London beats host Red Deer as Memorial Cup opens

RED DEER, Alberta – Mitch Marner had two goals and three assists and the London Knights beat the host Red Deer Rebels 6-2 on Friday night in the first game in the Memorial Cup junior hockey championship.

Marner was the No. 4 overall pick my Toronto last year in the NHL draft.

Linemate Christian Dvorak had two goals and two assists, and Aaron Berisha and Victor Mete also scored, and Tyler Parsons made 30 saves for the Ontario Hockey League champion Knights. They have won 14 straight games.

Luke Philp and Adam Helewka scored for Red Deer.

On Saturday in round-robin play, Western Hockey League champion Brandon will face Quebec Major Junior Hockey League winner Rouyn-Noranda.