Three Knights representing Canada and U.S. named to World Juniors Preliminary camps

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: ANDREW STEPHENSON OF SHAKE MEDIA AND THE LONDON KNIGHTS
The London Knights had a successful two game stretch on Dec. 8 and Dec. 10, but can also celebrate since some of their players made the roster for the upcoming World Junior Ice Hockey Championships preliminary camps.

Knight's own Robert Thomas, Alex Formenton (Canada), and Max Jones (U.S.) have all cracked a roster spot on each countries' selection camp roster for the upcoming 2018 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, that kicks off on Dec. 26, 2017.

Thomas, the 1st round draft pick of the St. Louis Blues, who currently sits 4th as the league leader in points (46) with 20 goals and 26 assists in 27 games, played a key role this weekend by contributing two goals and one assist in both victories over the Peterborough Petes (4-3) and the Erie Otters (6-2).

Both Friday night and Sunday afternoon's games proved to be very exciting as the two games featured a Knight's overtime win as well as a blowout victory the following game. Not only do these victories mark the Knight's 3rd win of the month, but also marks Coach Dale Hunter's 700th career win with the London Unit.

After being with the Knights for 15 seasons, Coach Hunter has established a winning legacy having led the Knights franchise to four J. Ross Robertson Cups and two Memorial Cups during his dedicated career.

Continuing with the World Junior's, Alex Formenton, who joined the Knights this 2017-2018 season, has already proven himself worthy as a World Junior contender, averaging over a point per game with the Knights during his rookie season thus far.

The Ottawa Senators second-round draft pick will become just the second Canadian from the London Knights to represent his OHL team at the World Juniors this year.

The third and final Knight selected to the U.S. World Juniors roster is veteran Max Jones, who in addition to Thomas was instrumental in the Knight's lossless weekend, earning three goals and two assists along with back-to-back 1st stars of the game.

The 6'3” 210-pound Anaheim Ducks draft pick currently sits in second in scoring for the Knights, accumulating 18 goals in just 24 games played.

As the World Juniors begin in just under three weeks, the Knight's players have been hard at work in hopes of maintaining London's victorious reputation demonstrated over the last three appearances at the World Juniors.

With standout players such as Tyler Parsons in 2017 (USA), Olli Juolevi in 2016 (Finland), and Max Domi in 2015 (Canada) all emerging with gold medals strung around their necks, the pressure is certainly on this year's Knights to keep the gold medal streak alive.

But considering the young talent provided and their performance thus far this season, it should be no trouble for the Knights selected to help elevate their teams to gold medal status.

The London Knights are back at the Budweiser Gardens this Friday, December 15th as they prepare to take on a triple-header against the Sarnia Sting, the Mississauga Steelheads, and Owen Sound Attack this December weekend.