London Knights 2023-24 Season Thread (Part One)

[LDN]

I have been a part of this thread for a little over a month now and I never thought it would have turned into such a comedy show 11 games into the season. The team may not be off to the perfect 11-0 start that most people in here think they should be, but take these things into consideration.

1. London had the most NHL prospects at camps this fall, so while other teams were coaching there players and teaching them their new systems, almost half of London's players were at other camps.

2. Since the season started London has played 11 games (tied for league most) playing min. 2 games every weekend with a 3in3 in there, while also playing a mid week game every week. Again leaving very little time to practice the new systems.

3. 6 of the 12 "starting forwards" were not part of the team last year and because Dale likes to blend his lines every game, you can expect some growing pains with the team chemistry.

Over the next 10 days London only has 1 game. This team has arguably the most talent and one of if not the best coach in the league. Give the team some time to figure itself out and by Christmas they should be top of the conference.

This next 10 days of practice time is crucial

 

[nelli27]

City is full of talent! You should have seen the guy I saw the other day sprinting down Wellington street with a shopping cart and a 20' extension ladder strapped to it like he was about to joust an incoming car. Remarkable!

I would have said hello if I knew that was you!

 

[Fastpace]

Losing a few games is not the end of our London world, not when you have this much talent going for you on one team. Team system implicated by Dale and staffs are not fully applied by players yet. They'll be just fine this season is young

 

[nelli27]

I don't think I ever shared my David Clarkson story on HBs. Anyone interested?

Okay...So, here's the Clarkson story, grab a beverage, sit back in the recliner. Here goes...

Back in 2005, the Knights ('team of the century') and Rangers met up in the playoffs. Corey Perry has a number of pre-game rituals, one of which is to arrive at the arena early, stand at the edge of the ice surface wearing slippers and pajamas to practise his stick handling.
So, I also arrive early for the game and notice him going through his ritual. Then, I see David Clarkson, the UNDRAFTED, Kitchener overager, stand in his corner of the rink doing the same thing as Perry, but in a mocking fashion.
Remember this is early, well before the game, before the pre-game warmups in fact. So I make my way down to that end of the ice where these formidable foes are, and in a very quiet, virtually empty arena, I yell out "Hey Clarkson, are you drafted yet?" Perry starts laughing his ass off while Clarkson had a less than enthusiastic reaction....we'll leave it at that.

I like to think that I was the reason behind Clarkson's future NHL success. As it turns out, he was signed as a free agent by the NJ Devils (if memory serves), had some very productive seasons, and he went on to sign a huge contract with the Leafs, and while his career was cut short, he's laughing all the way to the bank. Leafs still paying his contract? I don't know. In any case, he has that obnoxious London fan (me) to thank for inspiring him to prove that he could make it into the NHL without being drafted! To David Clarkson, all I can say now is "You're welcome!"

 

[LDN]

Okay...So, here's the Clarkson story, grab a beverage, sit back in the recliner. Here goes...

Back in 2005, the Knights ('team of the century') and Rangers met up in the playoffs. Corey Perry has a number of pre-game rituals, one of which is to arrive at the arena early, stand at the edge of the ice surface wearing slippers and pajamas to practise his stick handling.
So, I also arrive early for the game and notice him going through his ritual. Then, I see David Clarkson, the UNDRAFTED, Kitchener overager, stand in his corner of the rink doing the same thing as Perry, but in a mocking fashion.
Remember this is early, well before the game, before the pre-game warmups in fact. So I make my way down to that end of the ice where these formidable foes are, and in a very quiet, virtually empty arena, I yell out "Hey Clarkson, are you drafted yet?" Perry starts laughing his ass off while Clarkson had a less than enthusiastic reaction....we'll leave it at that.

I like to think that I was the reason behind Clarkson's future NHL success. As it turns out, he was signed as a free agent by the NJ Devils (if memory serves), had some very productive seasons, and he went on to sign a huge contract with the Leafs, and while his career was cut short, he's laughing all the way to the bank. Leafs still paying his contract? I don't know. In any case, he has that obnoxious London fan (me) to thank for inspiring him to prove that he could make it into the NHL without being drafted! To David Clarkson, all I can say now is "You're welcome!"

Haha thats awesome

 

[Maxxim1]

For those of you who might be interested….

Juan Copeland at eliteprospects.com

 

[Matt93]

I have been a part of this thread for a little over a month now and I never thought it would have turned into such a comedy show 11 games into the season. The team may not be off to the perfect 11-0 start that most people in here think they should be, but take these things into consideration.

1. London had the most NHL prospects at camps this fall, so while other teams were coaching there players and teaching them their new systems, almost half of London's players were at other camps.

2. Since the season started London has played 11 games (tied for league most) playing min. 2 games every weekend with a 3in3 in there, while also playing a mid week game every week. Again leaving very little time to practice the new systems.

3. 6 of the 12 "starting forwards" were not part of the team last year and because Dale likes to blend his lines every game, you can expect some growing pains with the team chemistry.

Over the next 10 days London only has 1 game. This team has arguably the most talent and one of if not the best coach in the league. Give the team some time to figure itself out and by Christmas they should be top of the conference.

Get out of here with your logic. You won't make friends with the people that expect nothing less than a 68-0 season while having every top 20 player in the OHL on the Knights.

 

[Frank the Skank]

Get out of here with your logic. You won't make friends with the people that expect nothing less than a 68-0 season while having every top 20 player in the OHL on the Knights.

Don't forget unlimited cards also.

 

[PhlyerPhanatic31]

I don't think I ever shared my David Clarkson story on HBs. Anyone interested?

No...but then again I've heard it

 

[Purple Phart]

Here's a thought: With this team's focus on defensive style hockey, and given the quality of our d-men, shouldn't that aspect of play be given some form of recognition ? I've always held to the belief that a goal prevented is equally important as a goal scored.

Whenever a goal is scored, those players on the ice at the time do the typical congratulatory fly-by with the goal scorer leading the procession. Why not have the d-men do a similar fly-by if their shift has prevented a shot on goal ? Granted, this could only be done when a stoppage in play occurs, and not during in-play line changes. This would reinforce the importance of preventing opponents from getting scoring chances, and the supporting cast in picking up their coverage responsibilities.

Of late, the team has exhibited a tendance to let down, following a goal scored, and the opponents have answered back on the very next shift, to negate any momentum shift. It's a bad habit, and one that should be nipped out by the coaching staff.

Centers have to work on winning a better % of face-offs. It's a team weakness, and needs improvement.

 

[Fastpace]

Here's a thought: With this team's focus on defensive style hockey, and given the quality of our d-men, shouldn't that aspect of play be given some form of recognition ? I've always held to the belief that a goal prevented is equally important as a goal scored.

Whenever a goal is scored, those players on the ice at the time do the typical congratulatory fly-by with the goal scorer leading the procession. Why not have the d-men do a similar fly-by if their shift has prevented a shot on goal ? Granted, this could only be done when a stoppage in play occurs, and not during in-play line changes. This would reinforce the importance of preventing opponents from getting scoring chances, and the supporting cast in picking up their coverage responsibilities.

Of late, the team has exhibited a tendance to let down, following a goal scored, and the opponents have answered back on the very next shift, to negate any momentum shift. It's a bad habit, and one that should be nipped out by the coaching staff.

Centers have to work on winning a better % of face-offs. It's a team weakness, and needs improvement.

No doubt recognising defensive plays by defenders would encourage other team members to be more active defensively. I once suggested for goalies to also wear sombrero after shutout games

 

[rve24]

Maybe I'm old school but I kinda like the 2005 approach to a goal or the Barry Sanders approach to a TD. Humble, been there, done that, will do it again, it's business, let's go back to work. (but I get kids excitement when scoring a goal n seen it often up close)

If teams start the fly by for a good D play it'll be a crap show. JMO.

Yes it is just as important and I believe that the teams that make the least amount of mistakes ( defensive ) win.

But can't we save it for props post game or practice/video review the next day?

And again fully appreciate and want teammates and coaches to acknowledge good, great D plays with a pat on the back n a hell ya in real time, but the fly by.......nah just me. Yes I'm old lol.

 

[LDN]

For those of you who might be interested….

Juan Copeland at eliteprospects.com

Thank you. Unfortunate that it didn’t work out

Get out of here with your logic. You won't make friends with the people that expect nothing less than a 68-0 season while having every top 20 player in the OHL on the Knights.

Me!?

 

[dmead]

Here's a thought: With this team's focus on defensive style hockey, and given the quality of our d-men, shouldn't that aspect of play be given some form of recognition ? I've always held to the belief that a goal prevented is equally important as a goal scored.

Whenever a goal is scored, those players on the ice at the time do the typical congratulatory fly-by with the goal scorer leading the procession. Why not have the d-men do a similar fly-by if their shift has prevented a shot on goal ? Granted, this could only be done when a stoppage in play occurs, and not during in-play line changes. This would reinforce the importance of preventing opponents from getting scoring chances, and the supporting cast in picking up their coverage responsibilities.

Of late, the team has exhibited a tendance to let down, following a goal scored, and the opponents have answered back on the very next shift, to negate any momentum shift. It's a bad habit, and one that should be nipped out by the coaching staff.

Centers have to work on winning a better % of face-offs. It's a team weakness, and needs improvement.

Back in my day, at the first stoppage of play I would skate over to the player that made a good defensive play and acknoweldge it.

I would also seek out a player who made a big mistake and tap his shins and let him.know we still had his back.

Having your goalie appreciate something you did, makes an impression.

 

[LDN]

Get on the phone with Flint

 

[HockeyPops]

 

[LDN]

Awesome!!!

 

[HockeyPops]

Hm. I get great reactions when I properly post media from X

 

[LDN]

Hm. I get great reactions when I properly post media from X

I gotta figure this out

 

[Wifi]

Its been a couple of weeks so I figured I could give a prospect update.

I have only had limited viewings of each of these players but I can tell you the prospects are looking promising for next year.

G - Finn is putting up better numbers than Medvedev but is also on a better team. Both teams are splitting the net with their goalies, but London's prospects have the better numbers in each system. Both of these goalies are looking good given their age and programs they are in. If they keep progressing throughout the season it should be a good battle to make London's roster next season.

D - All of Woolley, Fagan, Jenken, & Ustinkov should be in the OHL next season. With that being said they will not all be playing for London.

Woolley is the most ready in my opinion. He has the size and speed and may even get pulled up half way throughout this season (same as Julian last year) if London feels as though he could be a 6th/7th. (maybe moving a current 6th/7th (another discussion)).

Fagan is a smooth skater that likes to jump in on the rush and play physical. He has scored a couple of really nice goals so far this year. He has a similar offensive game to victor mete but plays as physical as Leonard.

Jenken is the biggest of the group at 6'3 but looks like he needs to fill out more. Could be a solid defensive defenseman. He probably has the hardest shot at making the team next year given who is in front of him but I don't know too much about him.

Ustinkov I know nothing about. I have tried to find clips of him online but have had no success. There are very few players that play in the NL (Top swiss league) at 17. there are also a lot of former NHL players in the league. Given the fact that he is a projected late 1st round pick this year I would assume he is around a similar skill level to bonk this time last year, just playing against better competition.

For next year, we can assume George & Edward will be gone (very rare to see players under NHL contracts play their overage year in the OHL) That makes the possible defense
Bonk, Dickinson, Leonard, Brzustewicz, Wooley, Fagan, Jenken, Ustinkov. In no order

F - James Hagens is the holy grail here. The first overall pick in 2025 will likely be between him and Misa. He is committed to Boston College but not until 2025-26, meaning he will have 3 options for next year. He can do what Fantilli did and finish high school early to move up his NCAA eligibility, he can play in the USHL, or he can come to London. If London can convince him to show up he very well could put up more points than we have seen since Patrick Kane. He is an elite playmaker that plays both ends of the ice well. In my opinion his closest comparable is jack Hughes.

William Moore missed the first couple games but is in the lineup now. He is a solid all around playmaker that should have been a top 3 pick into the OHL this year had he not committed to the US. If he were to show up next year and Hagens does not, I wouldn't be surprised to see Moore be the 1st line center.

Blake Arrowsmith had a strong camp in my opinion and for a while it looked like he was going to make the team this year. (before London brought in the grinder line) Since being sent to the nationals he has only played 3 games. It will take some time to see what he is capable of but it looks as though he will be getting top 6 minutes.

Gerber is off to a very strong start with Elmira. He is a small crafty forward that is now playing top minutes. He has a quick shot and sees the ice very well being involved in some nice goals. I'm not sure how he is on the defensive end of the pucks but even if he is average defensively he should have a chance to make the roster next season.

Lepain started hot with the nationals but they have added a couple forwards over the last couple of weeks that will likely take away his playing time. I don't know much about his game but he will need to have a big year to make London next year.

I'm not going to project London's forward group for next year as that will be a moving target with the possibility of additions/ removals as the season goes on, & the chances of players making the next level, but overall London's forward group of prospects is elite, but very limited.

 

[LDN]

Its been a couple of weeks so I figured I could give a prospect update.View attachment 758076

I have only had limited viewings of each of these players but I can tell you the prospects are looking promising for next year.

G - Finn is putting up better numbers than Medvedev but is also on a better team. Both teams are splitting the net with their goalies, but London's prospects have the better numbers in each system. Both of these goalies are looking good given their age and programs they are in. If they keep progressing throughout the season it should be a good battle to make London's roster next season.

D - All of Woolley, Fagan, Jenken, & Ustinkov should be in the OHL next season. With that being said they will not all be playing for London.

Woolley is the most ready in my opinion. He has the size and speed and may even get pulled up half way throughout this season (same as Julian last year) if London feels as though he could be a 6th/7th. (maybe moving a current 6th/7th (another discussion)).

Fagan is a smooth skater that likes to jump in on the rush and play physical. He has scored a couple of really nice goals so far this year. He has a similar offensive game to victor mete but plays as physical as Leonard.

Jenken is the biggest of the group at 6'3 but looks like he needs to fill out more. Could be a solid defensive defenseman. He probably has the hardest shot at making the team next year given who is in front of him but I don't know too much about him.

Ustinkov I know nothing about. I have tried to find clips of him online but have had no success. There are very few players that play in the NL (Top swiss league) at 17. there are also a lot of former NHL players in the league. Given the fact that he is a projected late 1st round pick this year I would assume he is around a similar skill level to bonk this time last year, just playing against better competition.

For next year, we can assume George & Edward will be gone (very rare to see players under NHL contracts play their overage year in the OHL) That makes the possible defense
Bonk, Dickinson, Leonard, Brzustewicz, Wooley, Fagan, Jenken, Ustinkov. In no order

F - James Hagens is the holy grail here. The first overall pick in 2025 will likely be between him and Misa. He is committed to Boston College but not until 2025-26, meaning he will have 3 options for next year. He can do what Fantilli did and finish high school early to move up his NCAA eligibility, he can play in the USHL, or he can come to London. If London can convince him to show up he very well could put up more points than we have seen since Patrick Kane. He is an elite playmaker that plays both ends of the ice well. In my opinion his closest comparable is jack Hughes.

William Moore missed the first couple games but is in the lineup now. He is a solid all around playmaker that should have been a top 3 pick into the OHL this year had he not committed to the US. If he were to show up next year and Hagens does not, I wouldn't be surprised to see Moore be the 1st line center.

Blake Arrowsmith had a strong camp in my opinion and for a while it looked like he was going to make the team this year. (before London brought in the grinder line) Since being sent to the nationals he has only played 3 games. It will take some time to see what he is capable of but it looks as though he will be getting top 6 minutes.

Gerber is off to a very strong start with Elmira. He is a small crafty forward that is now playing top minutes. He has a quick shot and sees the ice very well being involved in some nice goals. I'm not sure how he is on the defensive end of the pucks but even if he is average defensively he should have a chance to make the roster next season.

Lepain started hot with the nationals but they have added a couple forwards over the last couple of weeks that will likely take away his playing time. I don't know much about his game but he will need to have a big year to make London next year.

I'm not going to project London's forward group for next year as that will be a moving target with the possibility of additions/ removals as the season goes on, & the chances of players making the next level, but overall London's forward group of prospects is elite, but very limited.

Thank you for doing this. Very informative and interesting

 

[Holden Caufield]

Its been a couple of weeks so I figured I could give a prospect update.View attachment 758076

I have only had limited viewings of each of these players but I can tell you the prospects are looking promising for next year.

G - Finn is putting up better numbers than Medvedev but is also on a better team. Both teams are splitting the net with their goalies, but London's prospects have the better numbers in each system. Both of these goalies are looking good given their age and programs they are in. If they keep progressing throughout the season it should be a good battle to make London's roster next season.

D - All of Woolley, Fagan, Jenken, & Ustinkov should be in the OHL next season. With that being said they will not all be playing for London.

Woolley is the most ready in my opinion. He has the size and speed and may even get pulled up half way throughout this season (same as Julian last year) if London feels as though he could be a 6th/7th. (maybe moving a current 6th/7th (another discussion)).

Fagan is a smooth skater that likes to jump in on the rush and play physical. He has scored a couple of really nice goals so far this year. He has a similar offensive game to victor mete but plays as physical as Leonard.

Jenken is the biggest of the group at 6'3 but looks like he needs to fill out more. Could be a solid defensive defenseman. He probably has the hardest shot at making the team next year given who is in front of him but I don't know too much about him.

Ustinkov I know nothing about. I have tried to find clips of him online but have had no success. There are very few players that play in the NL (Top swiss league) at 17. there are also a lot of former NHL players in the league. Given the fact that he is a projected late 1st round pick this year I would assume he is around a similar skill level to bonk this time last year, just playing against better competition.

For next year, we can assume George & Edward will be gone (very rare to see players under NHL contracts play their overage year in the OHL) That makes the possible defense
Bonk, Dickinson, Leonard, Brzustewicz, Wooley, Fagan, Jenken, Ustinkov. In no order

F - James Hagens is the holy grail here. The first overall pick in 2025 will likely be between him and Misa. He is committed to Boston College but not until 2025-26, meaning he will have 3 options for next year. He can do what Fantilli did and finish high school early to move up his NCAA eligibility, he can play in the USHL, or he can come to London. If London can convince him to show up he very well could put up more points than we have seen since Patrick Kane. He is an elite playmaker that plays both ends of the ice well. In my opinion his closest comparable is jack Hughes.

William Moore missed the first couple games but is in the lineup now. He is a solid all around playmaker that should have been a top 3 pick into the OHL this year had he not committed to the US. If he were to show up next year and Hagens does not, I wouldn't be surprised to see Moore be the 1st line center.

Blake Arrowsmith had a strong camp in my opinion and for a while it looked like he was going to make the team this year. (before London brought in the grinder line) Since being sent to the nationals he has only played 3 games. It will take some time to see what he is capable of but it looks as though he will be getting top 6 minutes.

Gerber is off to a very strong start with Elmira. He is a small crafty forward that is now playing top minutes. He has a quick shot and sees the ice very well being involved in some nice goals. I'm not sure how he is on the defensive end of the pucks but even if he is average defensively he should have a chance to make the roster next season.

Lepain started hot with the nationals but they have added a couple forwards over the last couple of weeks that will likely take away his playing time. I don't know much about his game but he will need to have a big year to make London next year.

I'm not going to project London's forward group for next year as that will be a moving target with the possibility of additions/ removals as the season goes on, & the chances of players making the next level, but overall London's forward group of prospects is elite, but very limited.

Really appreciate the prospect updates and statistics.

Very helpful to see them all in one place, so we don’t have to search out a bunch of different team pages.

 

[HockeyPops]

William Moore missed the first couple games but is in the lineup now. He is a solid all around playmaker that should have been a top 3 pick into the OHL this year had he not committed to the US. If he were to show up next year and Hagens does not, I wouldn't be surprised to see Moore be the 1st line center.

1st line center at 17? How often does that happen on the Knights?

 

[nelli27]

Its been a couple of weeks so I figured I could give a prospect update.View attachment 758076

I have only had limited viewings of each of these players but I can tell you the prospects are looking promising for next year.

G - Finn is putting up better numbers than Medvedev but is also on a better team. Both teams are splitting the net with their goalies, but London's prospects have the better numbers in each system. Both of these goalies are looking good given their age and programs they are in. If they keep progressing throughout the season it should be a good battle to make London's roster next season.

D - All of Woolley, Fagan, Jenken, & Ustinkov should be in the OHL next season. With that being said they will not all be playing for London.

Woolley is the most ready in my opinion. He has the size and speed and may even get pulled up half way throughout this season (same as Julian last year) if London feels as though he could be a 6th/7th. (maybe moving a current 6th/7th (another discussion)).

Fagan is a smooth skater that likes to jump in on the rush and play physical. He has scored a couple of really nice goals so far this year. He has a similar offensive game to victor mete but plays as physical as Leonard.

Jenken is the biggest of the group at 6'3 but looks like he needs to fill out more. Could be a solid defensive defenseman. He probably has the hardest shot at making the team next year given who is in front of him but I don't know too much about him.

Ustinkov I know nothing about. I have tried to find clips of him online but have had no success. There are very few players that play in the NL (Top swiss league) at 17. there are also a lot of former NHL players in the league. Given the fact that he is a projected late 1st round pick this year I would assume he is around a similar skill level to bonk this time last year, just playing against better competition.

For next year, we can assume George & Edward will be gone (very rare to see players under NHL contracts play their overage year in the OHL) That makes the possible defense
Bonk, Dickinson, Leonard, Brzustewicz, Wooley, Fagan, Jenken, Ustinkov. In no order

F - James Hagens is the holy grail here. The first overall pick in 2025 will likely be between him and Misa. He is committed to Boston College but not until 2025-26, meaning he will have 3 options for next year. He can do what Fantilli did and finish high school early to move up his NCAA eligibility, he can play in the USHL, or he can come to London. If London can convince him to show up he very well could put up more points than we have seen since Patrick Kane. He is an elite playmaker that plays both ends of the ice well. In my opinion his closest comparable is jack Hughes.

William Moore missed the first couple games but is in the lineup now. He is a solid all around playmaker that should have been a top 3 pick into the OHL this year had he not committed to the US. If he were to show up next year and Hagens does not, I wouldn't be surprised to see Moore be the 1st line center.

Blake Arrowsmith had a strong camp in my opinion and for a while it looked like he was going to make the team this year. (before London brought in the grinder line) Since being sent to the nationals he has only played 3 games. It will take some time to see what he is capable of but it looks as though he will be getting top 6 minutes.

Gerber is off to a very strong start with Elmira. He is a small crafty forward that is now playing top minutes. He has a quick shot and sees the ice very well being involved in some nice goals. I'm not sure how he is on the defensive end of the pucks but even if he is average defensively he should have a chance to make the roster next season.

Lepain started hot with the nationals but they have added a couple forwards over the last couple of weeks that will likely take away his playing time. I don't know much about his game but he will need to have a big year to make London next year.

I'm not going to project London's forward group for next year as that will be a moving target with the possibility of additions/ removals as the season goes on, & the chances of players making the next level, but overall London's forward group of prospects is elite, but very limited.

Thx for the update.
I saw some of the Nats/Stars game last night. Woolley (Stars) & Fagan (Nats) sure don't like one another. Yet, they could be defence partners next season. Arrowsmith with a nice goal. Medvedev and Froggett did not have their best games.

 

[rve24]

Thanks for the update @Wifi . Appreciated!!!!