London Jr. Knights Gold An Offensive Force, News, Minor Midget AAA Gold, U16 (Minor Midget), 2011-2012 (London Junior Knights)

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This Team is part of the 2011-2012 season, which is not set as the current season.
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London Jr. Knights Gold An Offensive Force

London Jr. Knights Gold An Offensive Force

November 24, 2011
Posted in Ontario Edition, Minor, Minor Midget

By Adam Dunfee



Full story can be found here;
http://hockeynow.ca/posts/17659-london-jr-knights-gold-an-offensive-force

London Jr. Knights Gold coach Rob Simpson doesn’t like to over-coach his team on how to play in the offensive zone.

With 118 goals for through 20 games, it’s been an effective strategy.

The Knights are the class of the Minor Hockey Alliance of Ontario Minor Midget ranks with a stellar 19-0-1 record, two-thirds through the season.

The Knights offence has come from a variety of sources with Spencer Watson leading the team with 26 goals, Trevor Abbott in assists with 20 and Jared McCann in points with 44.

“As long as players buy into the dirty parts of the game, blocking shots and playing our system in our own end, I’m a coach who likes to let his offensive guys from the redline in be creative, play their game and not think too much,” says Simpson.

Through 20 games, McCann and Watson are one and two in league scoring, respectively, while Brett Seney is fourth.

“Our depth chart is pretty deep. I feel pretty confident that all three of our forward lines can be put in almost any situation and for the most part if they’re going that night they’re going to be successful,” says Simpson.

While Simpson is obviously happy with the offensive output he takes particular pride in the team’s defensive numbers.

The Knights lead the league in goals against surrendering only 31 goals through 20 games.

“We know when we get into those tougher games (defence) is what’s going to win them for us. We’re going to have off nights as a team where things just aren’t clicking and if we can come away with a 1-0 or 2-1 win that’s going to bode well for us down the stretch,” says Simpson.

With the playoffs approaching, Simpson says he’ll continue to preach the importance of defence.

“I think our success is going to come down to keeping the puck out of our own end and making sure we worry about the defensive end first. I think the offence is going to come naturally and doing the dirty things like blocking shots, getting the puck out at the half wall and winning faceoffs in our own end are the things that help you win during the playoffs.”

The rest of the province has taken notice of the Knights play as they’ve been on the OHL Cup top 10 rankings the entire season.

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