After suffering a devastating loss Commemorative Cup finals, London Knights Fans say their support for the team has not waned.
The Cavaliers lost to Saginaw Spirit Saginaw's Josh Bloom scored with 21.7 seconds left in the third quarter to make it 4-3. It was the first time the Spirits had won the Memorial Cup.
Cavaliers assistant coach Dylan Hunter said it was a tough loss for the team.
“Obviously, it's not the way you want to end. We didn't play our best in the first 45 minutes,” Hunter said afterward. “We got out there at the end, but (Saginaw) kept playing until the end. A little bit of a bounce here, that's the game.”
Hundreds of fans packed the “Knights Field” at Dundas Square on Sunday night to watch their favorite team play in the finals.
Hundreds of fans descended on Dundas Square to watch the London Knights play in the Memorial Cup final.
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Cavaliers fan Jewell McDonald, who watched the game with her family in the front row, said the atmosphere was electric.
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“It's incredible. I mean, the atmosphere is just so great,” McDonald said. “It's even better than a home game. Because you don't see people who are just coming to play for one night. You see people who want to come and cheer these guys on.”
McDonald said she has been a fan of the Cavaliers since the 1990s, but this season is a special one for her and her family.
“This is the first time my kids have been able to watch every game. They’ve really fallen in love with this team,” McDonald said. “Seeing this playoff run…reminded me back to 2004 and 2005, when I remember being there in person and seeing those amazing games. So, it’s incredible to see it through their eyes.”
London Mayor Josh Morgan was also in attendance at the final game at the Cavaliers Stadium. Although the Cavaliers' season did not end as expected, he said it was a great time to watch the game with Londoners.
“Not only have we built the stage, we’ve opened up Budweiser Gardens so people can use the restrooms and concession stands, and it’s just beginning to reach its hosting potential,” Morgan said Monday.
“It’s cool that we can pay attention to what’s going on when our team goes somewhere else, and it’s great to be able to cheer on the Knights with a lot of Londoners.”
The Cavaliers will host a Welcome Back Party at Budweiser Gardens on Monday afternoon. Fans can meet the team outside Gate 1, Jubilee Square, at 5 p.m.
While the Knights won’t be returning home as Memorial Cup champions, they still have plenty of reasons to return to London with their heads held high.
“They've accomplished so much this year, making the playoffs and becoming OHL champions, they have a lot to be proud of,” Morgan said. “I think the guys on this team should be proud of what they've accomplished this year and London is certainly proud of them as well.”
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