'They gave it their all': Fans celebrate as London Knights bring home Memorial Cup

Excitement was in the air on Monday evening as hundreds of Londoners filled Dundas Place to watch and cheer on the London Knights bringing the Memorial Cup championship home after almost a decade. 

Fans were dressed in the hockey team's classic green and white jerseys and crowds chanted "Go Knights Go" as players carried the trophy through the street, greeting spectators, and sparking tears of joy for some hockey lovers. 

"I felt all kinds of emotions. I've been following the Knights since I was a little kid and to see them do it again was just incredible," said Londoner Chris Gold. "They just played terrific. We didn't expect anything less from them and they really gave it their all."

London Knights won their third Canadian Hockey League championship on Sunday in a dominant 4-1 victory over the Medicine Hat Tigers in Rimouski, Que. The team redeemed itself from its devastating 4-3 loss with 22 seconds remaining against the Saginaw Spirit in last year's Memorial Cup final. 

On Sunday, the team exploded off the bench and threw their gloves in the air in celebration when the final buzzer went off. The Knights last won the Memorial Cup in 2005 and 2016. 

For hockey lovers cheering them on in London, there was no doubt the team would make up for last year's loss, said Keighan Jeffrey and Ryan Govier, who attended most playoff games this season. 

"Honestly just seeing the players back at home with the cup, I think a lot of us wanted to see that last year and it's nice coming home to it today," said Jeffrey. "They've really shown up at every game, and every player has just been outstanding. We couldn't ask for a better turnout this year." 

"Just watching them get recognized for all the hard work they've put in, and for them to mention all the fans, is really awesome to see. I'm just really happy to be a part of it this year and those guys all have great careers ahead of them," added Govier.  

Players stood alongside their coaches on stage in front of their home arena at Canada Life Place where they thanked fans for their support and shared memories of their big win, and lessons learned along the way.  

Among those who spoke to the crowd were team captain Denver Barkey, tournament MVP Easton Cowan, Jacob Julien and Austin Elliott. 

Morgan Bissell still remember's the team's first championship win in 2005, and their second victory happened when her daughter Sadie was a baby. This time, Bissell witnessed the victory with both of her grown up kids, she said.  

"It was definitely exciting to see this time around and it was a surreal moment. It's a huge deal for this city and it's brought more people together, so it's just something else to be proud of London for," said Bissell.

John Benninghoff spent the entire season going to most of the team's games. Although he missed Sunday's final, he made sure to wake up bright and early at 4:30 a.m. to meet the players once they returned to London. 

"This is our first full season with them and its been a great journey going on the road with them and to see them play. It's been amazing meeting great people along the way," said Benninghoff, as he waved a large Knights flag. 

The powerhouse team has 12 NHL draft picks and four first-rounders. Despite Londoners feeling sad to see their beloved players leave the city, they're excited for what comes next for the them.

"I feel great for the guys, a lot of them are leaving this year going on to their NHL careers, so it's nice to have that under their belt before leaving and I know next year we'll be ready for it all over again," said Gold.