London Knights Rally Late to Defeat Sarnia Sting 6-5 in Pre-Season Opener

BREAKING: The London Knights pulled off a thrilling comeback victory against the Sarnia Sting, winning 6-5 in a nail-biting finish on the opening night of the 2025 OHL pre-season. With just 34.1 seconds remaining, Logan Hawery scored his second goal of the game, assisted by Max Crete, sealing the dramatic win for London.

This victory comes as the Knights displayed resilience and skill, making it a must-watch event for hockey fans. With this match, they not only kick off their pre-season but also set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.

In a high-scoring affair, the game saw multiple lead changes and standout performances. Sarnia’s Ryan Chamberlain opened the scoring 12:49 into the first period, capitalizing on a loose puck to take a quick 1-0 lead. The Sting extended their advantage to 2-0 when Liam Beamish scored during a man advantage at 15:25.

The Knights struck back quickly, with Rene Van Bommel getting them on the board just over two minutes later, closing the gap to 2-1. However, Sarnia responded just before the period ended with a goal from rookie defenseman Kaden Aucoin, restoring their two-goal lead at 3-1 with only 10.9 seconds left in the first.

Determined to fight back, the Knights showcased their offensive prowess in the second period. Hawery assisted Kaeden Hawkins, who scored his first goal in a London uniform, bringing the score to 3-2. Just four minutes later, Jaxon Cover tied the game 3-3 with a sharp angle shot on a power play.

Beamish netted his second goal for Sarnia, putting them ahead 4-3, but Hawery responded with a power-play goal, once again equalizing at 4-4.

The back-and-forth continued, with James Barr scoring for Sarnia early in the third period to push the Sting ahead 5-4. Yet, the Knights’ Van Bommel, with a wraparound shot, tied the game at 5-5 with 7:30 remaining, setting the stage for Hawery’s game-winner.

The Knights outshot the Sting 33-30, showcasing tenacity and skill throughout the match. This thrilling opener not only highlights the Knights’ competitive spirit but also promises an electrifying season for both teams.

Next, the London Knights will face the Sarnia Sting again in Sarnia, Ontario, on Saturday, August 30, at 7 p.m., with coverage beginning at 6:30 p.m. on 980 CFPL and streaming on the iHeart radio and Radioplayer Canada apps. Fans won’t want to miss this rematch as both teams look to build on their early pre-season momentum.