It was a picture perfect night in London. Max Domi, the son of former NHL tough guy, Tie Domi, was gearing up for his first game in the Ontario Hockey League after a whirlwind summer which included being drafted by Kingston and subsequently traded to London.
The John Labatt Center was packed for the home opener, and the crowd was ready to go following a moment of silence for Ian Jenkins. As Max Domi's name was called over the P.A. in his introduction, it was hard to hear much at all.
Max Domi was hear to stay. In London, the Knights are number one.
The picture perfect night would end in three goals and an assist for the undersized pivot in an 8-0 victory. Not too shabby for a sixteen year old.
“I was a little bit jittery in the first period, as all the young guys were; we're a young team. It's pretty cool, we got a big win. (It helped that) Michael Houser just stood on his head,” Domi explained in a very modest voice.
What made it all the more sweet? Fellow 2011 First Rounder, Bo Horvat, was able to feed Domi for his first goal, and Horvat's first point in a Knights uniform.
“Bo's one of my better friends on the team; I've known him forever. We're like brothers. But I mean, just to make it first goal and first point for both was huge for us. It felt unreal; he's a great guy, great hockey player,” the look of joy was spread across his face.
With Jarred Tinordi, Jared Knight and Scott Harrington away at NHL Camps, the young guns were able to shine in their 8-0 trouncing of the Saginaw Spirit.
“It allows some of the younger guys to get some more ice time, but we're definitely looking forward to having some of those guys back.”
Not a bad night for the kid. Not a bad night, at all.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
There were a few drafted players still away at camps, but I got to watch a few that were back already a bit closely. Some quick thoughts on their game.
Jamie Oleksiak - Dallas Stars
His skating was very evident all night. He joined the rush regularly and acted as a fourth forward. He wasn't able to show off his shot, as London were getting in his lane all night long. Defensively he struggled, took a couple penalties as he couldn't withstand London's speed. For a big man, he seemed to be muscled off the puck easily as well.
John McFarland - Florida Panthers
He was 'the man' for Saginaw tonight, offensively. Showed quick bursts of speed and a separation gear, which he drew a penalty for London with. Played the point on the PP and was the triggerman with his shot. As the game opened up and London took control, he got frustrated and tried to do everything himself. When that didn't seem to work out, he became a perimeter player and disengaged.
Vladislav Namestnikov - Tampa Bay Lightning
I think the travel and having been at camp until the day prior really showed. He was committed to the two-way game, and backchecked hard all night, but offensively was frustrated. Passes didn't have that
umpfh that he usually shows. Took a backseat to Domi's PP unit, as well. He had a good, yet unspectacular game.
[email protected]
LeafsProspects.Com 
Join the Discussion:
»