OHL notebook: Knights surging; Wolves win one

CHL analyst Sam Cosentino discusses the calendar of events in the CHL including the play of Erie Otters forward Connor McDavid.

I know, I know. The London Knights never fail to wind up as the OHL’s most relevant team at some point or another each season.

Let’s start with Max Domi, who was given the “C” by his teammates this past week. I’d say that’s a well-earned honour for the Knights veteran, who may or may not be playing at a level far above what the league has to offer in a couple months time. London’s alternates will be Matt Rupert, Dakota Mermis and Michael McCarron.

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Four hours or so east on the 401, the Frontenacs named Roland McKeown captain. The third-year defenceman was the 50th-overall pick in June by the L.A. Kings, and was one of a few eye-catching players to come out of Kingston’s impressive 2013-14 squad. As far as this year’s draftees go, expect Lawson Crouse to lead the pack.

And injured teammate Sam Bennett misses hockey. I don’t blame him.

With 19 goals in just three games, it’s safe to say the Knights are back on track—this is the powerhouse team we’re used to. London blew past the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds 8-5 on Friday night—including an impressive five-point night for McCarron, who has been nothing short of a dynamite player since his return to the lineup in mid-October. The Knights then edged the Windsor Spitfires 4-3 Saturday and dominated the Sudbury Wolves 7-2 Sunday afternoon, with Mitch Marner notching a hat trick in both games.

Nice break from the ongoing Connor McDavid show? Well, hate to break it you, but that one’s still in full force, too.

Let’s be honest, aren’t we all just kind of expecting four-point games from the guy at this point. McDavid didn’t disappoint with not one, but two four-point performances. That puts him at a sky-high 42 points in 14 games, with seven four-pointers already. Oh, and Erie hasn’t lost a regulation game. The Otters are 13-0-1.

Are we anxious to see Jack Eichel vs. Connor McDavid play come Christmas time, or what?

It’s obviously no secret that Sudbury’s been struggling tremendously, and that 7-2 spanking by the Knights has gotta hurt. But worth nothing: the Wolves snapped their 13-game losing streak on Saturday by besting Niagara 7-2.But of course, playing the Eastern Conference’s other struggling team does help a bit.

Two points is two points, right? (Not sure if coach Paul Fixter feels that way, but the boys were happy.)

The Peterborough Petes honoured one of their own Sunday by raising a banner recognizing the great Chris Pronger, who totaled 139 points in 124 games as a Pete. He also led the franchise to an OHL Championship with 15 goals and 25 assists in 21 playoffs games, earning him CHL Defenceman of the Year in 1992-93.

It’s also work noting that the Petes went on to win Sunday night’s game against the Barrie Colts 6-3, appropriately.

And Peterborough’s new goaltender, Matt Mancina, made his debut Thursday night in what turned out to be a 4-1 victory over the Mississauga Steelheads. Not bad at all. The Petes were in need of good goaltender, so this is a step in the right direction indeed.

NHL Draft Tracker

Mitch Marner, C, London Knights On fire with consecutive hat tricks. I don’t think this guy is going to be slowing down anytime soon. Perhaps he has his sights set on his name being called early in June, but for now, let’s just say he’s focusing hard on helping his team. (Can’t it be both?)

Matt Spencer, D, Peterborough Petes One of my favourite players heading into the draft. Peterborough picked up four out of four points this weekend, and Spencer scored a collective three points, including two on Chris Pronger night. He was also named second star of the game in his team’s 6-3 win.

Mitchell Stephens, C, Saginaw Spirit Things appear to be looking up for the Spirit as of late, who also won both of their games on the weekend. Let’s zero in on Saturday night’s game for a sec:

Stephens was named first star of the game, and now has seven points in 11 games.

Stars of the Week

Connor McDavid, C, Erie Otters He scored eight points in two games. Nothing new to see here, folks.

Max Domi, C, London Knights You just knew he was going to do something special, and he did: five points in his team’s 8-5 win over the Soo.

Nick Paul, LW, North Bay Battalion I think we all expect Paul to have an exceptional year. After all, with Barclay Goodrow and Ben Thomson gone, the team is partly his to rule. Paul picked up a hatty in North Bay’s big 8-5 win over Sarnia, and another point on Thursday. We’re all rooting for him.

Finally, in what may have been some spooky Halloween magic, watch what is probably the craziest shootout goal you’ve seen.

You’ll notice the Battalion players leave the bench to embrace goalie Jake Smith in what they (and everyone) thought was a save to seal the deal. But the puck slowly backspins off of his pad and trickles into the net. The shootout lasted four more rounds before Belleville’s Stephen Harper won it for the Bulls.

Lesson here? Always know where the puck is and never give up on the play. Hindsight!

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