Knight Among Leaders in London

By Terry Doyle

The junior hockey cycle provides players a chance to experience many things over an Ontario Hockey League career. Among them is the journey from being a raw rookie, to a veteran team leader.

London Knights forward Jared Knight is now in his fourth season in London, and is looking to complete the transition into a leadership role.

“I’m kind of a grizzled vet out there,” said Knight. “It’s my fourth year in the league so I just try to mentor those younger guys.”

The native of Battle Creek, Michigan was London’s third round pick in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection out of the Detroit Compuware program. He scored 30 points in his rookie season in London while playing behind names like Tavares, Kadri, Carlson, Del Zotto and McRae.

Since then his point totals have risen every season. In the summer of 2010 he was chosen as a second round pick of the Boston Bruins, and recently returned from his second Boston training camp.

“I went in with a lot of confidence, my second time being there,” added Knight. “I thought I had a good showing. It’s unfortunate that I got sent home, always is, but I’m glad to be back in London”

“If you look at us, we’re a really skilled team, but really young. It’s fun to watch us, I’m sure the fans are enjoying what they’re seeing.”

The Bruins chose Knight about seven months after he was diagnosed with diabetes in November 2009. Despite the news, he was able to get it under control – going on to score 36 goals during his sophomore campaign. That impressed Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli.

“They were able to treat the diabetes and he just got stronger and stronger and we brought him in to test him,” Chiarelli told the Bruins website. “He was off the charts strength wise and it was terrific to see.”

Three calendar years removed from his first season in the OHL, Knight is now paired up with London rookie Max Domi, also diabetic, as roommates. The level of support from veteran to rookie extends from the rink through home, lending support in their daily routine.

“He’s a good kid,” explained Knight about Domi. “He’s like my little brother. I’m trying to take him under my wing and trying to show him the ropes.”

There are seven 1992-born players on the London roster, with Knight the oldest of the group. This makes overage forward Colin Martin the only player older than him. While the Bruins continue to keep an eye on Knight’s game on the ice, you can be sure they will also be watching to see how he develops off it, as a leader at the rink – and being able to mentor younger teammates.