London Knights Face High-Stakes Goaltending Decision Ahead of Pivotal Game 5
The London Knights find themselves at a critical crossroads in the OHL playoffs, facing a decision that could determine their postseason fate. After a gutsy move by head coach Dale Hunter to start Aleksei Medvedev in Sault Ste. Marie with the season on the line, the team must now decide who will guard the crease for the pivotal Game 5 on Friday.
The Rise of Aleksei Medvedev
Alexei Medvedev has quickly emerged as a standout talent in the OHL. The Russian goaltender, born September 10, 2007, in Saint Petersburg, brings a combination of size and athleticism to the London Knights. Standing 6’3″ and weighing 181 lbs, Medvedev is recognized for his skating and explosiveness, which allow him to recognize threats and track the puck effectively through traffic.
His trajectory suggests a bright future in professional hockey. Medvedev was a second-round pick in the 2023 OHL Draft and later caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading the Vancouver Canucks to select him 47th overall in the 2025 NHL entry draft. On July 10, 2025, he signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canucks.
Medvedev’s rookie season was marked by significant achievement, including winning the Dave Pinkney Trophy alongside Austin Elliott for the lowest goals-against average. Leading up to the 2025 draft, he maintained a .922 save percentage, ranking him among the top draft-eligible goaltenders in the CHL.
The Goaltending Dilemma: Medvedev vs. Gatto
The Knights are currently navigating a challenging series against the Soo Greyhounds. Even as Sebastian Gatto played the first three games of the playoffs and performed well, he struggled to secure a win. This prompted Dale Hunter to pivot to Medvedev for a must-win scenario in Sault Ste. Marie.
Now, the coaching staff is weighing two viable options for Game 5:
- Aleksei Medvedev: Coming off a high-pressure start where he helped keep the Knights’ season alive.
- Sebastian Gatto: A rested option who provided stability in the early stages of the series.
London associate GM Rob Simpson emphasized that the team has “two really good goalies” and that the final decision will be a collaborative effort involving the coaching staff and goaltending coach Dave Rook. Due to a long travel day on Thursday, the team indicated that the starting announcement might be delayed until Friday morning.
Player Profile: Alexei Medvedev
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Goaltender (Catches Left) |
| Height/Weight | 6’3″ / 181 lbs |
| NHL Team | Vancouver Canucks (Drafted 47th 2025) |
| Key Strength | Athleticism and Explosiveness |
| Accolades | Dave Pinkney Trophy winner |
Key Takeaways
- High Stakes: The London Knights must win Game 5 to stay alive in their first-round series against the Soo Greyhounds.
- Strategic Shift: Coach Dale Hunter’s decision to start Medvedev in Sault Ste. Marie provided a spark for the team.
- NHL Pedigree: Medvedev is a highly touted Vancouver Canucks prospect with a three-year entry-level contract.
- Decision Pending: The team is evaluating both Medvedev and Sebastian Gatto before naming the starter for Friday’s game.
As the Knights prepare for this decisive matchup, the focus remains on whether the “Medvedev magic” will continue or if the team will return to the experience of Gatto to secure their spot in the second round.