How London Knights helped Team Canada to victory at the World Juniors
Six members, including two players, helped on and off the ice
A strong London contingent helped steer Canada to victory at the World Junior Hockey Championship in the Czech Republic.
London Knights players Connor McMichael and Liam Foudy were on the ice helping Team Canada to a 4-3 win over Team Russia, with familiar leadership coming from the bench.
Dale Hunter, London Knights head coach, directed Team Canada. His brother and Knights general manager, Mark Hunter, was Team Canada's GM.
"Me and Mark, we build teams," said Dale. "This is a tournament that's up on the top of my list … because it's tough and it's a lot of fun."
McMichael had a goal in the third period, marking the start of Team Canada's return from a two goal deficit. The puck bounced off his leg into Russia's net, prompting a brief review.
CBC's Ontario Hockey League columnist, Paige Martin, said it was a tense moment.
"Right time, right place. And that's the exact place you want to be for your country at the moment," she said.
McMichael also had an assist, while Foudy showed himself to be an "all around" player said Martin.
"He was so dominant, it was a very good example of Liam Foudy and the fact that he's not just a forward," said Martin. "They were putting him on the power play, on the penalty kill, and he really delivered with that as well."
Since Canada suffered a brutal loss to Russia earlier in the tournament, Martin said the championship was "one of those fairy tale games."
"You lose 6-0 to this team, and they've got everything in their favour. But that just gave the fuel and fire to Team Canada even more to redeem themselves."
A total of six London Knights members played a role during the World Juniors.
The Knights' equipment manager Chris Maton and head of security Bob Martin were also in the Czech Republic, contributing to Team Canada's win behind the scenes.