round to the eventual OHL Champion Erie Otters. The Knights used the Ice House for their training camp and exhibition schedule for the 2002–03 season and moved out permanently in October 2002.^[22]

The Canada Life Place opened on October 11, 2002 as the Knights played host to the Plymouth Whalers. The arena, located in downtown London, is the largest in Western Ontario.^[23]

References

^ MacLeod, Rex (February 5, 1966). "Nats' inexperience evident, but club directors optimistic". The Globe and Mail.
^ "Howard Darwin founded Knights". Toronto Sun. October 23, 2009. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
^ London Free Press
^ "Howard Joseph Darwin". Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame. December 30, 2023. Archived from the original on January 9, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
^ "London Knights logo 2001". hockeydb.com. Archived from the original on February 28, 2008.
^ Maloney, Patrick (November 5, 2022). "LFP ARCHIVES: When the Hunter brothers bought the London Knights". The London Free Press. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
^ "Longest Undefeated Streak". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2006.
^ "Knights win the MasterCard Memorial Cup". CHL.ca. May 28, 2005. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
^ "London Knights of 2004-05 named CHL Team of the Century". Global News. May 29, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
^ "Hunter steps down as Capitals coach". May 14, 2012. Archived from the original on August 6, 2016.
^ "Game Summary 19140". May 15, 2013. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016.
^ "Knights to host 2014 Memorial Cup". May 14, 2013. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013.
^ "Leafs name Mark Hunter new director of player personnel". CBC.ca. October 21, 2014. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014.
^ "London Knights are 2016 MasterCard Memorial Cup Champions". chl.ca. May 29, 2016.
^ "London Knights' GM Basil McRae steps down". The Hockey Writers. July 6, 2016.
^ Pyette, Ryan (April 19, 2017). "London Knights: Game 7 against Erie Otters". London Free Press. Retrieved May 11, 2024.
^ "Mark Hunter returns as London Knights general manager". London Free Press. August 11, 2018.
^ ". . . worst of times: Only nine years removed from 3-60-3". Archived from the original on November 28, 2004. Retrieved April 15, 2006.
^ "Knights Extend Historic Streak in 2022 NHL Draft". London Knights. July 7, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Varley, Kristylee (June 29, 2023). "Bonk and Cowan selected in first round of NHL draft". CTV News / CTV London. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
^ Sadler, Emily (October 19, 2018). "How Dale, Mark Hunter turned London Knights into a CHL powerhouse". sportsnet.ca. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
^ Jordan, Kevin (December 4, 2019). "London Knights–London Gardens". OHL Arena Guide. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
^ Jordan, Kevin (March 28, 2020). "London Knights—Budweiser Gardens". OHL Arena Guide. Archived from the original on April 28, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.

External links

Official website

[22] The London Knights automatically qualified for the 2014 Memorial Cup as tournament hosts.

[1] MacLeod, Rex (February 5, 1966). "Nats' inexperience evident, but club directors optimistic". The Globe and Mail.

[2] "Howard Darwin founded Knights". Toronto Sun. October 23, 2009. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014. Retrieved February 22, 2014.

[3] London Free Press

[4] "Howard Joseph Darwin". Ottawa Sport Hall of Fame. December 30, 2023. Archived from the original on January 9, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.

[5] "London Knights logo 2001". hockeydb.com. Archived from the original on February 28, 2008.

[6] Maloney, Patrick (November 5, 2022). "LFP ARCHIVES: When the Hunter brothers bought the London Knights". The London Free Press. Archived from the original on November 5, 2022. Retrieved June 2, 2024.

[7] "Longest Undefeated Streak". Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved August 17, 2006.

[8] "Knights win the MasterCard Memorial Cup". CHL.ca. May 28, 2005. Retrieved May 11, 2024.

[9] "London Knights of 2004-05 named CHL Team of the Century". Global News. May 29, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2024.

[10] "Hunter steps down as Capitals coach". May 14, 2012. Archived from the original on August 6, 2016.

[11] "Game Summary 19140". May 15, 2013. Archived from the original on April 9, 2016.

[12] "Knights to host 2014 Memorial Cup". May 14, 2013. Archived from the original on June 9, 2013.

[13] "Leafs name Mark Hunter new director of player personnel". CBC.ca. October 21, 2014. Archived from the original on October 22, 2014.

[14] "London Knights are 2016 MasterCard Memorial Cup Champions". chl.ca. May 29, 2016.

[15] "London Knights' GM Basil McRae steps down". The Hockey Writers. July 6, 2016.

[16] Pyette, Ryan (April 19, 2017). "London Knights: Game 7 against Erie Otters". London Free Press. Retrieved May 11, 2024.

[17] "Mark Hunter returns as London Knights general manager". London Free Press. August 11, 2018.

[18] ". . . worst of times: Only nine years removed from 3-60-3". Archived from the original on November 28, 2004. Retrieved April 15, 2006.

[draftstreak-19] "Knights Extend Historic Streak in 2022 NHL Draft". London Knights. July 7, 2022. Retrieved June 29, 2023.

[2023nhldraft-20] Varley, Kristylee (June 29, 2023). "Bonk and Cowan selected in first round of NHL draft". CTV News / CTV London. Retrieved June 29, 2023.

[21] Sadler, Emily (October 19, 2018). "How Dale, Mark Hunter turned London Knights into a CHL powerhouse". sportsnet.ca. Retrieved November 29, 2019.

[23] Jordan, Kevin (December 4, 2019). "London Knights–London Gardens". OHL Arena Guide. Archived from the original on September 28, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2024.

[24] Jordan, Kevin (March 28, 2020). "London Knights—Budweiser Gardens". OHL Arena Guide. Archived from the original on April 28, 2024. Retrieved June 2, 2024.

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