AM980 News
5/16/2013
There was a noticeable absence at a big send-off for the London Knights as they made their way to Saskatoon for the 2013 Memorial Cup.
Despite announcing, and organizing Wednesday's event, Joe Fontana was not among nearly 300 fans who turned out.
Instead, he was in a Milton courtroom dealing with a civil suit brought forward by a former business associate who claims Fontana owes him $100,000 from a failed Romanian energy deal several years ago.
Despite the Mayor's no-show, it was still a festive mood as hundreds of fans fans decked in Knights jerseys and green wigs filled the parking lot of the old Electro Motive building..
Tourism London General Manager John Winston said he was very happy with the turnout and the fanfare.
"They're all decked out. We asked them to bring your flags, bring your sweaters. There's a lady with a Domi sweater that has a combination London Knights and Toronto Maple Leafs. It's really cool!"
Knights Coach Dale Hunter echoed Winston’s sentiments.
"It's mid-week and people are working and stuff but they took the time out to come here. The players really appreciate it. It is how many London Knight fans are in this city and it's awesome."
The Knights stopped briefly for a meet and greet before boarding the bus again and making their way to a private airplane hangar to depart for Saskatoon.
Knights’ fan Anne Ewing tells AM980 she's hoping her boys bring home the cup this year.
"I've been a fan for 43 years so I got to keep it up, keep it going," Ewing said. "They missed it by one goal last year. They got to bring it home this year!"
Meanwhile, a very young fan was thrilled to see his favourite player, Max Domi.
"One time he made me jump up and high-five him!" exclaimed Carter Gerard-Smith.
On Friday, the Knights will play the host Saskatoon Blades to open the tournament.
http://www.am980.ca/news/local/story.aspx?ID=1962551
