Southwestern Ontario connections abound in Knights, Spirit rivalry
As the undefeated London Knights and Saginaw Spirit prepare to face off tonight to determine who will earn the bye into Sunday’s Memorial Cup Final, both teams are putting everything on the line to get one step closer to hoisting the prestigious trophy. Rivals on the ice, the teams share notable connections from Southwestern Ontario, weaving a web of familiarity and history.
Spirit assistant coach Garrett Rutledge and Knights assistant coach Dylan Hunter both played pivotal roles in leading their teams deep into the OHL Playoffs. Their connection dates back to their days playing in Junior B hockey together.
“Garrett and I played together in Junior B back in 2000. I was a rookie, about 15 at the time. He was a bit older and a veteran to me. He mentored and protected me on the ice as a younger guy. We had a great year playing for the Petrolia Jets,” said Hunter.
Now instead of sharing the ice, Hunter and Rutledge find themselves on opposite benches. Hunter, in his 12th season with the Knights, spoke fondly of his time with Rutledge.
“It’s pretty special. This is why I love hockey. You have those connections, and your paths always intertwine. We’ve got mutual friends back in Petrolia, so I’ve seen him over the years. Looking across the bench, I’m not surprised. He was a hard-nosed defenceman, always a leader, and he’s a great coach.”
Rutledge, in his first season with the Spirit as an assistant coach following previous time in Flint, echoed the sentiment. “It’s great to see and be a part of. Obviously I’ve known the Hunter family for a long time with them being a big name in a small town like Petrolia, looking across the bench to guys that you’re comfortable with and have had as coaches growing up is a really cool experience,” said Rutledge.
As the game approaches, both sides understand that friendships off the ice don’t translate onto it. This mindset is shared by the players, including Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Easton Cowan and Minnesota Wild prospect Hunter Haight, who also share a childhood connection.
“I grew up playing with Hunter. He lived down the road before I moved to Mount Brydges. We were good buddies growing up and train together in the summer,” said Cowan, the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player.
Haight added, “Playing for the Strathroy Rockets together as kids, it’s fun to go head to head at this level. Easton has always been a great player. We still train together in the summers, but on the ice, it’s all business. We’ve both got a job to do.”
Highlighting the Southern Ontario connections between these players and coaches, tonight’s focus will only be on the game, with both teams striving for victory.
The London Knights and Saginaw Spirit will clash in the all-OHL Memorial Cup game tonight at 7:30 PM ET on TSN and NHL Network in the United States.
"We're chasing that picture with a trophy, this team needs one."
The @SpiritHockey have another date with the rival @LondonKnights, this time for a spot in Sunday's #MemorialCup Final.
Tune in tonight at 7:30pm ET on @TSN_Sports and @NHLNetwork 📺
— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) May 29, 2024
