HOME

For the second straight year the Boyer Auto Group North Kawartha Knights hosted the Lakefield Chiefs in game 7 of the Orr Division Semifinal on Sunday March 1st. However, the lead up to game 7 was quite different this year.

Where last year it was the Knights who started out to a 3-0 series lead, this season the Chiefs started by jumping out to a 2-0 series lead, outscoring the Knights 6-1 over the first 2 games. Game 3 was back at the North Kawartha Community Centre (NKCC) and was the beginning of the turn around for the Knights, defeating the Chiefs 3-1 on home ice. Game 4 saw the Chiefs back on top defeating the Knights 3-2 and put Lakefield up 3-1 in the series. 

Game 5 again was back at the NKCC and the Knights were determined. going up 2-1 in the game, the Chiefs tied the game late sending it into overtime. However, the Knights would not be denied. Just 44 seconds into overtime, #7 Zack Nicholson scored to keep the Knights playoffs alive. 

Game 6 was back in Lakefield and the Knights came out flying. Going into the second intermission up 2-1, the Knights came out in the third and scored 2 goals in the first minute of play pushing their lead to 4-1 and after the Chiefs get one back the Knights add an empty net goal to win this one 5-2 and force a game 7 for the second straight year. 

Game 7 early saw both teams going back and forth, and was early game heroics from #30 Noah Miller stopping all 16 shots while #44 Kieran Flynn found the back of the net to put the Knights up 1-0 after the first period. The Knights came out strong again in the second tallying 2 goals by #19 Cole Arnold and #88 Karsten Leonard with Lakefield answering back late in the second but seen the Knights up 3-1 going into the 3rd period. The final frame was a back and forth battle capped off by #7 Nicholson intercepting a pass and putting the puck into the empty net with 1:34 left to go in the game, all but cementing the Kngihts victory. A bit of rough stuff between the two rivals in the last minute of the game but as the clock dropped down to zero, it was over. The Knights had completed the series comeback and eliminated the Lakefield Chiefs from the 2020 playoffs. 

The Knights move on to the Orr Division Cougar Cup Final for the second straight year. They will face the winner between the Clarington Eagles and Uxbridge Bruins. Schedule to be posted as soon as available. 

Photo Credit: L Fitze Photography

The Knights have had a significant turnover this past off season after our most successful regular season where we finished in 2nd place and then lost in the Orr Division finals to Uxbridge. The Knights said farewell to some of the strongest players we've ever had wear the Black and Orange. Matt Carroll, Trent Schutt, Shawnessy Borden, Tanner Tomlinson, Tristan Nugent and Jackson Wiltshire all aged out. The Knights also said good bye to NKK all time goal, assist and point leader Jesse Douglas. Caleb Trotter and Brennan Ireland have moved on to other teams in the PJHL. Returning Knights include: Zack Pearson (C)('98/Lakefield) , Ethan Coens (A) ('98 Marmora), Mike Fisher (A) ('98 Peterborough), Cole Arnold ('98 Douro), Joe Crothers (A) ('00 Campbellford), Isaac Little ('02 Haliburton), Carden Guerin ('01 Campbellford), Nolan Flood ('00 Haliburton), Matt Wilbee ('99 Haliburton), Elijah Brahaney ('01 Campbellford), and Noah Miller ('01 Peterborough). Kieran Flynn ('01 Norwood) and Ethan Keefer ('99 Haliburton) have rejoined the team after a year away from the Knights. The new faces joining the NKK have big shoes to fill, but are ready for the test. New Knights include Zack Nicholson ('00 Campbellford), Jack Kauffeldt ('01 Bancroft), Matt Funk ('99 Bancroft), Shawn Walker ('01 Haliburton), Karsten Leonard ('02 Madoc) and Ryan Baily ('01 Peterborough). The Knights add 3 players to their roster via trade: Hunter Halliday ('99 Killaloe); from the Arnprior Packers, Chase Burden '99 Haliburton); from the Amherstview Jets, and Justin Arnold ('00 Ameliasburgh); from the Picton Pirates. These are your 2019-2020 North Kawartha Knights.

Thank you to our sponsors!

The North Kawartha Knights are very thankful to the Knights'  sponsors. The Knights are dependant upon community partners in order run our program.

Boyer Auto Group - Platinum (Title Sponsor)

Leveque Brothers - Gold Sponsor

Apsley Home Hardware Building Centre - Silver Sponsor

Covia (formerly Unimin) - Silver Sponsor

Drain Brothers - Silver Sponsor

Wreck A Mended Autobody - Palladium Sponsor

Kennisis Lake Marina - Palladium Sponsor

Timberline - Bronze Sponsor

Bear Ridge Campground - Bronze Sponsor

The Knights would also like to thank Bancroft/Peterborough McDonalds for our Puck Launch sponsorship.

We are also thankful for all of our advertising partners and player sponsors.

The North Kawartha Knights forward Elijah Brahaney was awarded the Orr Division Rookie of the Year Award for the 2018-2019 season. Elijah is the second Knight in a row to win the award following Mat Wilbee winning in 2018. 

Elijah had a very impressive performance this season with 22 goals and 35 assists totaling 57 regular season points in 42 games played. Followed up by 4 goals and 6 assists totaling 10 points in 12 playoff games. "Even with leading the league in rookie scoring, it was more than just Elijah's offensive play that made him the obvious choice for this award." Coach Tucker stated. "Elijah was relied upon in many situations during this past season, he seen special teams minutes, both powerplay, on the kill, and it was the defensive side of his game that contributed to his strong performance in his rookie campaign."

Th North Kawartha Knights are proud of Elijah's achievement in the 2018-2019 season. 

Former Boyer Auto Group North Kawartha Knights captain Cam Medland has joined the Knights bench staff as the newest assistant coach ahead of the 2019-2020 season. In Cam's two years as a Knight he scored 37 goals and 27 assists totaling 64 points.

Cam had previously been involved with the organization in an assisting capacity. "I am looking forward to working with Cam in a more direct role." Coach Shawn Tucker mentioned "Cam brings a wealth of knowledge and playing experience to the team and I look forward to seeing the positive impact moving him to the bench will have."

The Knights had just finished up their prospects camp on May 11th, where many young prospective Knights showcased their talents. Next up for the Knights is their Spring Camp on June 8th.