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Denver Barkey’s Hat Trick Steals the Show
In a thrilling start to the Western Conference semi-finals, the London Knights showcased their prowess with a commanding 6-3 victory over the Erie Otters on April 10 at Canada Life Place.
The star of the night was undoubtedly Denver Barkey, the Knights’ captain, who netted a hat trick, further solidifying his reputation as a key player in the OHL playoffs.
Game Highlights and Key Performances
The game was a classic display of playoff intensity, with both teams battling fiercely for control.
The first period ended in a 1-1 tie, thanks to quick goals from both sides. Erie’s Pano Fimis opened the scoring with a power play goal, but London quickly responded with a stunning end-to-end effort from defender Cam Allen.
As the second period unfolded, the Knights took charge. Easton Cowan played a pivotal role, assisting on goals by Barkey and Oliver Bonk, pushing the Knights ahead 3-1. Cowan’s four assists on the night were instrumental in maintaining the Knights’ momentum.
The Knights extended their lead to 4-1 with a power play goal from Landon Sim, but the Otters fought back, narrowing the gap to 4-3 by the end of the second period.
Third Period Surge and Rookie Recognition
The final period saw Barkey strike again, scoring on a 5-on-3 power play just 53 seconds in, bringing the score to 5-3. He capped off his impressive performance with an empty-net goal, completing his hat trick and sealing the Knights’ victory.
Austin Elliott, the Knights’ goaltender, also had a standout performance, securing the win with 40 saves, maintaining an impressive 40-1 record this season.
In addition to Barkey’s heroics, rookie forward Noah Read was recognized as the OHL Rookie of the Week after scoring a hat trick in a previous game against the Owen Sound Attack. Read’s journey from a 10th-round pick to a key player for the Knights is a testament to his hard work and determination.
Looking Ahead: Game 2 Preview
As the Knights prepare for Game 2 against the Otters on Saturday, April 12, at 7 p.m., the excitement continues to build. Fans can catch all the action live on 980 CFPL and through various streaming platforms. With the Knights’ strong performance in Game 1, they look poised to continue their playoff run, but the Otters will undoubtedly come back fighting.
