Knights’ Elliott continues pursuit of perfect post-season record

In the midst of a historic playoff run with the London Knights, Austin Elliott has emerged as the backbone of their defence, backstopping the team to the only perfect record remaining in the 2025 OHL Playoffs as they chase back-to-back OHL championships.

With an impressive 12-0 post-season record, including a shutout along with a 2.31 goals-against average, and a .904 save percentage, Elliott and the Knights are aiming to become the first OHL team to complete an undefeated playoff run since the 1988 Windsor Spitfires. That year, the Spitfires went 12-0, sweeping the Kitchener Rangers in the quarterfinals, receiving a second-round bye, then defeating both the Hamilton Steelhawks and Peterborough Petes to capture the J. Ross Robertson Cup.

Since then, no team has matched that feat, though the 2022 Hamilton Bulldogs came close, starting the playoffs 12-0 before finishing 16-3 after a seven-game championship series against the Spitfires. Similarly, the 2019 Ottawa 67’s began with 14 straight wins before falling to the Guelph Storm in the Championship Series, seeing a 2-0 lead evaporate.

Austin Elliott backstopped the @LondonKnights to another Western Conference title, improving to 12-0 in these playoffs to be named #OHL Goaltender of the Week.

DETAILS 📰: https://t.co/N2NABEIrZo pic.twitter.com/eIEyBQZmQw

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 5, 2025

A 20-year-old from Strathmore, Alberta, Elliott has been a standout all season, earning OHL Goaltender of the Month for March and Goaltender of the Week honours on three separate occasions. After being waived through the Western Hockey League (WHL) in the fall, he delivered a stellar regular season with a 32-1-0-0 record, three shutouts, a 2.10 goals-against average, and a .924 save percentage, leading all OHL netminders. The Knights acquired Elliott from the Barrie Colts in October, shortly after Barrie claimed him off CHL waivers from the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades. The overage netminder is committed to joining UMass Lowell for the 2025-26 season.

Elliott plays behind the league’s stingiest defence, featuring names like Sam Dickinson and Oliver Bonk chewing up big minutes. Though he isn’t always faced with a heavy workload, staying mentally sharp is important.

“I’ve had to adjust to it throughout the whole year,” he told The London Free Press’ Ryan Pyette. “I wouldn’t say it gets easy. It’s a mental grind every game when you’re not getting a lot of shots. I think I’ve definitely gotten better at it as the year has gone on.”

Extrapolated over the regular season and playoffs, Elliott boasts and incredible mark of 44-1. Tack on his three wins to start the year in Saskatoon, and he’s 47-1. He won his first 20 consecutive decisions in the OHL, a new league record.

Notably, the Knights have a history of playoff success with strong overage goaltending. Last year, they were backstopped by Michael Simpson, a two-time OHL champion who captured the title with the Peterborough Petes in 2023 before being traded to London for the 2023-24 season

The London Knights are in pursuit of their second consecutive OHL Championship and sixth in franchise history, adding to titles in 2005, 2012, 2013, and 2016. One of the league’s most successful and recognized franchises, the Knights will face the Eastern Conference champion Oshawa Generals in a rematch of last year’s final.

An #OHLChampionship rematch for the ages!

See the @LondonKnights and @Oshawa_Generals battle for the 113th J. Ross Robertson Cup on TSN and OHL Live.

DETAILS 🗓️: https://t.co/AZJWPboV6W pic.twitter.com/Z0YeDXEBW4

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 4, 2025

Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Canada Life Place. Fans can catch the action live on OHL Live on CHL TV and TSN.