London Nationals | |
---|---|
City | London, Ontario |
League | Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League |
Conference | Western Conference |
Founded | 1950 |
Home arena | Western Fair District Sports Centre |
Colours | Blue, white, and black |
Owner(s) | Paul Duarte |
General manager | Tony Mandarelli |
Head coach | Brandon Prust[1] |
Website | https://nationals.gojhl.ca/ |
Franchise history | |
1950–1958 | London Lou Ball Juniors |
1958–1960 | London Diamonds |
1960–1961 | London Athletics |
1961–1965 | London Nationals |
1965–1966 | Ingersoll Nationals |
1966–1967 | London Bees |
1969–1973 | London Squires |
1973–1976 | London-Glencoe Squires |
1976–1991 | London Diamonds |
1991–present | London Nationals |
Championships | |
Playoff championships | Sutherland Cup Champions: 2013 WOC Champions: 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 WOJHL Champions: 1981,1983,1984,1992 WJBHL Champions: 1964,1965 Big 10 West Champions: 1952 |
The London Nationals are a Canadian junior ice hockey team based in London, Ontario, Canada. They play in the Western division of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL).
Paul Duarte is the current owner of the London Nationals, with Tony Mandarelli serving as general manager and Brandon Prust as the team's head coach. The Nationals play their home games at the Western Fair Sports Centre. The arena's seating capacity is 1,800, and features an international-sized ice surface measuring 100' X 200'.
The team's life began in 1950, playing in The Big '10' Western Division out of the Ontario Arena at the Western Fair grounds. They won the Western Division title in 1952 as the London Lou Ball Juniors, after sponsor Lou Ball's clothing store. In 1956 the 'Big 10' was divided, and London became a member of the Western Ontario Junior "B" Hockey League.
Consistent representation of the city of London at the Jr. B level began in 1950 with the London Lou Ball Juniors, playing in The 'Big 10' Western Division out of the Ontario Arena at the Western Fairgrounds. The team was named after Lou Ball Clothes, which were stores owned by coach Lou Ball, and they won the championship the following season. The team was known as the London Collinson Flyers during the 1955–56 season before reverting to Lou Ball Juniors for 2 more seasons. The name changed to London Diamonds in 1958, then to Athletics in 1960. In 1961 the team was renamed again. They were called the Nationals, after sponsor Canadian National Recreation Association, an organization of Canadian National Railways employees.
In 1963 the Toronto Maple Leafs began sponsoring the Nationals. The Maple Leafs traditionally had affiliations with the Toronto Marlboros and St. Michael's Majors, however with the withdrawal of the Majors from the OHA, and the collapse of the Metro Junior A League, the Leafs were left with only one team. They decided to sponsor the junior team in London, which they wanted to play at the new London Gardens and be promoted to the Ontario Hockey Association.
The OHA initially balked at the proposition however, and so the Nationals continued to play in the Junior B league, winning the London Free Press Trophy as league champions in 1964 and 1965. For the 1965–66 season, the team was finally admitted to major junior hockey, and London's Junior B franchise moved to Ingersoll to make room for the Junior A Nationals. The Junior A team was renamed as London Knights in 1968, and the Nationals name disappeared from the London sports landscape.
The Junior B team returned to London under the name Bees for the 1966–1967 season, but then fell dormant for two seasons. The team was revived in 1969 as the Squires, and played under that name until 1976. The team was then known as the Diamonds from 1976–1991, before the Nationals name was revived after a long-lasting sponsorship with a diamond jeweler dissolved.
The team's time under the Diamonds name was successful, as they claimed the Western Ontario Hockey League title in 1981, 1983, and 1984.
The next change came when Kent Phibbs purchased the team and changed the name back to the London Nationals, and they won the Western Jr. B championship that same year. The team uniforms were once again the blue and white of the Maple Leafs and the team remained at Nichols Arena for a few years.
Mr. Phibbs now moved the team back to the Gardens. In the summer of 1998, the team was sold again, this time to the Doug Tarry Group (London Knights). The team remained playing at the same arena, but the name had changed to the London Ice House. The team colors and logo were changed to eggplant and teal to match the affiliate and the team still played at the London Ice House. The team's most recent championship came in 2019 (4th straight) as Western Conference Champions.
In 2013, the Nationals defeated the Cambridge Winterhawks to win their first-ever Sutherland Cup. The Nationals appeared in back-to-back Sutherland Cups in 2016 & 2017, and again in 2019.
In 2020, the Nationals marked their 70th anniversary as a Jr. B franchise in London.
Sutherland Cup
GOJHL Champions
Bill Weir Trophy
GOJHL Western Conference Champions
Western Ontario Junior B Champions
Western Ontario Junior Hockey League
Western Junior B Champions
Western Ontario Junior B Hockey League
Season | GP | W | L | T | OTL | GF | GA | P | Standing | Playoffs | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1950–51 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | 18 | 2nd Big '10' Western | ||
1951–52 | 16 | 11 | 5 | 0 | — | 107 | 68 | 22 | 2nd Big '10' Western | Won League | |
1952–53 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 0 | — | — | — | 28 | 1st Big '10' Western | ||
1953–54 | 24 | 6 | 18 | 0 | — | 119 | 189 | 12 | 4th Big '10' Western | ||
1954–55 | 25 | 5 | 20 | 0 | — | 110 | 204 | 10 | 4th Big '10' Western | ||
1955–56 | 27 | 0 | 27 | 0 | — | 68 | 249 | 0 | 5th Big '10' Western | ||
1956–57 | 27 | 9 | 18 | 0 | — | 126 | 167 | 18 | 5th WJBHL | ||
1957–58 | 30 | 20 | 10 | 0 | — | — | — | 40 | 2nd WJBHL | ||
1958–59 | 36 | 14 | 22 | 0 | — | 165 | 224 | 28 | 3rd WJBHL | ||
1959–60 | 25 | 1 | 24 | 0 | — | — | — | 2 | 6th WJBHL | ||
1960–61 | 32 | 0 | 32 | 0 | — | 86 | 399 | 0 | 5th WJBHL | ||
1961–62 | 36 | 10 | 25 | 1 | — | 201 | 254 | 21 | 7th WJBHL | ||
1962–63 | 35 | 3 | 32 | 0 | — | 133 | 348 | 6 | 6th WJBHL | ||
1963–64 | 40 | 28 | 11 | 1 | — | 260 | 159 | 57 | 2nd WJBHL | Won League | |
1964–65 | 40 | 23 | 17 | 0 | — | 213 | 181 | 46 | 3rd WJBHL | Won League | |
1965–66 | 40 | 25 | 15 | 0 | — | 237 | 178 | 50 | 3rd WJBHL | ||
1966–67 | 40 | 5 | 35 | 0 | — | 124 | 278 | 10 | 5th WJBHL | ||
1967–69 | Did not participate | ||||||||||
1969–70 | 36 | 16 | 17 | 3 | — | 137 | 169 | 35 | 3rd WOJHL | ||
1970–71 | 41 | 10 | 29 | 2 | — | 139 | 240 | 22 | 4th WOJHL | ||
1971–72 | 39 | 12 | 18 | 9 | — | 173 | 185 | 33 | 5th WOJHL | ||
1972–73 | 42 | 21 | 15 | 6 | — | 224 | 203 | 48 | 2nd WOJHL | ||
1973–74 | 40 | 4 | 32 | 4 | — | 114 | 239 | 12 | 5th WOJHL | ||
1974–75 | 40 | 19 | 15 | 6 | — | 186 | 172 | 44 | 2nd WOJHL | ||
1975–76 | 39 | 11 | 22 | 6 | — | 168 | 206 | 28 | 6th WOJHL | ||
1976–77 | 38 | 13 | 24 | 1 | — | 191 | 274 | 27 | 5th SWJBHL | DNQ | |
1977–78 | 40 | 30 | 8 | 2 | — | 261 | 171 | 62 | 1st SWJBHL | Lost final | |
1978–79 | 42 | 19 | 18 | 5 | — | 227 | 213 | 43 | 5th WOJHL | ||
1979–80 | 42 | 22 | 12 | 8 | — | 182 | 127 | 52 | 5th WOJHL | Lost final | |
1980–81 | 42 | 31 | 9 | 2 | — | 256 | 147 | 64 | 1st WOJHL | Won League | |
1981–82 | 42 | 22 | 16 | 4 | — | 196 | 180 | 48 | 3rd WOJHL | Lost final | |
1982–83 | 42 | 31 | 7 | 4 | — | 263 | 138 | 66 | 1st WOJHL | Won League | |
1983–84 | 48 | 34 | 7 | 7 | — | 297 | 148 | 75 | 1st WOJHL | Won League | |
1984–85 | 48 | 35 | 13 | 0 | — | 285 | 164 | 70 | 1st WOJHL | Lost final | |
1985–86 | 42 | 34 | 5 | 3 | — | 275 | 150 | 71 | 1st WOJHL | ||
1986–87 | 42 | 28 | 10 | 4 | — | 272 | 162 | 60 | 2nd WOJHL | Lost final | |
1987–88 | 42 | 13 | 24 | 3 | 2 | 190 | 213 | 31 | 7th WOJHL | ||
1988–89 | 41 | 19 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 197 | 193 | 44 | 5th WOJHL | ||
1989–90 | 40 | 20 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 205 | 231 | 42 | 4th WOJHL | ||
1990–91 | 48 | 15 | 30 | 3 | 0 | 170 | 259 | 33 | 8th WOJHL | ||
1991–92 | 48 | 30 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 274 | 191 | 65 | 1st WOJHL East | Won League | |
1992–93 | 52 | 25 | 20 | 5 | 2 | — | — | 57 | 2nd WOJHL East | ||
1993–94 | 50 | 25 | 21 | 3 | 1 | 273 | 251 | 54 | 2nd WOJHL East | ||
1994–95 | 52 | 16 | 34 | 0 | 2 | 223 | 281 | 34 | 4th WOJHL East | ||
1995–96 | 51 | 27 | 17 | 5 | 2 | 208 | 184 | 61 | 3rd WOJHL East | ||
1996–97 | 52 | 23 | 19 | 7 | 3 | 220 | 230 | 56 | 3rd WOJHL East | ||
1997–98 | 52 | 14 | 35 | 0 | 3 | 205 | 307 | 31 | 5th WOJHL East | ||
1998–99 | 52 | 19 | 32 | 0 | 1 | 213 | 282 | 39 | 4th WOJHL East | ||
1999-00 | 54 | 22 | 27 | 0 | 5 | 189 | 232 | 49 | 8th GOHL | ||
2000–01 | 54 | 39 | 11 | 1 | 3 | 251 | 143 | 82 | 2nd GOHL | Lost final | |
2001–02 | 54 | 32 | 21 | 0 | 1 | 251 | 169 | 65 | 6th WOHL | ||
2002–03 | 48 | 31 | 14 | 0 | 3 | 207 | 182 | 65 | 3rd WOHL | ||
2003–04 | 48 | 27 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 172 | 150 | 57 | 5th WOHL | Lost final | |
2004–05 | 48 | 22 | 22 | 1 | 3 | 161 | 173 | 48 | 5th WOHL | ||
2005–06 | 48 | 22 | 25 | 1 | 0 | 148 | 165 | 45 | 8th WOHL | Lost quarter-final | |
2006–07 | 48 | 21 | 23 | — | 4 | 183 | 178 | 46 | 7th WOHL | Lost quarter-final | |
2007–08 | 48 | 30 | 14 | — | 4 | 214 | 175 | 64 | 3rd GOJHL-W | Lost Conf. Final | |
2008–09 | 52 | 33 | 10 | — | 9 | 221 | 174 | 75 | 2nd GOJHL-W | Lost Conf. Final | |
2009–10 | 50 | 37 | 10 | — | 3 | 244 | 133 | 77 | 1st GOJHL-W | Lost Conf. SF | |
2010–11 | 51 | 34 | 13 | — | 4 | 235 | 162 | 72 | 2nd GOJHL-W | Lost Conf. Final | |
2011–12 | 51 | 28 | 20 | — | 3 | 185 | 190 | 59 | 3rd GOJHL-W | Lost SF Round Robin | |
2012–13 | 51 | 28 | 17 | — | 6 | 196 | 172 | 62 | 4th GOJHL-W | Won League | |
2013–14 | 49 | 29 | 19 | — | 1 | 188 | 150 | 59 | 5th GOJHL-W | Lost Conf. SF | |
2014–15 | 49 | 22 | 24 | — | 3 | 166 | 166 | 47 | 7th GOJHL-W | Lost Conf. SF | |
2015–16 | 50 | 31 | 14 | 4 | 1 | 212 | 155 | 67 | 2nd of 9-W 6th of 26-GOJHL |
Won Conf. Quarters, 4–1 (Strathroy) Won Conf. Semi-finals 4–2 (Lasalle) Won Conf. Finals 4–2 (Flyers) Won Sutherland Cup Semifinals, 4–2 (Cullitons) Lost Sutherland Cup Finals, 0–4 (Corvairs) | |
2016–17 | 50 | 36 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 232 | 131 | 73 | 3rd of 9-W 7th of 27-GOJHL |
Won Conf. Quarters 4–1 (Lincolns) Won Conf. Semifinals 4–1 (Maroons) Won Conf. Finals 4–1 (Flyers) Won Sutherland Cup Semis 4–1 (Cyclones) Lost Sutherland Cup Finals 1–4 (Sugar Kings) | |
2017–18 | 50 | 35 | 12 | 0 | 3 | 217 | 121 | 73 | 1st of 9-W 6th of 26-GOJHL |
Won Conf. Quarters 4–0 (Rockets) Won Conf. Semifinal 4-2 (Maroons) Won Conf. Finals 4-0 (Stars) Lost Sutherland Cup Semis 2-4 (Cyclones) | |
2018–19 | 48 | 33 | 12 | 1 | 3 | 217 | 121 | 73 | 2nd of 9-W 4th of 26-GOJHL |
Won Conf. Quarters 4–0 (Stars) Won Conf. Semifinal 4-1 (Lasalle) Won Conf. Finals 4-0 (Flyers) Won Sutherland Cup Semis 4–1 (Cyclones) Lost Sutherland Cup Finals 3–4 (Siskins) | |
2019–1920 | 50 | 42 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 217 | 121 | 87 | 1st of 9-W 4th2nd of 26-GOJHL |
Won Conf. Quarters 4–0 (Legionnaires) Incomplete Conf. Semifinal 1-0 (Lasalle) Playoffs cancelled due to pandemic | |
2020–2021 | Season lost due to pandemic | ||||||||||
2021–22 | 48 | 34 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 187 | 121 | 71 | 2nd of 9-W 5th of 25-GOJHL |
Won Conf. Quarters 4–2 (Stars) Lost Conf. Semifinal 1-4 (Maroons) | |
2022–23 | 50 | 34 | 11 | 4 | 1 | 228 | 169 | 73 | 2nd of 9-W 7th of 25-GOJHL |
Won Conf. Quarters 4–0 (Stars) Lost Conf. Semifinal 0-4 (Lincolns) | |
2023–24 | 50 | 36 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 218 | 136 | 75 | 1st of 8-W 3rd of 23-GOJHL |
Won Conf. Quarters 4-1 (Kings) Won Conf Semifinals, 4-1 (Lasalle) Lost Conf. Finals 3-4 (Lincolns) |
List of alumni who also played in the National Hockey League.
Stan Moore Award
Kelly Hearn Award
Chester Pegg Memorial Award
Roy Bruhlman Memorial Award
Phibbs Incorporated Award
Uni-Fab Award
Kevin McIntosh Award
CHOK Award
|
Phibbs Incorporated Award
Hugh McLean Award
Pat & Jackie Stapleton Award
Sharon Williamson Award
Southland Insurance Award
Smith-Buys Award
Roy Caley Award
|
Team records for a single season | |||
Statistic | Player | Total | Season |
---|---|---|---|
Most Goals | Craig Simpson | 47 | 1982–83 |
Most Assists | Adam McKee | 65 | 2009–10 |
Most Points | Craig Simpson | 111 | 1982–83 |
Most Game-Winning Goals | Shuan Furlong | 9 | 2009–10 |
Most Powerplay Goals | Chris McKay | 17 | 2009–10 |
Most Shorthanded Goals | Graham Spriel | 5 | 2005–06 |
Individual player records for a career | |||
Statistic | Player | Total | Career |
---|---|---|---|
Most Goals | Aaron Dartch | 112 | 2008–13 |
Most Assists | Adam McKee | 115 | 2007–10 |
Most Points | Aaron Dartch | 251 | 2008–13 |
Most Games Played | Max Vinogradov | 234* | 2015–20 |
Most Game-Winning Goals | Noah Schwartz | 18 | 2010–13 |
Most Powerplay Goals | Aaron Dartch | 39 | 2008–13 |
Most Shorthanded Goals | Craig Watson | 6 | 1996–97 |
Original home of the London Nationals. Built on the property of the Western Fair.
The London Gardens (see article) was built in 1963 and served as the home of the Nationals from 1963 to its closing in 2001. The building was renamed London Ice House in 1994. The arena is currently home to the Forest City Velodrome.
Medway Arena was renovated in 2009 after being built in 1967. Renovations include updates to the community centre, flooring and rink boards. Winter skating programs and events run throughout the winter season, and arena pad is available for lacrosse during the summer season. This facility is also equipped with a hall and kitchenette, perfect for private rentals..
The Sports Centre at Western Fair District is a state-of-the-art 160,000 square foot multi-use facility known as a leader amongst the many ice facilities available in London and Ontario.
The original London Nationals were modelled off their parent club, the Toronto Maple Leafs up until the change to the London Knights. The team's logo was the same Leaf as used by the parent club at the time, except with the words "London Nationals" written out across the leaf instead of "Toronto Maple Leafs" The team over went numerous logo and uniform changes with sponsors including Chester Pegg & Phibbs Incorporated. The team adopted similar colours to the Knights (Eggplant & teal) in the 1990s to look more like their Jr A affiliate. The Knight's move to more modern colours in 2002 brought the Nationals' look back to the familiar blue & white look. Today's uniforms mimic the Maple Leafs look, adopting a blue, white & black colour scheme. In 2015, the Nationals adopted a black alternate jerseys with the team's crest logo.
The Nationals' mascot is now known as "Lou", a tribute to the Lou Ball Juniors, a Jr. B team which played out of the Ontario Arena at the Western Fairgrounds beginning in 1950. The winning name was submitted in a "Name The Mascot" contest. Lou made his first appearance in 2012.