The Knights fell 4-1 to the Sarnia Sting in London's season opener on Wednesday.
After a scoreless first period, the Sting struck early in the second when overage right winger Jaden Lindo, acquired this week in a trade with the Owen Sound Attack, scored on the power play with assists going to Adam Ruzicka and Kevin Spinozzi. Sarnia led 1-0 after two periods.
The Sting opened up a 2-0 lead early in the third period with Spinozzi finishing off a pretty three way passing play with Ruzicka and Lindo. The defending Memorial Cup champion Knights responded 24 seconds later on a goal by Robert Thomas but Ryan McGregor quickly restored the two goal lead on a quick wrist shot. Ruzicka, a CHL import pick from Slovakia, recorded his third assist of the game in his debut with the Sting before an opening night crowd of 3,050.
Spinozzi scored his second of the game on the power play with about eight minutes remaining when his hard shot found the top of the London net sending the water bottle high into the air.
The Sting outshot the Knights 31-24. Justin Fazio was solid in goal for Sarnia while Tyler Johnson went the distance in net for London.
Sarnia was 2 for 5 on the power play and the Knights 0 for 6.
London's home opener is Friday night at Budweiser Gardens against the Erie Otters. The Memorial Cup banner raising will begin at 7:30pm.
