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.