London Knights are back-to-back OHL champions

The London Knights are back-to-back Ontario Hockey League champions.

Kasper Halttunen scored twice as London topped the Oshawa Generals 5-2 in Game 5 of the championship series Thursday, helping the Knights capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup and book their ticket to the Memorial Cup.

"I believe we're gonna take it all the way," London Knights Fan Club founder Sav Neth said, after watching the final at Canada Life Place.

Nath was there with his son and said the fans brought the most epic energy he had ever seen in the arena. He has been at every championship game the Knights have won on the road, but said he was grateful to have the opportunity to see them win at home.

"We've dreamt of this since day one, and to do it in back-to-back years is a surreal feeling. It's even better to do it on home ice," said Knights captain Denver Barkey, who returned to the lineup from injury in Game 5. "It's a great way to cap off what we've built here in London, and there's one more thing to go win now."

Sam O'Reilly and Easton Cowan both scored a goal and an assist while Landon Sim scored for London.

Sam Dickinson and Jacob Julien added two assists apiece. Knights goaltender Austin Elliott saved 32 of 34 shots.

Andrew Gibson and Beckett Sennecke replied for Oshawa Generals goaltender Jacob Oster, who saved 20 of 24 shots.

"We're a close-knit family here," said Knights head coach Dale Hunter, who won his fifth J. Ross Robertson Cup to tie him for the most all-time with Leighton "Hap" Emms. "The kids enjoy playing, and it's easy to coach when they enjoy it. It's been a real fun couple years here with these kids."

Halttunen was named OHL playoff MVP after producing 15 goals -- including nine in the championship series -- and six assists in 17 games. The 19-year-old Finn became the first import player in league history to earn the honour.

The Knights claimed their sixth OHL title after also winning in 2024, 2016, 2013, 2012 and 2005.

London joins Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League finalists Moncton and Rimouski - this year's host - in the Memorial Cup.

The Western Hockey League champion still needs to be determined, with Medicine Hat leading Spokane 3-1 in the final. The Knights lost 4-3 to the Saginaw Spirit in last year's Memorial Cup final.

Aside from the action in the championship game, Neth said the highlight was seeing Denver Barkey named OHL Humanitarian of the Year. Barkey's charity work helped London-area children with learning and social disabilities register for hockey while providing donated equipment.

"Denver has been incredible helping make our community better," Neth said.