Rebels Drop Memorial Cup Opener to Knights 6-2

The 98th edition of the MasterCard Memorial Cup kicked off on Friday night as the host Red Deer Rebels took on the OHL champion London Knights in Game 1 of the annual tournament.

The London Knights struck for three goals in the opening frame in a 4:40 span. Knights forward Christian Dvorak potted a pair of goals while Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Mitch Marner tallied three assists.

London did not take the foot off the gas as Marner netted a pair of goals in the second period as London opened up a commanding 6-0 lead. Rebels forward Luke Philp got his Club on the board as he buried his first goal of the tournament with 15 seconds remaining in the period. London led 6-1 and held the advantage in shots on goal 28-17.

In the third period, Adam Helewka one timed a cross-ice pass from defenceman Haydn Fleury by Knights goaltender Tyler Parsons to cut the Knight’s lead to 6-2. The Rebels continued to push but the Knights secured the 6-2 victory.

London capitalized twice on the power play in five opportunities while the Rebels finished 1/3. Shots on goal were 36-32 for London.

The WHL Champion Brandon Wheat Kings will clash with the QMJHL Champion Rouyn-Niranda Huskies for Game 2 of the 2016 MasterCard Memorial Cup on Saturday night. Puck drop is set for 5:00pm MT.