London Knights Begin Historic 60th Season as Defending Memorial Cup Champions

Defending Champions Enter Milestone Season

The London Knights, fresh off their 2025 Memorial Cup victory over the Medicine Hat Tigers, are preparing for a historic campaign. The team will be celebrating their 60th season in franchise history, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable year in London hockey.

Championship Defense Amid Transition

The Knights will open their season at Canada Life Place against the Owen Sound Attack, where they’ll raise both their Memorial Cup and Ontario Hockey League Championship banners. The schedule includes notable matchups, including an October home-and-home series with the Kitchener Rangers during the new OHL Rivalry Week, and a championship series rematch against the Oshawa Generals before the Christmas break.

Roster Changes and New Leadership

While London rarely falls from contention, this season will see significant changes, including in goal where Aleksei Medvedev steps into the starting role, replacing graduated overager Austin Elliot. The team faces the challenge of replacing significant offensive production, as 154 goals from last season were scored by players no longer on the roster. This number could increase to 183 goals (56.3% of the team’s offense) if Sam Dickinson makes the San Jose Sharks.

Looking Ahead

Despite the changes, the Knights maintain their ambitious goals, setting their sights on finishing atop the OHL for what would be a third straight season. The regular season will run through March 22nd, after which teams will compete for the 114th J. Ross Robertson Cup and the opportunity to play in the Memorial Cup, hosted in Kelowna, BC.