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London Knights 2023-24 Season Thread (Part 2)

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Ken Yates said:
After those two losses....i think a northern swing is good for the team. Less pressure on the road. Our top guys played well. Simpson in net is still a huge upgrade from last year.
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Agreed, I think this is just what the doctor ordered. Spend some time on a bus and in hotels with the boys and get to know each other better and build up that camaraderie which has been lacking. Makes you want to play FOR each other instead of the individual selfish games/penalties we have been seeing IMO.
 
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KnightWatch said:
Sure glad we didn't dump Julien like a few here were suggesting...
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Yeah, I didn’t/don’t understand the criticism of Julien. You can’t teach his speed and reach.

Remember, he was a de facto rookie last year as a U18 pick playing for the Nats. He’s still adjusting to being an OHL center. He’s great on the PK and his effortless skating may confuse people that think he’s not putting out 100% effort. I’d like to see his confidence grow to the point where he carries the puck more into the O zone vs dumping it in. But for a third round U18 pick, he’s exceeded all expectations.
 
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imarriedawitch said:
It has been said that the greatest curse you can place upon someone is to label them as having "unlimited potential". The expectation that players will improve month over month and year over year isn't realistic especially when it comes to teenagers. The sad reality is that sometimes you peak at eighteen. The talent/skill maxes-out, the hockey sense maxes-out and the love of the game wanes when you've always been the best player on your team and now find yourself struggling on the third line at this level. Given how much families have sacrificed to get their child to this level it must be a difficult conversation to have as the dream/desire comes to an end and their education package is the only pay day. Most of these kids will never play professionally, they are simply the players that help the few that do play professionally develop.
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I couldn't agree more, especially that recognition that most of these players have peaked at this level, and simply are not destined to play professionally. That isn't to say that they come away with only their education packages as their compensation. They've also gained the experience of being in a team environment, and how to perform effectively as a team member. Interesting that some find careers in law enforcement or as firefighters.....both choices where being a member of a team is quite important.
 
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imarriedawitch said:
It has been said that the greatest curse you can place upon someone is to label them as having "unlimited potential". The expectation that players will improve month over month and year over year isn't realistic especially when it comes to teenagers. The sad reality is that sometimes you peak at eighteen. The talent/skill maxes-out, the hockey sense maxes-out and the love of the game wanes when you've always been the best player on your team and now find yourself struggling on the third line at this level. Given how much families have sacrificed to get their child to this level it must be a difficult conversation to have as the dream/desire comes to an end and their education package is the only pay day. Most of these kids will never play professionally, they are simply the players that help the few that do play professionally develop.
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Not too sure what this post is trying to tell us, any player making it to the best junior hockey league league in the world (CHL/OHL) had to have some great talent to be at this level. No age is set to further on to pro-leagues, if look only two former Knights Steve Smith and Brandon Prust whom were never drafted at the junior level went on to successful NHL careers, makes this post above void. What hapens from here is all up to the players, you can be sure no one will quit because they are 18 and think they don't have a shot at pro-hockey.

Look at Jacob Julien , late to thew party at under 18 drafted into junior and now a NHL draftee. Everyone has a crack at pros in this league until they leave at 21. I remember Steve Rucchin playing Junior D with Thamesford then on to Western University he was there 2 or three years when Anaheim signed him right out of London University hockey and he had long NHL career. There are no age set or lack of talent preventing players at the OHL level, to reach pros, it's all out of will powers, it all depends on the player's mental and physical endurance how far he will go. IMHO
 
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TheOrangePylon said:
Great complete game tonight!
Also, shout out to the north bay commentators. I thought they did a great job!
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just watched a replay of this game and as a North Bay STH was very proud of our announcers whom I know personally .They are very professional and love their jobs. Also thought that this game was very enteraining . Good luck rest of the way and please beat the Wolves tonight lol
 
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Fastpace said:
These are my personal Favorites over the years, not necessary everyone else's:

Ether Best Defensive or Best Offensive

#1 -Rick Green best defensive D
#2 -John Carson " Offensive O
#3 -Rob Ramage Top both D & O -I am seeing 'Sam Dickinson' similarity here
#4 -Evan Bouchard O
#5 -Brad Marsh D

Honorobles
#6 -Dennis Wideman/Larry Trader both at D & O
#7 -Matt Pelech
#8 -Rick Corriveau/Danny Syvret/Chris McCauley/Victor Mete
#9 -Olli Maatta/Scott Harrington (I meant Maatta, moved Juolevi down)
#10-Nikita Zadorov/Dan Girardi only 1/2 season
#11-Steve Smith/John Erskine/Alec Regula
#12 -Greg Smith
#13 -Brad Schlege/Jacob Graves only 1/2 season
#14 -Bryan Rodney/Olli Juolevi
#15 -Scott Campbell/Nick Stajduhar
#16 -Jim Dorey
#17 -Alex Henry/Brandon Crawleyl
#18 -Scott Aarssen
#19 -Jared Tinordi
#20 -Jim Sprott

Futrure raking

-Oliver Bunk?
-Isaiah George?
-Jason Edward?
-I can't wait to see what young Henry Brzustewicz will bring to this team?
-Jared Woolley?
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If I didn't know better I would have thought Pops posted this list
 
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