London Knights - Feed

4 Knights Selected at 2026 NHL Draft, Extending 58-Year Draft Streak

Staff Writer — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:50:56 +0000

The London Knights continued their long-standing tradition of developing NHL talent at the 2026 NHL Draft, with four players hearing their names called over the weekend in Buffalo. The selections extended the franchise's remarkable streak to 58 consecutive years with at least one player selected in the NHL Draft. The 2026 draft also marked the fourth straight year that a London Knight has been selected in the first round, with the club producing multiple first-round picks in three of the last four drafts. Leading the way was 6-foot-8, 240-pound defenceman Maksim Sokolovskii, who became the first Knight off the board when he was selected 27th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. Sokolovskii's combination of size, reach and mobility made him one of the most intriguing defensive prospects in the draft as he begins the next chapter of his career with the Flyers organization. Just five picks later, forward Jaxon Cover was selected 32nd overall by the Ottawa Senators, giving the Knights two first-round selections for the third time in the past four years. Born in Canada and raised in the Cayman Islands, Cover also made history by becoming the first player from the Cayman Islands ever selected in the NHL Draft. His unique journey to becoming a first-round pick has made him one of the draft's standout stories. The Knights continued to be well represented on Day 2 of the draft as forward Ryan Brown was selected in the fifth round, 155th overall. Brown, who joined the Knights midway through the 2025-26 season, quickly became a dependable presence in London's lineup. His selection by an NHL club is a testament to his continued growth and development. Just two picks later, defenceman Jacob Vandeven was selected 157th overall by the Dallas Stars. Vandeven's combination of size and defensive ability earned him NHL recognition, becoming the fourth London Knight selected in the 2026 NHL Draft. With four players selected, the Knights once again ranked among the Ontario Hockey League's most represented clubs at the NHL Draft, reinforcing the organization's reputation as one of junior hockey's premier development programs. The London Knights congratulate Maksim, Jaxon, Ryan and Jacob on this outstanding achievement.

Knights Prospects Gather in London for Development Camp

Staff Writer — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:44:48 +0000

LONDON, ON The London Knights held their annual Development Camp in London this past weekend, bringing together the organization's newest prospects for a weekend focused on development, competition, and introducing players to the standard expected of a London Knight. The camp provided players with their first opportunity to work alongside Knights coaches and staff while beginning to build relationships with teammates both on and off the ice. For Director of Player Development Jamie Baker, one of the biggest takeaways from the weekend was seeing the group begin to come together. "It was good to see the energy," said Baker. "A lot of guys, obviously, it's their first time here after being drafted. Even on the bench, you could see guys starting to come together as a team." Beyond the on-ice sessions, the weekend gave prospects an opportunity to learn more about the culture that has helped define the Knights organization. "I think just being around the guys that were here last year and learning some of what it takes to be a London Knight," Baker said. "Work ethic, coming back every day, listening to coaches, and putting in the work." Scout Tom Mannino enjoyed the opportunity to see this year's draft class and returning prospects together for the first time. "It's a great opportunity to see the players you've drafted this year and the players you've had your eye on throughout the season," said Mannino. "It's great to see them come out and compete and see how they've developed and changed over the course of the year." As expected, there were some nerves early on, particularly for players attending their first OHL development camp. Those nerves quickly faded as the weekend progressed. "You always have some guys that come in with a little nervousness," Mannino said. "That's normal. By the second game, things tightened up and the players started to settle in." Mannino was also impressed by the overall compete level shown throughout the weekend. "I saw good effort, good compete, some grit, some battles, and a couple of really nice skill plays," he said. "It's very promising and exciting for what the future holds for these guys." Assistant Coach Rick Steadman echoed those sentiments, noting the effort shown by players despite many not having played a game in several months. "A lot of guys haven't actually played a game in about three months," said Steadman. "They went out there, worked hard, made some really nice plays, and it's exciting to see these guys." With Development Camp now complete, players return home with a better understanding of what it takes to wear the green and gold as they continue preparing for the season ahead.

London Knights Sign Thomas Zocco to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Staff Writer — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:30:14 +0000

LONDON, ON

The London Knights are pleased to announce that forward Thomas Zocco has signed an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the hockey club.

Zocco joins the Knights following a standout season with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL, helping lead the club to a Clark Cup Championship in 2025-26. The 18-year-old recorded 22 goals and 48 assists for 70 points in 60 regular season games before adding 13 points in 14 playoff contests during Sioux Falls' championship run.

Known for his offensive creativity, playmaking ability, and hockey sense, Zocco established himself as one of the premier offensive threats in the USHL and now brings that experience to the London Knights organization.

"I believe he's a top-end player," said London Knights General Manager Mark Hunter. "He's super skilled and he can really pass the puck. I think the fans will really enjoy having him on the team."

The signing adds another talented piece to the Knights roster as the club prepares for the 2026-27 season. Through the OHL Scholarship and Development Program, players receive elite development opportunities while earning access to one of the most comprehensive education packages in junior hockey.

The London Knights would like to welcome Thomas and his family to the organization.

Knights Welcome Draft Class of 2026

Staff Writer — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:11:32 +0000

London Signs Carcone and Thomas-Maroon, announces two trades.

Staff Writer — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:28:11 +0000

LONDON, ON The London Knights Hockey Club announced Wednesday that the team signed forwards Geno Carcone and Anthony Thomas-Maroon to Ontario Hockey League Scholarship & Development Agreements. Carcone joined the Knights following an impressive USHL career with the Green Bay Gamblers. The 19-year-old forward appeared in 58 games during the 2025-26 season, recording 13 goals and 39 assists for 52 points, ranking among the team's leading scorers. A native of Woodstock, Georgia, Carcone spent parts of four seasons in the USHL with the Des Moines Buccaneers and Green Bay Gamblers, compiling 116 points in 162 career regular season games before making the decision to continue his development in London. Thomas-Maroon comes to London after spending the 2025-26 season with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL. The 17-year-old forward registered 19 points, including 2 goals and 17 assists, in 59 regular season games and added five points during Muskegon's playoff run. The St. Louis, Missouri native is the son of former London Knight Patrick Maroon, who recorded 90 points in 64 games during his lone season with the Knights before going on to enjoy a lengthy NHL career that included three Stanley Cup championships. Anthony has already begun establishing his own path, earning recognition for his strong two-way game and offensive upside. The Knights also completed two trades on June 2. The club acquired the Brampton Steelheads' 2027 13th-round draft pick and 2027 15th-round draft pick (via Peterborough) in exchange for London's 2026 13th-round and 15th-round selections. London also acquired the Oshawa Generals' 2028 10th-round draft pick in exchange for the club's 2026 10th-round selection.

London Knights Unveil Newly Renovated Locker Room

Staff Writer — Wed, 20 May 2026 16:46:19 +0000

The London Knights officially unveiled their newly renovated locker room space, marking another major investment into the player experience and the championship culture that defines the organization.

Designed with a "mini NHL" professional-level atmosphere in mind, the upgraded space features a modern new look, enhanced player amenities and a layout built to support development, preparation and team unity. Every detail of the renovation was created to give Knights players an environment that reflects the pride and tradition of wearing the green and gold.

The locker room has always been the heartbeat of a hockey team. It is where friendships are built, leaders emerge and championship moments begin long before the puck drops. With this renovation, the Knights continue their commitment to providing players with one of the premier environments in junior hockey.

As organizations across the Ontario Hockey League continue to invest in their facilities, the Knights remain focused on raising the bar and delivering a first-class experience both on and off the ice.

The newly unveiled space represents more than just a renovation. It is a reflection of the culture, professionalism and standard that have become synonymous with the London Knights organization.

Alumni Foundation 50/50 Continues Local Support

Staff Writer — Fri, 08 May 2026 13:43:42 +0000

LONDON, ON This season the London Knights played a combined 39 home games at Canada Life Place between pre-season, regular season and playoff games in which the London Knights Alumni Foundation hosted 50/50 draws. Gross sales throughout the season reached $919,999.00 with 50% going to the winning ticket holder of each game and the proceeds going into local community organizations and charitable groups. This season the average gross sales per game surpassed results from the 2024-25 season showing the commitment of the fans to local charitable organizations shown below:

Children’s Health Foundation
Baker Centre for Pancreatic Cancer
Veterans Care at Parkwood
CF Foundation of Canada
519Pursuit
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada
Alzheimer's Society of Canada
ProAction Cops and Kids
St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation

Big Brothers Big Sisters
MADD Canada
Ronald McDonald House of Southwestern Ontario
London Foodbank
YMCA of Southwestern Ontario
Jump Start Charities
Meals on Wheels London
London Down Syndrome Association
And more…

“In these tough economic times I would like to thank London Knights fans for their continued support. The London Knights Alumni Foundation was proud to support twenty-five unique local charitable organizations on the fans behalf.” - Rick Doyle, President - London Knights Alumni Foundation “On behalf of the London Knights Alumni Foundation Gifts Committee, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the incredible London Knights fans and the greater London community for your generous support of the London Knights 50/50 draws this season! Your tremendous support has a significant impact on those who are in need.” - Ryan McKie, Head of Gifts Committee, London Knights Alumni Foundation “Once again the fans have contributed so much to our community through the 50/50 program this season. As an organization we are proud to be involved in so many important local charities that do great work in our city.” - Mark Hunter, General Manager - London Knights Hockey Club

KNIGHTS SIGN RITSON & VANDEVEN

Staff Writer — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 19:00:49 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: APRIL 14, 2026 KNIGHTS ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF RITSON AND VANDEVEN LONDON, ON The London Knights are proud to announce that the Hockey Club has signed forward Jake Ritson and defenceman Jacob Vandeven to OHL Scholarship and Development Agreements. Ritson was the Knights second round draft choice in the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The Thunder Bay native spent his 2025-26 season with the GOHL Strathroy Rockets recording 47 goals and a total 72 points as a 16-year-old. Jake appeared in two games for the Knights. Vandeven, the local product out of Komoka Ontario, was traded to the Knights in the Julian Brown deal earlier this year with the Owen Sound Attack. Jacob recorded 32 points as a defenceman with his hometown Komoka Kings of the GOHL in the 2025-26 season. He appeared in eight regular season games with the Knights and four playoff games recording one goal. “Both Jake and Jacob bring tremendous upside to our hockey club. They will make an immediate impact on our roster and we are excited for their upcoming season.” - Mark Hunter, General Manager

KNIGHTS & GREYHOUNDS SET TO FACE OFF IN ROUND ONE OF 2026 OHL PLAYOFFS

Staff Writer — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:27:28 +0000

Royals, Knights announce “Clash of the Kingdoms” Showcase Series

Staff Writer — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:35:44 +0000