London Knights

London Knights
City	London, Ontario
League	Ontario Hockey League
Conference	Western
Division	Midwest
Founded	1965 (1965)
Home arena	Budweiser Gardens
Colours	Green, gold, black, and white
General manager	Mark Hunter
Head coach	Dale Hunter
Captain	TBD
Affiliate(s)	Lambton Shores Predators
Championships	Memorial Cup Championships (1): 2005 OHL Championships (3): 2005, 2012, 2013
Website www.londonknights.com
Franchise history
1965–68	London Nationals
1968–present	London Knights

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.

History

Early days–1968

The London Nationals were granted a franchise in the OHA for the 1965–66 season under the ownership of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Upon the collapse of the Metro Junior A League in 1963, the Leafs were left with only one sponsored OHA team with which to place their prospects. They wanted a team in London to replace the old Toronto St. Michael's Majors, who had folded a couple of years earlier. The Leafs originally wanted the Nationals to begin play in 1963–64, but it wasn't until a year later that the Nats became the Leafs' second team, joining the Toronto Marlboros.

The Nationals were named for their sponsor, the Canadian National Recreation Association, an organization of Canadian National Railways employees, and took their uniforms as copies of those of the Maple Leafs, except for the words "London Nationals" spelled out on the Leaf instead of the familiar Toronto Maple Leafs script.

Brian Murphy played the most games for the Nationals, 98 in total over three seasons. Garry Unger lead the team in career goals with 42 in only 50 games. Walt McKechnie was their all-time point leader with 26 goals, and 74 assists, totalling 100 points.

After three seasons, direct NHL sponsorship of junior teams ended. The team was sold by the Leafs to businessman Howard Darwin, who renamed the team to the Knights and changed the colours to green and gold.

The Darwin Era, 1968–86

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. Londoner Nawaal Salat suggested the name Knights, and the team's colours were changed to green, white and gold. In 1970 the team also hired trainer Don Brankley, who stayed with the team until retiring at the end of the 2007–08 season. The team grew from a chronic also-ran in the late 1960s and early 1970s to a contender near the end of the decade. The highlight of the Darwin era came in 1976–77, when a powerful Knights team led by future NHLers Rob Ramage, Brad Marsh and Dino Ciccarelli defeated the St. Catharines Fincups in the conference final on an overtime goal by Dan Eastman to advance to the OHL final against the 67's. However, the 67's were triumphant in six games in the league final. In the early 1980s the Knights descended to a nadir in franchise history, with small crowds and a poor record. However, right winger Brendan Shanahan would soon rise to prominence and help to draw larger crowds.

New Owners, New Dawn, 1986–94

In 1986 Howard Darwin sold the Knights and the arena to Paris, Ontario businessmen Jack Robillard, Al Martin and Bob Willson. The trio also owned the Hamilton Steelhawks. The Knights were sold for a dollar but the London Gardens was sold at market value. The new ownership group modernized the team's logo and renovated the Gardens. Under their stewardship the Knights would go on a run of success. Between 1987 and 1993 the team would finish no lower than third in the Emms Division, including a division title in 1989–90. However, regular season success did not translate into playoff success, as the Knights would never make the league final in these years.

Knightmare and Redemption 1994–2000

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 uniforms from traditional green and gold to eggplant and teal, and changing the logo to a cartoon logo instantly and derisively nicknamed "Spiderknight" by the faithful.

The 1995–96 OHL season went down in history as the worst in the history of the Canadian Hockey League. The Knights set a new record for futility by finishing with nine points and a 3–60–3 record. The years following the so-called "Knightmare" season were improved, but the team was still a long way from the league's upper echelon. Meanwhile, the Ice House was falling apart as the Tarry family had stopped putting money into it as a part of their lobbying the city of London for a new arena. However, the re-signing of former Head Coach Gary Agnew, and the signing of future NHLers Rico Fata and Tom Kostopoulos heralded a marked turnaround for the team's fortunes. In 1999, the Knights went on an unexpected playoff run, in which they defeated the number-one-in-the-CHL Plymouth Whalers in seven games in the quarterfinals and ultimately went all the way to the OHL championship, which they lost in seven games to the Belleville Bulls.

The Hunter Era, 2000–present

In 2000, former NHL players Dale Hunter and Mark Hunter bought the Knights from Doug Tarry Jr. brokered by George Georgopoulos who was negotiating with the City of London for the development of a state of the art multi-purpose entertainment centre and arena – Budweiser Gardens (formerly the John Labatt Centre (The JLC)). The Hunters began the process of rebuilding by firstly joining in the lobbying for a new 9,900 seat arena in Downtown London and putting together a smart scouting network. The Ice House was scheduled to be sold and close at the conclusion of the 2001–02 OHL season, and as a treat for their fans, the Knights changed back to their 1986–94 green and gold uniforms in February 2002. In October that year the Budweiser Gardens opened, and new, modernized versions of the old green and gold uniforms debuted. The 2003–04 OHL season would mark the beginning of a remarkable dynasty. The Knights had the best record in the CHL after the regular season, also setting an OHL record with 110 points, but they lost to the Guelph Storm in the OHL Western Conference final. In the 2004–05 season, the Knights broke a CHL record, going 31 games in a row without a loss (29–0–2). The previous record of 29 games, held by the 1978–79 Brandon Wheat Kings (who went 25–0–4 during their streak), was broken with a 0–0 tie against the Guelph Storm on December 10, 2004. The streak ended at 31 games after a 5–2 loss to the Sudbury Wolves on December 17. 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, and in so doing, ended the longest championship drought in the CHL. That same year, the London Knights and the Budweiser Gardens were awarded the right to host 2005 Memorial Cup Tournament, which was played from May 21 to May 29. In the tournament, they defeated the Rimouski Océanic 4–3 on May 21, the Kelowna Rockets 4–2 on May 23, and the Ottawa 67's 5–2 on May 26. This earned the Knights a bye into the championship game. On May 29, the Knights defeated Rimouski 4–0 to win their first Memorial Cup. In 2005–06, the team won their third consecutive Hamilton Spectator Trophy for winning the regular season title, but their run into the playoffs ended with a loss to Peterborough in the OHL final. In 2006–07 the Knights continued their run of success, winning their fourth consecutive Hamilton Spectator Trophy as regular season champions. However, they lost the Western Conference Championship to the Plymouth Whalers.

On January 9, 2009, the London Knights made a blockbuster trade. They acquired hockey phenom and future number one pick in the 2009 NHL draft, John Tavares from the Oshawa Generals. The Knights also received defenceman Michael Del Zotto and goaltender Darryl Borden. In return, the Generals got defenceman Scott Valentine, forward Christian Thomas, goaltender Michael Zador, four second-round draft picks (2009–12) and two third-round picks (2010–11). After a strong 2009–10 season, the Knights decided to turn to young players for the 2010–11 season. They traded several veterans for future draft picks throughout the season, and at the deadline in hopes of re-building another contender.

On November 28, 2011 Dale Hunter resigned as head coach to take head coaching position with his former team, the Washington Capitals. Brother Mark Hunter assumed the coaching helm. Under Mark's guidance, the Knights won their second OHL title in 2011–12, defeating the Niagara IceDogs four games to one in the league final and advancing to the 2012 Memorial Cup. The Knights finished the round robin in first place, but lost in the championship final 2–1 in overtime to the host Shawinigan Cataractes.

On December 29, 2013, the Knights and the Plymouth Whalers broke the newly set Canadian Hockey League attendance record. The Knights and Whalers, playing in the second OHL game of the evening outdoors at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan (also the second outdoor game ever played in the OHL), played in front of 26,384 spectators. The Whalers won the game 2-1 in a shootout.^[1]

Championships

Memorial Cup CHL Champions 2004–05 Champions vs. Rimouski Océanic 2011–12 Lost to Shawinigan Cataractes 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 Hamilton Spectator Trophy Most Points in Regular Season 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

Wayne Gretzky Trophy Western Conference Champions 1998–99 2004–05 2005–06 2011–12 2012–13 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

Awards

Canadian Hockey League

CHL Player of the Year 1981–82 – Dave Simpson 1993–94 – Jason Allison 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 Stafford Smythe Memorial Trophy Most Valuable Player at the Memorial Cup 2005 – Corey Perry 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 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 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 – David Bolland 2006–07 – Patrick Kane 2012–13 – Seth Griffith

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 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 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 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 1966–68, 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. The team's current assistant coach is Jacques Beaulieu. Beaulieu was the assistant coach for the Knights from 2002–2006 before being hired as Coach and General Manager of the Saint John Sea Dogs until 2009. Former NHLer, Dave Gagner left the team during the summer of 2008 to accept a position with the Vancouver Canucks of the NHL.

As London Nationals: 1965–66 — Jack McIntyre 1966–68 — Turk Broda As London Knights: 1968–69 — Gene Taylor 1969–71 — Bep Guidolin 1971–72 — Bronco Horvath 1972–80 — Bill Long 1980–83 — Paul McIntosh 1983–86 — Don Boyd 1986–90 — Wayne Maxner

1990–94 — Gary Agnew 1994–95 — Mike Fedorko 1995–96 — Murray Nystrom (interim) 1995–96 — Tom Barrett 1996–97 — Brad Selwood 1996–97 — Paul McIntosh (interim) 1997–00 — Gary Agnew 2000–01 — 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.

Players

Current roster

Goaltenders
Number		Player	Catches	Position	Acquired	NHL rights	Place of birth
35		Jake Patterson	L	G	Traded From Plymouth (2011)	Undrafted	Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
43		Anthony Stolarz	L	G	Free Agent 2013	PHI 2012	Jackson, New Jersey

Defencemen
Number		Player	Shoots	Position	Acquired	NHL rights	Place of birth
7		Zach Bell	R	D	Traded from North Bay (2013)	Undrafted	St. John's, Newfoundland
44		Dakota Mermis	L	D	2010 OHL Priority Selection	Undrafted	Alton, Illinois
52		Alex Basso	R	D	Traded from Sarnia (2013)	Undrafted	Toronto, Ontario
55		Tim Bender	L	D	2013 CHL Import Draft	Undrafted	Mannheim, Germany
57		Brady Austin	L	D	Traded from Belleville (2013)	BUF 2012	Peterborough, Ontario
65		Nikita Zadorov	L	D	2012 CHL Import Draft	BUF 2013	Moscow, Russia
74		Aiden Jamieson	R	D	2013 OHL Priority Selection	Eligible 2014	Lindsay, Ontario

Forwards
Number		Player	Shoots	Position	Acquired	NHL rights	Place of birth
10		Christian Dvorak	L	LW	2012 OHL Priority Selection	Eligible 2014	Frankfort, Illinois
11		Owen MacDonald	R	RW	2012 OHL Priority Selection	Eligible 2014	Elora, Ontario
14		Gemel Smith	R	C	Traded from Owen Sound (2014)	DAL 2012	Toronto, Ontario
16		Max Domi	L	C	Traded From Kingston (2011)	PHO 2013	Toronto, Ontario
21		C.J. Yakimowicz	R	LW	Free Agent 2013	Eligible 2014	Kingston, Pennsylvania
24		Michael McCarron	R	RW	Traded from Belleville (2012)	MTL 2013	Macomb, Michigan
26		Tait Seguin	R	LW	2011 OHL Priority Selection	Undrafted	North Bay, Ontario
27		Brett Welychka	R	C	2010 OHL Priority Selection	Undrafted	London, Ontario
46		Matt Rupert	L	LW	2010 OHL Priority Selection	Undrafted	Grand Bend, Ontario
53		Bo Horvat	L	C	2011 OHL Priority Selection	VAN 2013	Rodney, Ontario
64		Ryan Rupert	L	C	2010 OHL Priority Selection	TOR 2012	Grand Bend, Ontario
71		Chris Tierney	L	C	2010 OHL Priority Selection	SJ 2012	Keswick, Ontario
77		Josh Anderson	L	LW	Free Agent 2011	CLB 2012	Burlington, Ontario
93		Mitchell Marner	R	C	2013 OHL Priority Selection	Eligible 2015	Thornhill, Ontario

NHL/WHA alumni

The following is a complete list of London Knights who later played in the National Hockey League or World Hockey Association.

London Nationals

Jacques "Jim" Blain Barry Boughner Bob Cook Jim Dorey Darryl Edestrand

Rocky Farr John Gould Brent Imlach Rick Kessell Rick MacLeish

Brian Marchinko Walt McKechnie Brian Murphy Randy Murray Ted Ouimet

Glen Shirton Darryl Sittler Jim Stanfield Garry Unger Bert Wilson

London Knights

Akim Aliu Jason Allison Krys Barch Roger Belanger Stefan Bergkvist Danny Bois Mike Boland David Bolland Dan Bouchard Pat Boutette Brian Bradley Fred Brathwaite Gord Brooks Scott Campbell Frank Caprice John Carlson Billy Carroll Jeff Christian Dino Ciccarelli Gerald Coleman Doug Crossman Louie DeBrusk Guy Delparte Michael Del Zotto Brian Dobbin Darryl Edestrand John Erskine Kevin Evans Rico Fata Dan Fritsche Sam Gagner Gary Geldart Sam Gellard

Gilles Gilbert Daniel Girardi Larry Goodenough John Gould Rick Green David Haas Bob Halkidis Jim Hamilton Alex Henry Todd Hlushko Terry Holbrook Dean Hopkins Bill Horton Dave Hutchison Peter Ing Dan Jancevski Nazem Kadri Patrick Kane Ed Kastelic Rick Kehoe Chris Kelly Evgeny Korolev Sergei Kostitsyn Tom Kostopoulos Steve Langdon Drew Larman Roger Lemelin Dave Lowry Olli Maatta Dan Maloney Patrick Maroon Brad Marsh Terry Martin

Dennis Maruk Steve Mason Dennis McCord Scott McKay Sean McMorrow Basil McRae Philip McRae Marc Methot Mike Murray Rick Nash Neil Nicholson Paul Nicholson Frank Nigro Lou Nistico Randy Osburn Joe Paterson Matt Pelech Corey Perry Tom Price Barry Potomski Brandon Prust Chris Pusey Kyle Quincey Rob Ramage Jeff Reese Danny Richmond Pat Riggin Zac Rinaldo Bryan Rodney Tom Rowe Jim Sandlak Brad Schlegel Jim Schoenfeld

Dwight Schofield Rob Schremp Brendan Shanahan Jason Simon Darryl Sittler Gary Sittler Steve Smith Brad Smyth Greg Smyth Andy Spruce Nick Stajduhar Vern Stenlund Charlie Stephens Shayne Stevenson Trevor Stienburg Danny Syvret John Tanner John Tavares Chris Taylor Tim Taylor Christian Thomas Reg Thomas Billy Tibbetts Jarred Tinordi Larry Trader Dennis Ververgaert Mark Visheau Austin Watson Don Wheldon Dennis Wideman Jordan Willis Bert Wilson Ron Zanussi

• Italics denote current NHL player

First-rounders in NHL/WHA entry draft

The London Knights have produced more first overall selections in the NHL Entry Draft (5) than any other team in the world. The Knights also produced one first overall selection in the 1977 WHA Amateur Draft. London is also ranked third (behind Peterborough and Oshawa) on the all-time list of number of players drafted by the NHL, with 142 as of 2007.¹

The following players were selected in the first round of the NHL entry draft:
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 Calgary 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

The following players were selected in the first round of the WHA amateur draft:
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

5 – Rob Ramage
8 – Dino Ciccarelli
9 – Darryl Sittler
19 – Brendan Shanahan
22 – Brad Marsh
61 – Rick Nash
94 – Corey Perry

Hall of Famers

• Dino Ciccarelli
• Brendan Shanahan
• Darryl Sittler

300 point club

The following players recorded a minimum of 300 career points in a Knights' uniform:
Note: GP = Games Played, G = Goals, A = Assists, Pts = Points

Player	POS	GP	G	A	Pts	Seasons	NHL
Corey Perry	RW	253	140	240	380	2001–05	ANH
Chris Taylor	C	259	150	228	378	1988–92	NYI, BOS, BUF
Brian Bradley	C	210	138	235	373	1981–85	CGY, VAN, TOR, TB
Dennis Maruk	F	193	159	211	370	1972–75	CAL, CLE, MIN, WAS
Dylan Hunter	LW	315	106	263	369	2001–06	None
Dennis Ververgaert	F	187	141	210	351	1970–73	VAN, PHI, WAS
Dino Ciccarelli	RW	226	169	177	346	1976–80	MIN, WAS, DET, TB, FLA
Jason Allison	C	202	123	202	325	1991–95	WAS, BOS, LA, TOR
Dave Simpson	F	204	130	189	3191	1977–82	None
Scott Morrison	F	203	116	200	316	1981–84	None
Reg Thomas	C	180	136	173	309	1970–73	QUE; LA, MICH, IND, CIN (WHA)
Rob Schremp	C	179	126	178	304	2003–06	EDM, NYI, ATL

¹ Dave Simpson recorded the best single season in Knights' history, when he scored 155 points in 1981–82.

Team records

Team records for a single season
Statistic	Total	Season
Most points	120	2004–05
Most wins	59	2004–05
Most goals for	380	1983–84
Least goals for	179	1995–96
Least goals against	125	2004–05
Most goals against	435	1995–96

Individual player records for a single season
Statistic	Player	Total	Season
Most goals	Dino Ciccarelli	72	1977–78
Most assists	Sergei Kostitsyn	91	2006–07
Most points	Dave Simpson	155	1981–82
Most points, rookie	Patrick Kane	145	2006–07
Most points, defenseman	Chris McCauley	114	1981–82
Best GAA (goalie)	Gerald Coleman	1.70	2004–05
Goalies = minimum 1500 minutes played

Season-by-season results

Regular season

• 1965 to 1968 as London Nationals
• 1968 to present as London Knights

Legend: OTL = Overtime loss, SL = Shoot Out Loss

Season	Games	Won	Lost	Tied	OTL	SL	Points	Pct %	Goals for	Goals against	Standing
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
1967–68	54	17	31	6	-	-	40	0.370	177	262	7th OHA
1968–69	54	19	26	9	-	-	47	0.435	242	258	7th OHA
1969–70	54	22	25	7	-	-	51	0.472	209	238	6th OHA
1970–71	62	19	35	8	-	-	46	0.371	232	281	8th OHA
1971–72	63	23	31	9	-	-	55	0.437	253	285	8th OHA
1972–73	63	33	22	8	-	-	74	0.587	334	246	4th OHA
1973–74	70	36	27	7	-	-	79	0.564	282	250	4th OHA
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
1976–77	66	51	13	2	-	-	104	0.788	379	203	2nd Emms
1977–78	68	35	22	11	-	-	81	0.596	333	251	1st Emms
1978–79	68	37	29	2	-	-	76	0.559	310	287	2nd Emms
1979–80	68	26	38	4	-	-	56	0.412	328	334	5th Emms
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
1982–83	70	32	37	1	-	-	65	0.464	336	339	5th Emms
1983–84	70	32	37	1	-	-	65	0.464	288	319	4th Emms
1984–85	66	43	22	1	-	-	87	0.659	340	276	2nd Emms
1985–86	66	28	33	5	-	-	61	0.462	271	292	6th Emms
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
1988–89	66	37	25	4	-	-	78	0.591	311	264	3rd Emms
1989–90	66	41	19	6	-	-	88	0.667	313	246	1st Emms
1990–91	66	38	25	3	-	-	79	0.598	301	270	3rd Emms
1991–92	66	37	25	4	-	-	78	0.591	310	260	3rd Emms
1992–93	66	32	27	7	-	-	71	0.538	323	292	3rd Emms
1993–94	66	32	30	4	-	-	68	0.515	293	279	5th Emms
1994–95	66	18	44	4	-	-	40	0.303	210	309	4th Western
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
1998–99	68	34	30	4	-	-	72	0.529	260	217	3rd West
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
2001–02	68	24	27	10	7	-	65	0.478	210	249	5th West
2002–03	68	31	27	7	3	-	72	0.529	220	205	2nd Midwest
2003–04	68	53	11	2	2	-	110	0.809	300	147	1st Midwest
2004–05	68	59	7	2	0	-	120	0.882	310	125	1st Midwest
2005–06	68	49	15	-	1	3	102	0.750	304	211	1st Midwest
2006–07	68	50	14	-	1	3	104	0.765	311	231	1st Midwest
2007–08	68	38	24	-	4	2	82	0.603	250	230	2nd Midwest
2008–09	68	49	16	-	1	2	101	0.743	287	194	1st Midwest
2009–10	68	49	16	-	1	2	101	0.743	273	208	1st Midwest
2010–11	68	34	29	-	4	1	73	0.537	230	253	5th Midwest
2011–12	68	49	18	-	0	1	99	0.728	277	178	1st Midwest
2012–13	68	50	13	-	2	3	105	0.772	279	180	1st Midwest

Playoffs

• 1965–66 Out of playoffs.
• 1966–67 Lost to Niagara Falls Flyers 8 points to 4 in quarterfinals.
• 1967–68 Lost to Hamilton Red Wings 8 points to 2 in quarterfinals.
• 1968–69 Lost to Peterborough Petes 8 points to 4 in quarterfinals.
• 1969–70 Defeated Peterborough Petes 8 points to 4 in quarterfinals.
  Lost to Toronto Marlboros 9 points to 3 in semifinals.
• 1970–71 Lost to Montreal Junior Canadiens 8 points to 0 in quarterfinals.
• 1971–72 Lost to Ottawa 67's 8 points to 6 in quarterfinals.
• 1972–73 Defeated Kitchener Rangers 8 points to 0 in quarterfinals.
  Lost to Peterborough Petes 9 points to 5 in semifinals.
• 1973–74 Lost to Toronto Marlboros 9 points to 1 in quarterfinals.
• 1974–75 Out of playoffs.
• 1975–76 Lost to Toronto Marlboros 8 points to 2 in quarterfinals.
• 1976–77 Defeated Toronto Marlboros 9 points to 3 in quarterfinals.
  Defeated St. Catharines Fincups 9 points to 7 in semifinals.
  Lost to Ottawa 67's 8 points to 4 in finals.
• 1977–78 Defeated Kitchener Rangers 8 points to 0 in quarterfinals.
  Lost to Hamilton Fincups 9 points to 5 in semifinals.
• 1978–79 Defeated Windsor Spitfires in first round – series protested.
  Lost to Niagara Falls Flyers in round-robin.
• 1979–80 Lost to Niagara Falls Flyers 6 points to 4 in first round.
• 1980–81 Out of playoffs.
• 1981–82 Lost to Brantford Alexanders 6 points to 2 in first round.
• 1982–83 Lost to Brantford Alexanders 6 points to 0 in first round.
• 1983–84 Defeated North Bay Centennials 6 points to 2 in first round.
  Lost to Kitchener Rangers 8 points to 0 in quarterfinals.
• 1984–85 Defeated Windsor Spitfires 8 points to 0 in first round.
  Lost to Hamilton Steelhawks 6 points to 2 in quarterfinals.
• 1985–86 Lost to North Bay Centennials 9 points to 1 in first round.
• 1986–87 Out of playoffs.
• 1987–88 Defeated Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4 games to 2 in first round.
  Lost to Hamilton Steelhawks 4 games to 2 in quarterfinals.
• 1988–89 Defeated Guelph Platers 4 games to 3 in first round.
  Defeated North Bay Centennials 4 games to 3 in quarterfinals.
  Lost to Niagara Falls Thunder 4 games to 3 in semifinals.
• 1989–90 Lost to Niagara Falls Thunder 4 games to 2 in first round.
• 1990–91 Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 3 in first round.
• 1991–92 Defeated Owen Sound Platers 4 games to 1 in first round.
  Lost to Niagara Falls Thunder 4 games to 1 in quarterfinals.
• 1992–93 Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 3 in first round.
  Lost to Detroit Jr. Red Wings 4 games to 1 in quarterfinals.
• 1993–94 Lost to Guelph Storm 4 games to 1 in first round.
• 1994–95 Lost to Detroit Jr. Red Wings 4 games to 0 in first round.
• 1995–96 Out of playoffs.
• 1996–97 Out of playoffs.
• 1997–98 Defeated Erie Otters 4 games to 3 in first round.
  Defeated Kingston Frontenacs 4 games to 1 in quarterfinals.
  Lost to Ottawa 67's 4 games to 0 in semifinals.
• 1998–99 Defeated Sarnia Sting 4 games to 2 in first round.
  Defeated Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 3 in quarterfinals.
  Defeated Owen Sound Platers 4 games to 1 in semifinals.
  Lost to Belleville Bulls 4 games to 3 in finals.
• 1999–2000 Out of playoffs.
• 2000–01 Lost to Erie Otters 4 games to 1 in first round.
• 2001–02 Defeated Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 2 in first round.
  Lost to Erie Otters 4 games to 2 in quarterfinals.
• 2002–03 Defeated Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 3 in first round.
  Lost to Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 2 in quarterfinals.
• 2003–04 Defeated Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in first round.
  Defeated Erie Otters 4 games to 0 in quarterfinals.
  Lost to Guelph Storm 4 games to 3 in semifinals.
• 2004–05 Defeated Guelph Storm 4 games to 0 in first round.
  Defeated Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in quarterfinals.
  Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 1 in semifinals.
  Defeated Ottawa 67's 4 games to 1 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
  Finished Memorial Cup round-robin in first place.
  Defeated Rimouski Océanic 4–0 in the championship game. MEMORIAL CUP CHAMPIONS
• 2005–06 Defeated Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4 games to 0 in first round.
  Defeated Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 2 in quarterfinals.
  Defeated Guelph Storm 4 games to 1 in semifinals.
  Lost to Peterborough Petes 4 games to 0 in finals.
• 2006–07 Defeated Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 0 in first round.
  Defeated Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 4 games to 3 in quarterfinals.
  Lost to Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 1 in semifinals.
• 2007–08 Lost to Guelph Storm 4 games to 1 in first round.
• 2008–09 Defeated Erie Otters 4 games to 1 in first round.
  Defeated Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 0 in quarterfinals.
  Lost to Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 1 in semifinals.
• 2009–10 Defeated Guelph Storm 4 games to 1 in first round.
  Lost to Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 3 in quarterfinals.
• 2010–11 Lost to Owen Sound Attack 4 games to 2 in first round.
• 2011–12 Defeated Windsor Spitfires 4 games to 0 in first round.
  Defeated Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 2 in quarterfinals.
  Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 0 in semifinals.
  Defeated Niagara IceDogs 4 games to 1 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
  Finished Memorial Cup round-robin in first place.
  Lost to Shawinigan Cataractes 2–1 (OT) in the championship game.
• 2012–13 Defeated Saginaw Spirit 4 games to 0 in first round.
  Defeated Kitchener Rangers 4 games to 1 in quarterfinals.
  Defeated Plymouth Whalers 4 games to 1 in semifinals.
  Defeated Barrie Colts 4 games to 3 in finals. OHL CHAMPIONS
  Finished Memorial Cup round-robin in third place.
  Defeated Saskatoon Blades 6-1 in the tiebreaker game.
  Lost to Portland Winterhawks 2-1 in the semifinal game.

Uniforms and logos

As the London Nationals, the Knights originally played in the blue and white of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team's logo was the same Leaf as used by the parent club at the time, except with the words "London Nationals" written out across the leaf instead of "Toronto Maple Leafs". After 1968, the colours changed to green, gold and white, and the logo to a classically-inspired Knight's head with an Old English "K" on the helmet. In 1980 the striping changed slightly, from classical horizontal stripes around the sleeves and bottom of the sweater to large arm stripes and a bare sweater bottom. In 1985–86 the green on the uniforms was darkened and the arm stripes were deleted in favour of broad swathes of secondary colour across the shoulders and down the arms. 1986 saw a total re-design of sweater and logo. Black was added as a secondary colour and the striping returned to a more pedestrian design. The logo was also changed, from a classical Knight's head to a more modernized version on a gold circle with the letter "L". These uniforms were used until 1994. In 1994 the green and gold were disposed of completely in favour of the eggplant and teal used by the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The logo was changed to "Spiderknight", with normal horizontal striping and pointed shoulder stripes. There was also a teal shoulder patch bearing the word "London" and a hockey stick. In February 2002, the Knights reverted to their 1986–94 uniforms as a commemoration of the closing of the London Gardens. The special uniforms were identical except for two shoulder patches, one bearing the 1968–86 logo and the other bearing the 1994–2002 logo. These uniforms were also used for the 2002–03 preseason. For the opening of the John Labatt Centre in October 2002, the Knights debuted new uniforms with the 1986–94 logo, minus the "L" and the gold circle. These were drawn on a home white uniform and a road uniform that, for the first time in team history, bore black as its primary colour. Each uniform also bore a new "shield" shoulder patch. The team also debuted green third jerseys, which featured the word "KNIGHTS" printed diagonally across the front of the sweater.

Arenas

London Gardens/London Ice House, 1965–2002

• Built : 1963
• Capacity : 5,075 including standing room.
• Ice Size : 190' x 85'

The London Gardens (see article) 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 last meaningful 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 last goal in the building was scored by Carlo Colaiacovo. 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. The arena is currently home to the Forest City Velodrome.

The OHL Arena & Travel Guide – London Gardens

Budweiser Gardens, 2002–present

• Built : 2002
• Capacity : 9,046 including standing room.
• Ice Size : 200' x 85'

The Budweiser Gardens (see article) opened on October 11, 2002 as the Knights played host to the Plymouth Whalers. The first goal in the building was scored by Dylan Hunter. The arena, located in downtown London, is the largest in Western Ontario. Tickets for the 2005–06 season in the building sold out in one day, and there is currently a cap on season tickets due to the team's popularity

The OHL Arena & Travel Guide – Budweiser Gardense

References

See also

• List of ice hockey teams in Ontario

External links

• www.londonknights.com Official web site
• Ontario Hockey League Official web site
• Canadian Hockey League Official web site
• www.knightshistory.com Knights History
• 2006 Mayor's Honour's List recipients
• London Knights history site
• London Knights Blog Site

v t e London Knights Based in London, Ontario Founded in 1965 Member of the Ontario Hockey League The Franchise History Records Players Staff Arenas London Gardens John Labatt Centre Memorial Cup Championships 2005 Conference Championships 1976–77 1998–99 2004–05 2005–06 2011-12 2012-13 Division Championships 1977–78 1989–90 1997–98 2003–04 2004–05 2005–06 2006–07 2008–09 2009–10 2011-12 2012-13 J. Ross Robertson Cup 2004–05 2011-12 2012-13 Retired numbers 5 8 9 19 22 61 94

v t e Ontario Hockey League East Division Belleville Bulls Kingston Frontenacs Oshawa Generals Ottawa 67's Peterborough Petes Central Division Barrie Colts Mississauga Steelheads Niagara IceDogs North Bay Battalion Sudbury Wolves Midwest Division Erie Otters Guelph Storm Kitchener Rangers London Knights Owen Sound Attack West Division Plymouth Whalers Saginaw Spirit Sarnia Sting Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Windsor Spitfires Defunct teams Brampton Battalion Brantford Alexanders Cornwall Royals Detroit Compuware Ambassadors Detroit Junior Red Wings Detroit Whalers Guelph Platers Hamilton Dukes Hamilton Steelhawks Kingston Canadians Kingston Raiders Mississauga IceDogs Newmarket Royals Niagara Falls Thunder North Bay Centennials Owen Sound Platers Toronto Marlboros Toronto St. Michael's Majors CHL Memorial Cup J. Ross Robertson Cup OHL history OHL seasons OHA standings OHL Awards CHL Awards QMJHL WHL

v t e London, Ontario CTV Two London Fanshawe College Grand Theatre Labatt Brewing Company London Free Press London International Airport London Public Library London Transit Schools Springbank Park The University of Western Ontario Victoria Park Buildings Aeolian Hall City Centre Towers Crystal Palace Barracks Eldon House Masonville Place Museum London Museum of Ontario Archaeology One London Place St. Paul's Cathedral St.Peter's Cathedral Basilica Westmount Mall White Oaks Mall Sports Boler Mountain EBBA Forest City Velodrome Budweiser Gardens Labatt Memorial Park London Ice House London City London Majors London Knights London Nationals London Lightning London Rippers Norm Aldridge Field TD Waterhouse Stadium UWO Formula Racing Western Mustangs Festivals Home County Folk Festival London Balloon Festival London Fringe Theatre Festival Hawk Rocks the Park Sunfest Western Fair List of municipalities in Ontario

v t e Sports teams based in Ontario Australian Football A.F.L.O.: Broadview Hawks Central Blues Etobicoke Kangaroos Guelph Gargoyles Hamilton Wildcats High Park Demons Ottawa Swans Toronto Downtown Dingos Toronto Eagles Toronto Rebels Baseball MLB: Toronto Blue Jays ICBL: Barrie Baycats Brantford Red Sox Guelph Royals Hamilton Cardinals Kitchener Panthers London Majors Oshawa Dodgers Ottawa Fat Cats Stratford Nationals Toronto Maple Leafs Basketball NBA: Toronto Raptors NBL: Brampton A's London Lightning Mississauga Power Ottawa SkyHawks Windsor Express Football CFL: Hamilton Tiger-Cats Ottawa RedBlacks Toronto Argonauts NFC: Oakville Longhorns Sarnia Imperials Sault Ste. Marie Steelers Sudbury Spartans Toronto Raiders Toronto Titans Tri-City Outlaws CJFL: Burlington Braves Hamilton Hurricanes London Beefeaters Northern Clansmen Ottawa Sooners Toronto Junior Argonauts Windsor AKO Fratmen QJFL: Cumberland Panthers Ottawa Junior Riders Hockey NHL: Ottawa Senators Toronto Maple Leafs AHL: Hamilton Bulldogs Toronto Marlies CHL: Brampton Beast OHL: Barrie Colts Belleville Bulls Guelph Storm Kingston Frontenacs Kitchener Rangers London Knights Mississauga Steelheads Niagara IceDogs North Bay Battalion Oshawa Generals Ottawa 67's Owen Sound Attack Peterborough Petes Sarnia Sting Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds Sudbury Wolves Windsor Spitfires CWHL: Brampton Thunder Burlington Barracudas Toronto Furies Soccer MLS: Toronto FC NASL: Ottawa Fury FC (beginning in 2014) CSL: Brampton City Utd Brantford Galaxy Capital City FC London City Mississauga Eagles FC Niagara United North York Astros SC Toronto Serbian White Eagles St. Catharines Wolves TFC Academy Toronto Croatia Windsor Stars York Region Shooters USL PDL: Forest City London K-W United FC Ottawa Fury Toronto Lynx Thunder Bay Chill W-League: K-W United FC London Gryphons Ottawa Fury Toronto Lady Lynx Lacrosse NLL: Toronto Rock Roller Derby WFTDA: Forest City Derby Girls Hammer City Roller Girls Rideau Valley Roller Girls Toronto Roller Derby Tri-City Roller Girls Rugby Union CRC: Ontario Blues NWL: Ontario Ontario U23 Ontario U20 Ringette NRL: Cambridge Turbos Gloucester Devils Ottawa Ice Richmond Hill Lightning Waterloo Wildfire Whitby Wild Canadian Interuniversity Sport Brock University Badgers Carleton University Ravens University of Guelph Gryphons Lakehead University Thunderwolves Laurentian University Voyageurs (Men's)/Lady Vees (Women's) McMaster University Marauders Nipissing University Lakers University of Ontario Institute of Technology Ridgebacks University of Ottawa Gee-Gees Queen's University Golden Gaels Royal Military College of Canada Paladins Ryerson University Rams Trent Excalibur University of Toronto Varsity Blues University of Waterloo Warriors University of Western Ontario Mustangs Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks University of Windsor Lancers York University Lions