4,870 Windsor Spitfires fans were treated to a pre-game and post-game celebration in a 3-1 win over rivals London Knights. During the pre-game raising of the Memorial Cup championship banner, the London Knights opted not to participate in the ceremonies to add salt, to their still healing, wounds. The Knights went into the 2016-2017 season, with high expectations and an highly skilled roster of advancing to the 2017 Memorial Cup hosted by Windsor.

PHOTO CREDIT - Tim Cornett, Windsor Spitifires

Windsor - October 13, 2017 - 4,870 Windsor Spitfires fans we treated to a pre-game and post-game celebration in a 3-1 win over rivals London Knights.

During the pre-game raising of the Memorial Cup championship banner, the London Knights opted not to participate in the ceremonies to add salt, to their still healing, wounds. The Knights went into the 2016-2017 season, with high expectations and an highly skilled roster of advancing to the 2017 Memorial Cup hosted by Windsor. Spitfire fans shouted and booed the Knights, while they skated unto the ice surface after the ceremonies came to a close. Spits fans have just another reason to dislike their rival Knights showing disrespect to the 2017 Memorial Cup Champion Windsor Spitfires. After all the drama and media coverage with the NFL players not participating in the National Anthem because of President Trump’s remarks, I rank the Knights organization the disrespectful and unprofessional team of the OHL. Show some class people.

The Spitfires dominated play in the first period, outshooting the Knights by 14-4 but trailed 1-0 heading into the dressing room. London’s Harrison Cottam scored the lone goal for the knights with 8:41 remaining in the opening period.

During the second period Mike DiPietro came up with some key big saves, before captain Luchuk, pounced on a rebound and tallied the equalizer for the Spits at 5:02. Aaron Luchuk is on pace for 60 plus goals this season and the veteran is showing why he deserves to be Captain on a young Spits squad.

Luchuk would continue his dominance tapping home the winning goal with five minutes remaining in the third period. Tyler Johnson, Knight’s net minder gave up yet another rebound that the Spits capitalized on. Cole Purboo would add an empty net goal to secure a Spits 3-1 victory.

The Spitfires will enjoy a celebratory bus ride to match up with the Knights at Budweiser Gardens in London, Friday, October 13 at 7:30 pm.

Note: Spitfires early season success has been key to the veterans and the seven returning players from last season. Mikey DiPietro has been rock solid between the pipes and they will rely on his leadership with a young blue line in front of him. The Spitfires now sit in fourth place in the Western Conference only two points behind first place Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.