Zadorov Makes A Difference

6'5", feet apart and using his stick, Zadorov is tough to beat defensively 

Nikita Zadorov is the definitive junior hockey impact player.  

His return to the London Knights helped them to two impressive victories this weekend.   The Knights played their most complete game of the year in a 4-0 win over a hot Windsor Spitfire team. 

 

The 18 year-old defenseman from Moscow seems ready to heed instructions from the Buffalo Sabres to return to junior and 'dominate..'  

DEFENSIVE ZONE -  In his seven games in the NHL Zadorov has learned to play the game faster.  The puck is on his stick and gone, or it's carried out of trouble.  In front of the net, his size and increased strength give him the ability to handle any OHL forward.  His long frame and wingspan cuts off passing lanes and smother opposition forwards against the boards.  More than anything he takes pride in his plus/minus (plus 33 last season) 

NEUTRAL ZONE - Timing and technique are Zadorovs' specialties in the middle of the ice.  He is excellent at reading the play and knowing when to commit to a hit.  At the point of impact he usually has his elbows in and arms down.  He allows his natural strength to do the rest - with few penalties for high or late hits.  Knights assistant coach Dylan Hunter says he "lets the hit come to him..."  Naturally, forwards are less aggressive coming through the neutral zone.  

OFFENSIVE ZONE - Zadorov seems to have the most fun here.  The modern game requires the constant threat of a defenseman joining the rush to create a mismatch.  Zadorov's speed and puck handling skill allows him to do this with minimal risk.  It's the skill that has Mark Hunter occasionally dropping the name Larry Robinson.  Occasionally he will get caught up ice, but the benefits far outweigh the risk. 

Zadorov times a hit perfectly against OHL scoring leader Connor Brown

True Patriot Love - There Was Never More

Veterans pass by the London Knights bench on November 8th

The Remembrance Day ceremony has become one of the favourite occasions for London Knights fans.  
"It really chokes me up," said Walt Nowabranec, who is celebrating his 50th year watching London junior hockey. 

Many of the 9,046 were dressed in red.  When the lights dimmed and The Trews - Highway of Heros video started on the scoreboard video a hush came over the crowd.  This years parade of war veterans included the young and old - a 95 year-old from World War II and a recent returnee from Afghanistan.  Both the London Knights and Barrie Colts players applauded and banged their sticks.   The Knights Chris Tierney and Barrie's Aaron Ekblad shook hands with extra sincerity after the ceremonial face-off.  

The Knights will continue to honour the cities military history for the 2014 Memorial Cup.  The new logo includes a picture of Woolsley Barracks, the longtime home of troops in southern Ontario. 

Nikita Zadorov physical presence would help the Knights defense

On the ice, the Knights are still working on putting together 60 minutes of consistent hockey.  The good news for Knights fans is the peaks of dominant play are getting higher.  There were stretches against the Erie Otters, Guelph Storm and Barrie Colts where they looked as good as the OHL champs of the last two years.   There were also stretches where they have trouble with giveaways and clearing the puck out of their own zone.   Nikita Zadorov would certainly help but he remains with the Buffalo Sabres.  

Zadorov is the 50th player in NHL history to play defense in the NHL at age 18.  20 have played more than 40 games.   While that is quite an exclusive club - the list has more Mickey Volcans than Bobby Orrs.  
The first defenseman to play in the NHL at age 18 was Frank "King" Clancy in 1921.  

Dakota Mermis celebrates overtime winner vs. Guelph Storm.

Knights Win vs. Erie, Sudbury

Bo Horvat scores vs. Erie Otters, Sunday Nov. 3

The London Knights played their most impressive game of the year against the Erie Otters on Sunday.  The Knights were passionate and physical against the Otters, who came into Budweiser Gardens having won 11 games in a row.   Bo Horvat and Brett Welychka each scored a goal and added two assists.  All the veterans of the past two Memorial Cup teams contributed to the wins. 

Horvat wins face-off vs. Sudbury Wolves 

     Max Domi had lightning in his legs all weekend.  He created two goals against the Otters with will and skill.  A heavy forecheck and great pass set up Chris Tierney.  A great pass through traffic on the power play resulted in Brett Welychka's key goal in the 2nd.

 Tim Bender arrived from Germany and wondered what all the fuss was about.  He played a regular shift and was steady moving the puck out of his own zone.  The Knights get another test in their next game when the high flying Guelph Storm come to Budweiser Gardens.

Knights defenseman Tim Bender