OHL via Jr. B GOJHL
London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League are a good example of allowing several of their key players to develop in the Greater Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
The Knights have three separate affiliate teams in the Jr. B level GOJHL — London Nationals, St. Thomas Stars and Komoka Kings. And all three teams have played a role in developing top players for the OHL Knights.
The impressive list includes current London regulars Oliver Bonk (St. Thomas Stars), Easton Cowan (Komoka Kings), Jared Woolley (St. Thomas Stars), William Nicholl (St. Thomas Stars), Jacob Julien (London Nationals) and Sam O’Reilly (London Nationals.)
Three of the players Bonk (first round, Philadelphia Flyers), Cowan (first round, Toronto Maple Leafs) and Julien (fifth round, Winnipeg Jets) have become National Hockey League draft picks.
Dale Hunter, head coach of the OHL Knights, gave his take on allowing players to develop at a lower level of junior hockey.
“It really has helped us. They get to play Junior B … they’re first on the power play, penalty kills, top pairings, and then they get to practice with us too and get in some games. When you get a combination of both, lots of ice time, and watch them compete against our top-end guys with the Knights, it really brings up their game,” said Hunter.
— with files from Joelle Wood