London Knights lose 6-3 to fellow expected OHL heavyweights in Brampton

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Owen Willmore has endured a tough start to the OHL season.

The London Knights over-age goaltender surrendered seven goals last week against Flint. Then, he was pulled in the second period Saturday after allowing five goals on 18 shots in a 6-3 defeat to Brampton before an announced 1,716 at the CAA Centre.

The Steelheads scored on their first shot 16 seconds into the game and were up 3-0 at the end of the opening period.

“He’s a veteran,” London assistant coach Rick Steadman said of Willmore. “I thought we could have done a lot of things in front of him to help him out. He made some big saves. We didn’t give him much of a chance. He battled hard and we don’t want to leave a kid in there too long no matter how old they are.”

So head coach Dale Hunter turned back to rookie Alexei Medvedev. The 17-year-old had just faced 41 shots in a loss to Erie Friday, but he made 13 saves on 14 shots in relief of Willmore.

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The young Russian has a respectable 3.00 goals against average and strong .922 save percentage through the first two weeks.

“He had a busy game (against Erie),” Steadman said, “but Sunday is a day off. He has time to rest up.”

Once again, the Knights struggled in the first period. They have allowed a combined eight goals in the opening 20 minutes of their three losses.

The Knights, with a disappointing 1-3 mark, look like they can use some help. Top defenceman Oliver Bonk is expected to play Wednesday in Owen Sound and fellow Flyers prospect Denver Barkey should draw in soon.

“These guys are NHL-calibre players,” Steadman said. “When they come back, they boost your lineup and make it so some guys don’t have to play so high up. We’re excited to have our guys back and go from there.”

Rookie forward Cohen Bidgood, who played in the Sutherland Cup final last year with St. Marys, scored his first two OHL goals in the defeat. His first was on the power play and the second was shorthanded.

“He’s a hard-nosed kid, smart and drives the net,” Steadman said. “It was good to see him rewarded. Great game for him.”

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Few others can say the same.

rpyette@postmedia.com

OHL HOCKEY

Steelheads 6, Knights 3

Brampton goals: Carson Rehkopf (2), Adam Zidlicky (2), Porter Martone, Spencer Sova

London goals: Cohen Bidgood (2), Blake Arrowsmith

Next: The Knights are in Owen Sound Wednesday at 7 p.m.

Saturday at CAA Centre

Steelheads 6, Knights 3

First period
1. Brampton, Rehkopf 3 (Martone, Harding) 0:16
2. Brampton, Martone 4 (unassisted) 16:21 (sh)
3. Brampton, Rehkopf 4 (Martone, Sova) 16:55 (pp)
Penalties – Dickinson, Ldn (interference) 7:29, Leskovar, Bram (tripping) 14:21, Hawery, Ldn (slashing) 16:21, Van Bommel, Ldn (high-sticking) 17:06.

Second period
4. Brampton, Sova 2 (MacDonell, Rehkopf) 0:50
5. Brampton, Zidlicky 2 (unassisted) 7:48
6. London, Bidgood 1 (Dickinson, O’Reilly) 14:55 (pp)
7. Brampton, Zidlicky 3 (unassisted) 15:16
Penalties – Spencer, Ldn (fight instigator, 10-minute misconduct), Zebeski, Bram (blindside hit, fighting) 2:29, Dragusica, Bram (high-sticking) 6:29, Leonard, Ldn (holding) 9:17, Jenken, Ldn, Eggleton, Bram (roughing) 12:00, Martone, Bram (high-sticking double minor) 12:05, Fagan, Ldn (slashing) 16:32.

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Third period
8. London, Bidgood 2 (unassisted) 6:52 (sh)
9. London, Arrowsmith 2 (Brzustewicz, Julien) 11:16 (pp)
Penalties – Van Bommel, Ldn (unsportsmanlike conduct) 2:33, Boulton, Ldn (head check) 5:18, MacDonell, Bram (roughing), Martone, Bram (roughing, 10-minute misconduct), Leskovar, Bram (10-minute misconduct) 6:52, Boulton, Ldn (10-minute misconduct) 7:18, Zebeski, Bram (roughing) 10:21, Harding, Bram (boarding) 10:51, MacDonell, Bram (head check) 15:14.

Shots on goal by
London 5 7 15–27
Brampton 15 11 6–32

Power plays: Ldn 2-8. Bram 1-7.
Goalies (shots-saves): Willmore, Ldn (18-13) (L, 0-2), Medvedev, Ldn (14-13, 7:48 of second period). Ivankovic, Bram (W, 4-0).

Referees – Ryan Harrison, Kevin McArthur. Linesmen – Mac Whalen, Tristan Peacock.

Attendance – 1,716

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