GRADUATION DAY
By: Ryan Starr
The trio of Mitchell Marner, Christian Dvorak, and Matthew Tkachuk put up a total of five goals last night. This is something that Knights fans are rather familiar with. This time though, it was for their respective National Hockey League clubs. Marner put up two goals, including the winner in a 2-1 victory for the Toronto Maple Leafs over the Buffalo Sabres. Dvorak opened the scoring for the Arizona Coyotes against the Nashvillle Predators, just after he was recalled from the team’s AHL affiliate. And Tkachuk scored twice, also including the winner in the Calgary Flames’ tough matchup against the San Jose Sharks.
One of the top lines in the history of the Canadian Hockey League has officially graduated. Marner, Dvorak, and Tkachuk have all moved on from the Knights and made the jump to the National Hockey League. While junior teams have graduated three players to the NHL in one single season, it’s rare that all three played on a single line together. The chemistry that the trio generated together, on and off the ice, has rarely been seen in CHL history. Combining for a total of 344 points over the 2015-2016 regular season, and 153 points in just 22 playoff games last year, the three young stars put up numbers that may not be seen for a long time.
As of last night, Tkachuk played in his 10th game of the NHL season, meaning the first year of his NHL entry level contract will kick in. Tkachuk’s final play as a London Knight will live on in history as one of the defining moments of his young hockey career, as well as one of the most thrilling moments in London sports history. Scoring the Memorial Cup game winning goal, in overtime, capping off an incredible 17 game winning streak in last year’s playoffs is a feat that will live on in London lore.
Not to be forgotten are Tkachuk’s linemates, Marner, and Dvorak, each playing massive minutes every single game, and constantly creating highlight reel plays, night in and night out for the Knights. Marner has impressed in the start of his NHL career, already accumulating eight points in his first 11 games, playing on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ top line.
The OHL and CHL Player of the Year in 2016 was an incredible leader on and off the ice. He and co-captain Dvorak were regulars at the London Children’s Hospital where they would make weekly visits, brightening the young people’s days. The Knights’ co-captain would always be the first one to stop and take pictures with his fans, and sign autographs with those who look up to him as an inspiration of what it means to be a professional hockey player in and away from the rink. Along with Dvorak, the two truly represented the Knights organization with amazing class, respect, and achievement.
Dvorak, the leader by example had battled adversity during his time with the Knights, having to sit out nearly an entire season due to injury. The dedication that the Illinois native showed while donning the Green and Gold was paramount in his return and dominance in his final season in the CHL. Dvorak played an equally important role in that final game of the Memorial Cup, having scored the game tying goal with just four minutes to go in the contest.
While having three of the league’s most dominant players from last year leave the team, the Knights are incredibly proud of what the trio has done to make their respective NHL clubs.
“It’s tough to lose such great players on the ice and such great young men off the ice, but that is ultimately our goal here with the Knights,” said London Knights’ General Manager Rob Simpson, who had seen the three superstars develop in front of his eyes. “We want to see our players graduate to the next level, and we take great pride in what those three were able to accomplish during their time in London. We truly thank Mitch, Matthew, and Christian for all their hard work they put in around the city of London. We hope for nothing but the best for them during their NHL careers.”
London Knights Head Coach, Dale Hunter, who has seen his fair share of CHL superstars reiterated Simpson’s comments. “Mitch, Christian, and Matthew were incredible leaders during their time here and were amazing on the ice and throughout the community,” said Hunter. “They will be missed, but their legacy will forever be remembered here in London.”
The three will be remembered as Knights forever and fans cannot be happier with what was accomplished during the Dvorak-Marner-Tkachuk era. Inspiring a community with all of their dedicated work, on and off the ice, electrifying a sports crazed city over an entire season, and bringing the team their second Memorial Cup championship are only a few of the accomplishments that these outstanding young men achieved as Knights. Thank you, Mitch, Christian, and Matthew, and happy graduation.
