London becomes first to two wins, beating both Quebec teams

By JAMES TUBB on May 27, 2025.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

RIMOUSKI, QUE.

The London Knights have put themselves in favourable position through the opening weekend of the 2025 Memorial Cup.

The Knights knocked off the Moncton Wildcats 3-2 in overtime Saturday before beating the host Rimouski Oceanic 3-1 on Sunday to be the first team to two wins at the tournament.

They sit one win away from a spot back in the finals for the second straight year, facing the Medicine Hat Tigers tonight.

“They’ll be good, they’ll be fine, they’re coming here to play hockey and each game they’re going to take one game at a time,” London head coach Dale Hunter said. “Medicine Hat has got a good team, we all know it, there’s going to be a battle.”

Edmonton Oilers prospect Sam O’Reilly scored twice in the Knights’ overtime win Saturday, including the game winner. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan leads the 105th Memorial Cup in scoring, with an empty net goal and an assist Sunday after tallying two assists against Moncton.

London net minder Austin Elliott leads the tournament with a .948 save percentage and a 1.45 goals against average.

With the Knights’ win Sunday, Hunter moves into first place in all-time wins at the Memorial Cup with 15, surpassing former WHL head coach Don Hay. He tied Hay’s record of 14 wins following the Knight’s 3-2 overtime win Saturday over the Moncton Wildcats. Hunter says the success is a testament to the teams he’s coached in London.

“It’s a credit to the players here that to win games, they’re the ones who have to sacrifice on the ice blocking shots, doing everything,” Hunter said. “So through the years, I’ve had great players, they’re winners, and they go on to do great things.”

The Océanic and Wildcats will face off Wednesday to finish the round robin. A Moncton loss on Monday and that game will decide who advances to the semifinals and who of the two QMJHL teams is eliminated from the tournament. If the Wildcats beat the Tigers, Medicine Hat would have to beat London on Tuesday to force tiebreaker situations to decide who gets the finals bye and who will play in the semis.

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