Knott lands spot in series
Graham Knott, Dylan Wells named to Team OHL roster for series
Graham Knott has been the centre of attention for the Niagara IceDogs this season.
The 19-year-old veteran is off to a solid start with three goals and 12 points in just eight games, often playing against the opponent’s top forwards and defensive pairings.
Knott added to his resume Tuesday when he was the lone member of the IceDogs named to the 2016 CIBC Canada Russia Series. Knott will play in Game 4 of the series Monday, Nov. 14 at Hamilton.
“It’s going to be awesome,” Knott said. “I got in the game last year in Windsor and it was a lot of fun.
“It’s a challenge. It’s kind of like another tryout for the world juniors where I can perform and showcase myself.”
Niagara coach Dave Bell is thrilled to see Knott get the opportunity.
“I think it’s great,” Bell said. “It’s a team game but ultimately these guys want to get to the highest level possible and these are all avenues to do that.
“I would never as a coach hold a guy back from that opportunity.”
Knott is looking forward to playing with some of the top junior players from across the Ontario Hockey League.
“Everyone is the top (player) on their team or the top in the CHL (Canadian Hockey League). It’s going to be fun. There is a lot of talent there. It’s going to take a couple of shifts to get some chemistry and hopefully build that throughout the game.”
Knott, who collected just 13 goals last season after potting 25 the previous year, appears well on his way to a career year.
“I’m pretty pleased,” he said. “I’m fairly happy with my play so far. Hopefully I can continue this. I think I need to shoot the puck a little more and drive the net.”
Bell has no complaint’s with Knott’s game so far.
“One hundred per cent he’s been everything I needed and expected him to be,” Bell said. “He’s taking games over at times, he’s taking shifts over at times. He had a point in every game until our last game.”
Knott generally centres Johnny Corneil and rookie Akil Thomas on Niagara’s top line. He plays the bulk of his ice time against opponent’s best players.
“It’s tough, but I had a good summer training to prepare for this,” Knott said. “I’m playing a lot of minutes which is good.”
Bell has been impressed with how Knott has handled that aspect.
“We’re a shallow team. He’s getting the top D and top line every shift and he’s still producing points,” Bell said. “He’s adjusted well. His frustration level sometimes gets high and for him to recheck himself after a bad shift or missed opportunity, before he would let it fester. He’s done a good job — I wouldn’t say great — but a good job of resetting himself. That’s a maturity thing. He’s getting more mature and he’s handled it well.”
Knott was selected in the second round of the 2015 National Hockey League draft by the Chicago Blackhawks and came back from training camp this season with a three-year entry level contract.
“It was a huge weight off my shoulders,” Knott said. “I can just go out there and I don’t have to worry about if it’s coming or when it’s coming. I can just go out and play and have fun.
Knott said he received good feedback from the Blackhawks.
“They liked my process so far. They liked how I have developed and see a lot of potential in me. They gave me things to work on to hopefully make the Hawks one day.”
The CHL Canada Russia Series has been an integral part of the identification process for Team Canada for the past 13 years prior to the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship. The event features a team of CHL all-stars representing each of the three regional leagues competing against the Russian National Junior team. All games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet and TVA Sports.
The six-game series begins Monday, Nov. 7 in Prince George, B.C. Two games will be played in Ontario, Thursday, Nov. 10 in North Bay, and the Hamilton game. The series wraps up Thursday, Nov. 17 at Baie-Comeau, Que.
St. Catharines native Dylan Wells of the Peterborough Petes was also selected to participate and will play in the game in North Bay.
Wells, who was selected in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL draft by the Edmonton Oilers, has a 3.15 goalsagainst average and .920 save percentage this season.
“I’m very excited,” Wells said. “Anytime you get to represent your country or league, it’s a pretty big honour and pretty special. You don’t take it for granted and can’t wait to get going.
“It’s a little hectic with so many guys coming together in a such a short period of time but when you think of it, it’s almost like an all-star team. There is a fun aspect to it and you have a lot of trust in the people playing in front of you.”
The IceDogs (3-7-1) are home to Saginaw (2-7-1-1) Thursday and Barrie (5-5-2) Friday.