Sam O’Reilly Scores OT Winner as Knights Defeat Firebirds 5-4

Published

2 weeks ago

4 October, 2025

Editorial

UPDATE: In a thrilling finish, Sam O’Reilly’s overtime goal propelled the London Knights to a 5-4 victory over the Flint Firebirds just moments ago on October 3, 2025, at Canada Life Place. The dramatic win marks London’s first victory of the 2025-26 regular season, igniting excitement among fans.

O’Reilly sealed the game only 58 seconds into overtime, scoring his second goal of the night after winning the faceoff. The Knights dominated play, outshooting the Firebirds 44-31, showcasing their offensive power and resilience under pressure.

The game began with a fast-paced first period. Flint’s Nathan Aspinall, a promising prospect for the New York Rangers, scored first at 16:58, putting the Firebirds ahead 2-0 after Charlie Murata added another goal. However, the Knights rallied in the second period.

London’s Sam O’Reilly ignited the comeback at 9:03, scoring his first goal from a well-placed pass by Max Crete. Just over two minutes later, Cohen Bidgood leveled the score, and Linus Funck put the Knights ahead 3-2 with a power play goal. Despite a strong effort by Flint to tie the game again at 3-3, the Knights held the momentum.

As the clock wound down, Noah Read and Jared Woolley executed a swift rush to regain a 4-3 lead for London. Yet, the Firebirds quickly countered, with Matthew Wang tying the game at 4-4, setting the stage for O’Reilly’s heroics.

With a faceoff win and a quick strike, O’Reilly’s clutch performance not only secured the game but also demonstrated his exceptional skill, finishing with a commendable 20-for-28 on faceoffs.

Looking ahead, the Knights will face the Guelph Storm on the road at the Sleeman Centre on October 4, with coverage starting at 3:30 p.m. on 980 CFPL and streaming on the iHeart Radio and Radioplayer Canada apps. The Storm, currently 3-2 after a recent overtime win, will be eager to challenge London in what promises to be another exciting match-up.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates as the Knights continue their quest for success this season!