U18 Warriors season over in heartbreaking loss to London

The Stratford U18 AA Warriors’ season ended after a Game 5 defeat to the London Jr. Knights White in the ALLIANCE U18 AA-A Bristol Playdowns semifinals on March 8.

On March 5, at the Stratford Rotary Complex, the series was tied 1-1 heading into Game 3. The Knights took the lead with over four minutes left in the first period. Stratford equalized 58 seconds into the middle frame, but London regained the lead with 22 seconds remaining in that period, making it 2-1 before the third. In the third, London extended their advantage with three goals, securing a 5-1 victory and a 2-1 series lead.

Game 4 took place at the Nichols Arena on March 6. With the season on the line, the Warriors blanked the home side 4-0 to force the deciding Game 5 back in Stratford. The series concluded on March 8.

The opening frame of Game 5 produced plenty of offensive firepower from both teams. Stratford opened the scoring 2:37 into the period, only for London to respond 22 seconds later. The Warriors retook the lead 44 seconds later, but London tied the game with under 10 minutes left. Stratford took their third lead of the period with 7:03 remaining, but the Knights scored two goals in over five minutes to put the visitors ahead by a goal heading into the second period.

London padded into their lead in the second period to lead 6-3 heading into the third period. The Warriors scored twice early in the third to pull to within a goal but were unable to get the equalizer as they dropped game five 6-5.

ALLIANCE AA-A Bristol Playdowns Semifinals – (2) Stratford Warriors vs. (3) London Jr. Knights White

Game 1: London 6 Stratford 0

Game 2: Stratford 6 London 5

Game 3: London 5 Stratford 1

Game 4: Stratford 4 London 0

Game 5: London 6 Stratford 5

London Jr. Knights White wins series 3-2