The 2005 MasterCard Memorial Cup Champion London Knights have been selected as the CHL’s Team of the Century. As part of the 100th Memorial Cup festivities, the CHL set up an online voting program for fans to select who they thought was the strongest Memorial Cup winner over the last 100 championships. And when the dust settled, after the final four, the 2005 London Knights beat out the 1995 Kamloops Blazers, 2000 Rimouski Oceanic, and 2013 Halifax Mooseheads for the title.
“It’s an honour to be named CHL Team of the Century,” said London Knights Owner, President, and Head Coach, Dale Hunter. “That season was one filled with records and unbelievable accomplishments, but most of all many extraordinary young men – many of whom went on to successful NHL careers.”
Coached by Dale Hunter, the Knights featured tournament MVP Corey Perry and future NHL talents like David Bolland, Dan Girardi, Marc Methot, and Brandon Prust.
“We’re very appreciative of everyone who voted for us,” added Hunter. “Once again, this is a testament to our amazing fanbase here in London. We are incredibly proud of this team, our fanbase, and everyone involved in that unforgettable season.”
The 2005 London Knights began their 40th season with a CHL record 31-game unbeaten streak en route to compiling an OHL record 59 wins and 120 points. The tournament hosts entered through the front door and won their first OHL title with a 16-2 record before sweeping the national competition, including two wins over the Rimouski Oceanic led by Sidney Crosby.
By Luis Grella and photos by London Knights
