Not a Second Too Soon

Chris Tierney celebrates double overtime winner with Max Domi 

Tierney (L) and Alex Broadhurst celebrate win 

London Knights centre Chris Tierney has emerged as one of the top two-way players in the Ontario Hockey League.  While the balanced scoring attack of the Knights may have prevented the 2nd round draft pick of the San Jose Sharks from putting up eye-popping numbers in the regular season, Tierney now has 5 points in 2 playoff games.  He assisted on Bo Horvat's miracle goal to tie game two against Saginaw with .3 seconds left, 2-2.  He then scored the winner in the second overtime to give the Knights a 3-2 win and a 2-0 lead in the OHL quarter final series against the stubborn Spirit.

Tierney has quickness in game situations more than blazing speed, yet he is fast enough.  While he wouldn't be called overly physical he is smart and determined enough to be disruptive to the opposition.  Tierney is reliable on face-offs and kills penalties.  The native of Keswick, Ontario is proving why the Knights selected him in the first round of the 2010 OHL draft.

Bo Horvat was recognized for his shot blocking in OHL coaches poll

Also in game two, Bo Horvat showed why he is a likely first round NHL draft choice in June of this year.  He won many big face-offs, scored two goals, killed penalties and blocked shots.  Horvat's willingness and ability to head for the front of the net led to both Knights goals in regulation.  Horvat's strength makes him hard to move from the front of the net.  Horvat and Ryan Rupert both took a shot at the puck in front of Jake Paterson in the dying seconds.  After the goal was originally given to Rupert, Horvat was given credit for his second of the game.

Budweiser Gardens fans seemed to warm to the idea of participating in the singing of the Canadian national anthem.  Byron public school (music) teacher Jason Kehler has become the Knights good luck charm.  He did a wonderful job on the U.S. anthem and during the Canadian anthem invited fans to sing a verse.  The move may have surprised the audience in game one, but they were more enthusiastic in game two.

Jake Paterson made 67 saves for Saginaw

Knights celebrate 

Knights Anthony Stolarz made 41saves in game 2.