OHL Championship Series: Resilient Generals rally to win Game 1
The Oshawa Generals claimed a 4-2 victory over the London Knights in Game 1 of the OHL Championship Series on Thursday night at Canada Life Place. Despite early power play struggles, the Generals rallied in the third period to take a 1-0 series lead.
Oshawa had multiple opportunities to seize momentum early, drawing four consecutive power plays in the first period, including back-to-back high-sticking minors to London’s Landon Sim. However, the Generals managed just four shots on goal, as the Knights’ penalty kill held firm to keep the game scoreless.
London struck first in the second period, with Rene Van Bommel netting his first goal of the post-season to put the Knights ahead. Oshawa responded six minutes later, breaking through on the power play as Nashville Predators prospect Andrew Gibson buried a shot to tie the game. However, the Knights regained the lead late in the period, as San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen scored his seventh of the playoffs, giving London a 2-1 edge heading into the final frame.
“Obviously we didn’t capitalize on the first couple but I think it brought the momentum to our team and I think we built off of it”, said Gibson. “Later in the game we started capitalizing on those plays, we started taking advantage of those opportunities. We have a lot of skill on our power play so it’s looking good”.
With their backs against the wall, the Generals surged in the third period. Gibson struck again on the power play at 8:18, leveling the score and shifting the momentum in Oshawa’s favor. The turning point came late in the game when the Generals earned a crucial 4-on-3 advantage. Colorado Avalanche prospect Calum Ritchie capitalized, netting his seventh of the postseason off a setup from Luca Marrelli (Columbus Blue Jackets) for what would stand as the game-winning goal.
SECOND OF THE NIGHT FOR GIBSON✌️@PredsNHL Prospect Andrew Gibson buries one from a sharp angle to tie things right back up at two for @Oshawa_Generals!😍🚨#OHLPlayoffs | @CHLHockey | #Smashville pic.twitter.com/QrCBmSxMDV
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 9, 2025
With the Knights pressing for a late equalizer, Matthew Buckley sealed the win with an empty-netter, capping off a three-goal third period that highlighted Oshawa’s resilience.
Jacob Oster was a standout in net, stopping 30 of 32 shots to earn first-star honors, while Gibson’s two-goal performance secured him the second star of the night.
The @Oshawa_Generals take Game 1 of the #OHLChampionship Series and snap a run of 17 consecutive #OHLPlayoffs wins for the London Knights dating back to last spring 🎥 pic.twitter.com/8CHLOx4Lzp
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 9, 2025
The Generals snap a run of 17 consecutive OHL Playoffs wins for the London Knights dating back to last spring when they were crowned OHL champions.
Oshawa takes a 1-0 series lead into Game 2, having shown they can recover from early missed chances and capitalize when it counts against a tough opponent as they return back to London on Saturday night.
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