London Knights Memorial Cup: 2025 Third Win & History

The London Knights walked into the 2025 Memorial Cup carrying the sting of a 2024 championship loss to Saginaw. Twelve months later, they left Rimouski as three-time Memorial Cup winners after a decisive 4-1 victory over the Medicine Hat Tigers on June 1, 2025. For a franchise already sitting on two titles, this third crown answered every question about whether London could close the deal when it mattered most.

Memorial Cup Wins: 3 · Latest Title: 2025 · Final Score vs Tigers: 4-1 · OHL Championships: 6 · 2025 Semi-Final Win: 5-2 vs Moncton Wildcats

London Knights own three Memorial Cup titles spanning two decades, placing them among the CHL’s most decorated franchises alongside Cornwall Royals, Kamloops Blazers, and Windsor Spitfires.

Have the London Knights ever won the Memorial Cup?

Yes—three times. The London Knights secured Memorial Cup victories in CHL.ca, establishing themselves as one of the most successful franchises in tournament history.

2005 Championship

London’s first Memorial Cup came in 2005, launching the franchise into national prominence.

2016 Victory

The team claimed their second championship in 2016, with the roster executing a dominant playoff run to capture the title.

2025 Dominant Win

Their most recent triumph occurred June 1, 2025, in Rimouski. Austin Elliott made 31 saves while Jacob Julien scored first and Easton Cowan added three second-period goals to secure the 4-1 victory over Medicine Hat (CHL.ca).

The Knights finished the OHL playoffs with a 16-1 record, losing only once before the Memorial Cup tournament (My Hockey Rankings).

The implication: London’s ability to reload with different rosters across 20 years while maintaining championship-level performance sets them apart from single-era champions.

How many Memorial Cups do the knights have?

The London Knights have won three Memorial Cups—2005, 2016, and 2025. This places them among the CHL’s most decorated franchises, alongside Cornwall Royals, Kamloops Blazers, and Windsor Spitfires as the only teams with three or more titles since 1972 (My Hockey Rankings). Their six total J. Ross Robertson Cups as OHL champions further establish their dominance within the league.

Total Titles: 3

The three championship years span two decades: 2005 marked the initial breakthrough, 2016 delivered the second triumph, and 2025 completed the current trilogy. Dale Hunter has been behind the bench for all three victories, accumulating 15 career Memorial Cup wins—the most of any coach in tournament history.

Years of Wins

The gap between wins tells a story of sustained excellence rather than isolated success. Each title came through different rosters and challenges, yet London’s core identity—tight defense, opportunistic scoring, and playoff resilience—remained constant.

Are the London Knights out of the Memorial Cup?

No. London won the 2025 Memorial Cup 4-1 over the Medicine Hat Tigers on June 1, 2025, in Rimouski. This concluded a tournament where the Knights went 2-1-0 during round-robin play and outscored opponents 12-5 across their final two games.

2025 Tournament Performance

The tournament began May 23, 2025, with London facing immediate challenges. A 3-2 overtime victory against Moncton on May 24, followed by a 3-1 win over Rimouski on May 25, positioned the Knights solidly in the standings despite a 3-1 loss to Medicine Hat on May 27. The team then delivered a decisive 5-2 semi-final win over Moncton on May 30 before closing with the championship victory.

Path to Championship

London entered the Memorial Cup as OHL champions after posting a 16-1 playoff record and defeating the Oshawa Generals in the final (Sportsnet). They became the first team in 35 years to reach consecutive finals, having fallen to Saginaw 4-3 in 2024—a result that fueled their determination throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

The pattern: London built their 2025 championship on the specific wound of the 2024 loss, using that failure as fuel for their dominant run through the OHL playoffs and into the Memorial Cup final.

Where will the 2026 Memorial Cup be held?

The 2026 Memorial Cup is slated for Kelowna, British Columbia, with the city exploring potential host venues. This marks a significant shift for the tournament, returning to Canadian soil after the 2024 event in Saginaw, Michigan.

Host City Details

Kelowna’s bid reflects growing interest from Western Canadian cities in hosting junior hockey’s premier event. The city’s hockey market and arena infrastructure make it a strong candidate for the expanded tournament format.

Related Bids

The bidding process for 2026 and beyond remains ongoing, with multiple cities expressing interest. Kelowna emerged as the front-runner following exploratory discussions with CHL officials.

Is the Memorial Cup final just one game?

Yes—the Memorial Cup final consists of a single game between the two surviving teams. The 2025 final saw London face Medicine Hat at the Coliseum de Rimouski, with London winning 4-1.

Tournament Format

The Memorial Cup format includes a round-robin stage featuring four teams (three league champions plus the host), followed by semi-final matchups and a single championship final. This structure gives teams multiple opportunities to prove themselves before the ultimate showdown.

2025 Final Structure

The 2025 edition began May 23 and ran through June 1, with Medicine Hat finishing round-robin play at 3-0-0 and London at 2-1-0. The Tigers earned direct final berth while London defeated Moncton 5-2 in the semi-final to advance.

“For the third time in franchise history, the Knights are Memorial Cup champions.”

— CHL Broadcast (Official Highlights)

“One year after what he called the worst day of his life, Denver Barkey led his team to the Memorial Cup title.”

— Sportsnet (Sportsnet)

The London Knights are no longer a team climbing toward contention—they are the standard. Three Memorial Cups in 20 years, six OHL championships, and a coach who has more tournament wins than anyone in history. For rival OHL franchises, cracking London’s dominance means matching their 16-1 playoff intensity and finding answers for Dale Hunter’s system. For the CHL, London’s sustained excellence raises the question of whether any current contender can build a dynasty-killer roster before Kelowna hosts in 2026.

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