JCVH60: Knights Take Control

Knights leave the ice after 7-1 win vs. Saginaw

The London Knights took control of their OHL Western Conference quarter final vs. Saginaw with a 7-1 win over the Spirit at Saginaw. The Knights now lead the series 3-0.

Kyle Platzer scores on Jake Paterson

The Knights took control of the game early as they had a 2-0 lead six minutes into the game. Alex Broadhurst led the Knights with three goals. The line of Kyle Platzer, Remi Elie and Paxton Leroux all scored goals. Anthony Stolarz was solid in net with 32 saves. What's notable about those five key contributors is that none were part of the OHL championship team last season.

Leroux, Elie and Platzer combined for seven scoring points. To some this might be a surprise but not inside the team. The newer players are developed the "Knights way" starting in September. Much of that development is away from the cheering crowd. It's in the gym and at practise or in the case of Leroux, playing in Junior 'B'. Proper player development has been instrumental in the Knights success.

Ollie Maatta was terrific in game 3

The emergence of Leroux is a tribute to the Knights system. He was drafted by Saginaw in round 4 of the 2009 OHL priority selection (74th overall). Leroux spent the last two full seasons with the Peterborough Stars of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League. He has worked hard on improving puck skills this year and it paid off with his first OHL goal in the third period of game 3.

Platzer and Elie are among 8 Knights ranked by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming June 30th draft (mid-term rankings). Elie ranked 56th among North American skaters, while Platzer was 116th. Neither one hurt their stock last night.

Ollie Maatta and Bo Horvat did not hit the scoresheet in game three but both were major contributors. Both players logged almost 18 minutes of ice time through the first two periods. The score allowed coach Dale Hunter to ease up on their ice time in the 3rd. Maatta constantly broke up plays with good positioning and intelligence. Horvat (again) won every key face-off, killed penalties along with playing a regular shift. Few players who are Horvat's age contribute in as many ways as the 17 year-old from Rodney (Horvat turns 18 on April 5th).