KNIGHTS CONCLUDE SEASON WITH ANNUAL TEAM AWARDS

On Friday, May 6th the London Knights hosted their annual year end team awards. Luke Evangelista, Brett Brochu, and Antonio Stranges saw multiple awards come their way. All awards are below.

Peter Guertin Longshot Award: Kirill Steklov

The Peter Guertin Longshot Award is rewarded to a player who was drafted in the later rounds of the draft.

Steklov made his return to London in the new year, immediately making an impact on the Knights blueline, looking like an incredibly different player from 2019-20. Steklov recorded 2 goals, 10 assists, +13 through 34 games played.

Vaughn Custom Sports Most Improved: Cody Morgan

The Vaughan Custom Sports Most Improved is awarded to a player who demonstrates the most improvement from their previous season.

Morgan was traded to the Knights from the Flint Firebirds just before the start of the 2021-22 season. Morgan came into this season as an overager, making it his final OHL season. Morgan doubled his goal total from the 2019-20 season, recording a career high 30 goals, 41 assists, and 71 points.

Coulter’s 3 Star Cup: Luke Evangelista

The Coulter’s 3 Star Cup is awarded to the player who records the most 3 star points throughout the season.

Luke Evangelista’s tremendous season included plenty of recognition. Evangelista ended his season being named the 1st Star on six different occasions, 2nd star five times, and 3rd star three times.

Hardest Working Player: Sean McGurn

The Hardest Working Player award is given to the player who exemplifies the best work ethic and gives %110 every shift.

Sean McGurn was recognized with the award, standing out as one of the most hungry players on the ice. McGurn played in almost every situation on the ice, 5-on-5, powerplay, penalty kill, overtime, etc. McGurn ended his season with career high numbers, recording 20 goals, 53 assists, and 73 points.

Player’s Player: Tye McSorley

The Player’s Player is voted on by the players, given to a guy who steps up for his teammates, brings a good attitude to the rink, and is someone you want on your line.

Tye McSorley was awarded the Player’s Player, being known as the team’s enforcer, always stepping up for teammates and bringing a good attitude into the dressing room everyday.

Rookie of the Year: Isaiah George

The Rookie of the Year award is awarded to a first year player who demonstrates skill and ability in their first year in the OHL.

George was a standout in his first season in a Knights uniform, earning top 4 minutes early in his season. George’s efforts were recognized by scouts, earning plenty of time on NHL Central Scouting lists and being invited to the CHL Top Prospects Game in March. George recorded 6 goals, 17 assists, and finishing 4th in rookie plus/minus at +23.

Best Defensive Forward: Camaryn Baber

The Best Defensive Forward is awarded to the forward who plays the best defensive game, consistently performing in the defensive zone.

Cam Baber was known around the league as one of the most gritty and defensive forwards during the season. Baber was recognized in the coaches poll as the best defensive forward in the Western Conference and 3rd hardest worker in the Western Conference.

Source for Sports Best Defenceman: Gerard Keane

The Source for Sports Best Defenceman award is given to the team’s most outstanding defenceman throughout the season.

Keane was the Knights #1 defenceman throughout the whole season, largely improving since the 2019-20 season. Keane was noticeable in every situation, logging massive minutes and chipping in offensively as well. Keane recorded  10 goals, 28 assists, and a +14 rating.

Booster Club Player of the Year: Luke Evangelista

The Booster Club Player of the Year award is given to the player who is a fan favourite among the team.

Evangelista recorded multiple highlight reel goals, joined the 50 goal club, and led the Knights on and off the ice.

Scholastic Player of the Year: Isaiah George & Jackson Edward

The Scholastic Player of the Year is awarded to the player(s) who excels in the classroom, recording high grades and balancing hockey-school life.

George & Edward recorded high grades while taking on a heavy course load. George recorded a 90% average with courses like Calculus, Advanced Functions, etc. Edward recorded a team high 93% average.

Don Brankley Community Service Award: Antonio Stranges

The Don Brankley Community Service Award is given to a player who makes appearances in the London community and always makes time for fans.

Antonio Stranges made the most of his community appearances during his time in London, always meeting young fans, hospital visits, and this year was apart of a massive community appearance at NoFrills, and always makes time for autographs and pictures with fans.

Leading Scorer: Luke Evangelista

The leading scorer is awarded to the player who records the best stats among the team during the regular season.

Evangelista had an incredible year, almost doubling his point average from 2019-20. Evangelista became just one of 5 Knights to join the 50 goal club in the Hunter era. Evangelista, who began his Knights career with just 2 assists in his rookie year, finished with a stat line of 55 goals, 56 assists, and 111 points.

Sportsmanship and Ability Award: Antonio Stranges

The Sportsmanship and Ability Award is given to the player who exemplifies good character and high hockey ability.

Antonio Stranges displayed his skill and ability on numerous occasions with multiple internet breaking goals. Stranges sportsmanship was noticed throughout the season, only recording 6 penalty minutes all year.

Intensity Award: Brett Brochu

The Intensity Award is given to the player who plays every minute like it’s their last. Giving 110% every play and doing whatever it takes to win.

Brett Brochu was given the award after overcoming an ankle injury in early March that required surgery and weeks of rehab to get back in time for game one of the 2022 playoffs. Brochu worked tirelessly to make it back in time for playoffs and play just weeks after injury.

Playoff Performer: Antonio Stranges

The playoff performer is awarded to the player who stands out and performs at high level during the OHL playoffs.

Stranges carried his career high year into the playoffs, recording a team high 11 points, with 5 goals and 6 assists. Stranges battled his way through the playoffs, missing one game and playing through and scoring in game seven with the flu. Stranges was recognized as the OHL Player of the Week in the first week of the 2022 playoffs.

Heart Trophy: Brett Brochu

The Heart Trophy is awarded to the player who does whatever he can to help the team win.

Brochu was known as the “heart and soul” of the London Knights. Brochu was named as the starter for the 2021 Canadian World Junior team and was nominated for OHL Goalie of Year.

Most Valuable Player: Luke Evangelista

The Most Valuable Player award is given to the player who is performs at the highest rate amongst his team.

Evangelista was a clear choice for MVP after recording 55 goals, 56 assists, and 111 points through 62 games. Evangelista became the first Knight to reach the 50 goal marker since Christian Dvorak in 2015-16. The captain led the Knights both on the ice and off the ice in 2021-22, his statistics and leadership was key in the Knights season.