Knights vs. Rangers - Game One

Anthony Stolarz enjoys the challenge of the playoffs

Anthony Stolarz had to wait one period to feel like part of the London Knights 4-1 win over the Kitchener Rangers in game one of the Western Conference semi-final.   But when the game finally came to him, he was ready.  Stolarz played solid in the 2nd and early 3rd periods with the Knights nursing a 2-1 lead over the Rangers.  His 29 saves was good enough for first star status in a game that featured goaltending from two 2nd round NHL draft picks.

Chris Tierney in front of Gibson 

Kitchener's John Gibson was named second star.  Gibson stopped 16 shots in the first period alone as the Knights dominated play in period one.

The veteran Rangers gathered themselves and left Budweiser Gardens feeling they accomplished what they came to do.
"We know we can play with these guys," Rangers defenseman Ryan Murphy told CTV London after the game.

Sign of the night, Steve Spott ruined this Knights fans Christmas

The Knights got a dominant performance from defenseman Ollie Maatta.  He assisted on the key goal of the game when his wrist shot from the point was deflected by Chris Tierney early in the 3rd period.  The goal gave the Knights a 3-1 lead.

Also continuing their fine play was the fourth line of Remi Elie, Kyle Platzer and Paxton Leroux.  The rookies combined for the goal (Platzer) that tied the game 1-1.   Seth Griffith looked much more comfortable in this game carrying the puck and making plays.  Griffith's shot on the power play late in the first period resulted in a rebound that Tyler Ferry put behind John Gibson.  The Knights made Gibson work hard in the first period. Not only did they take 18 shots, but constantly forced Gibson to track the puck from side to side and use his legs to go up and down.

Ollie Maatta was dominant for the Knights

Seth Griffith looked much more comfortable carrying the puck

KNIGHTS ADVANCE

Remi Elie (L), Paxton Leroux and Kyle Platzer (R) celebrate goal vs. Saginaw

It would seem like the Knights rookie line of Remi Elie, Kyle Platzer and Paxton Leroux came from nowhere to score 12 points in a 4 game series win over Saginaw.  

Remi Elie at Knights mini-camp in April 2012

Nowhere indeed.
Nothing happens by accident when it comes to player development with the London Knights under Mark and Dale Hunter.  As certain as it takes sun, rain and soil to grow crops -- it takes hours of practice, video and work in the weight room to produce hockey players.  

Platzer scores vs. Jake Paterson

Platzer was the Knights 4th round draft pick in 2011 while Elie was taken in the 5th round of the same year.  They were effective in somewhat limited roles this season after a year of seasoning in junior 'B'. Platzer even played defense because of injuries and absences in the midst of London's 24-game winning streak.  He was a plus-player during his time on the blueline.


Platzer (1g, 3a +5) Elie (3g 2a +4) and Leroux (1g 2a +4) probably did not factor into the pre-series planning of the Spirit, but they have become a large part of the Knights future.
While Platzer and Elie are younger than Leroux, the Peterborough native's toughness and improved puck skills make him a solid candidate for an overage position next year.  Platzer and Elie are making a strong case to be selected in the National Hockey League draft this June.

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).

Spirit mascot waving the flag

Platzer, Elie and Horvat celebrate goal

Anthony Stolarz has answered the challenge

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. 

Knights Checklist Complete - Game One

Bo Horvat and sparkling pre-game introductions kicked off the playoffs

The London Knights made sure Saginaw goalie Jake Paterson wouldn't steal game one of their OHL Western Conference quarter final.   Their five goals through two periods against Paterson forced coach Greg Gilbert to pull the man thought to be the best hope of a Spirit upset.

Is the House of Green ready to join in on the anthem?  Yes.

The Knights first goal was a perfect example of the game plan they had to employ against Paterson.  The Knights knew they had to get to the net and try to gobble up rebounds, set screens and try for tip-ins.   Chris Tierney's clever pass gave Alex Broadhurst a good scoring chance five minutes into the first period. Broadhurst's shot was stopped by Paterson but defenseman Dakota Mermis followed up and jammed home the rebound.

Chris Tierney sets up first Knights playoff goal

The 'greasy' goals lead to the pretty ones.  The next four goals were a perfect 10 for style points.  All artistic gems led by Max Domi's pair, one on a long breakaway pass by Mermis.

Meanwhile, Knights defensive play was solid, limiting the Spirit to maybe a handful of scoring chances.

The Knights also got Seth Griffith just enough playing time to get him comfortable.  Griffith missed the last month with a hand injury.

Anthony Stolarz was solid when he had to be and the Knights also got great work from young players like Remie Elie, Paxton Leroux, Kyle Platzer and Miles Liberati.
Saginaw was game, well prepared and put in a good effort.  If winning the third period means anything, game two will be competitive.

Anthony Stolarz - confident and comfortable 

House of Green welcomed back the Knights after a two week hiatus

Chiefs Rank 5th in OHL Cup Race

Travis Konecny - Elgin Middlesex Chiefs 

The small town proud Elgin Middlesex Chiefs 97's are ready to take on the best and biggest minor midget teams in Ontario.  The Chiefs are guaranteed a spot in the OHL cup after a 9-3 win over the Kitchener Jr. Rangers in their Alliance playoff series.  Their record is 46-7-4 and they now rank 5th in the OHL Cup rankings.  The Chiefs await the winner of the Huron Perth/Waterloo Series for the Alliance final, but both finalists go to the OHL Cup which begins March 12th in Mississauga.

Travis Konecny tries to get by Kitchener Jr. Ranger 

"The 97 age group for the Chiefs has been strong for years," says head coach Darren Kelly. "They won (championships) in major atom, peewee and bantam. They've won a lot of tournaments over the year."
Many of the players come from places like Komoka, where the team plays home games,  Mount Brydges and other small communities in Elgin Middlesex.  They will be up against many of  Ontario's powerhouse organizations in the OHL Cup.  The Chiefs are ranked one spot ahead of the Toronto Marlboro midgets, the annual powerhouse.  Oakville Rangers are ranked first.

11 of the teams players might be drafted by Ontario Hockey League teams this year.  That includes Travis Konecny, who might even go in the top five of the OHL priority selections.  Other notable players that impressed in the 9-3 win over Kitchener were big forwards Josh Coyle and Lawson Crouse. Defenseman Cole Mayo also played very well.  Crouse is unique combination of size, leather soft hands - and a quick and powerful shot.    

Josh Coyle (13) scores a goal vs. Kitchener Jr. Rangers

Lawson Crouse makes it tough for goalies to see the puck

Cole Mayo - anchors defense for the Chiefs

Randall Cobb vs. Titus Young Sr.

The Detroit Lions released wide receiver Titus Young

How organizations (sports or otherwise) acquire talent has always fascinated me, especially in sports. In the 2nd round of the NFL draft the Detroit Lions were looking for a wide receiver to complement Calvin Johnson.  The perfect player would be a 'slot' receiver.  A disciplined route runner with sticky hands, courage and elusive speed.  DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles has become the prototype.
The Lions selected Titus Young of Boise State in the 2nd round (44th overall).  Young had 71 catches for 1,215 yards in his senior season with the Broncos.
Young missed most of his junior season after being suspended by the team for a fight with a teammate.

The Lions must have considered drafting Randall Cobb out of Kentucky that day.  Cobb was a first team All American as a junior in 2010 with 84 catches.  While Young was sitting out his team suspension in 2009, Cobb was voted most inspirational player by his teammates. His coach at Kentucky, Joker Phillips called Cobb "one of the best leaders I've ever been around."

Athletically, they seem to be twins in all measurable categories.  Speed, size, hands, courage all seem equal.  They play the same position. Both are wonderful athletes.  Cobb was selected only 20 picks after Young by Green Bay, which in the world of the NFL draft isn't a real big difference.  But the difference in the end result should be embarrassing to the Lions.

What a stopwatch can never measure is character.  Cobb is one of the NFL's bright young stars after two seasons with the Green Bay Packers.  The Lions are finished with Titus Young Sr. after - slugging a teammate in pre-season and proving to be uncoachable.  Wikipedia can tell you which player had better character.  Why couldn't the Lions spot this?  There might be a legitimate answer to this question but it's something someone should be answering for.

What discussions did the Lions have about Young's character that day?  If he was such a unique talent and that's what they felt the team needed, fine.  Take a chance on a character concern.  I can find no evidence in any pre-draft analysis that there was a difference in the professional skills of Young vs. Cobb.  When two identical talents are available - character should have made this an easy mistake to avoid.