CREDIT: SPORTSNET
Erie Otters phenom Connor McDavid.

In previous columns, we've established how complete a team the London Knights are capable of putting together for this 2013/14 OHL season. As two-time defending champions and Memorial Cup representatives from the Ontario Hockey League, the Knights have, to be frank about it, a bounty on their heads.

So what are the other 19 teams aiming for? To dethrone the perennial OHL powerhouse.

Plymouth Whalers GM and head coach Mike Vellucci famously referred to the Knights as the “New York Yankees of the OHL” last season. But in looking at other teams around the league, it's not going to be an easy ride for London, on their way to hosting the Memorial Cup in May next year.

Here's looking at teams that could make noise in the Western Conference.

Guelph Storm
One of London's bigger challenges this season. The Storm made the playoffs last season as the fifth-best team last year, and like London, returns most of that team once again.

Among those players is leading scorer Scott Komaschuk, along with forwards Jason Dickinson and Brock McGinn. Potential 2014 first rounder Robbie Fabbri will also be monitored, as he's expected to put up stellar numbers in his draft season.

On the blue line, they're led by team captain Matt Finn, who when fit, is one of the OHL's best defencemen. He'll have the likes of Zac Leslie and Ben Harpur, both NHL draft picks, alongside him, meaning the Storm should be stubborn in front of net.

The Storm's challenge comes in goal. Experienced netminder Garret Sparks isn't returning, meaning Justin Nichols and rookie Matthew Mancina will have their work cut out for them.

London did dismantle this Guelph side 7-2 on October 5, but that was after Guelph handed London their first defeat of the season on September 29.

Erie Otters
Look no further than Connor McDavid.

The Erie phenom is entering his second OHL season, after being granted exceptional status by the OHL. The Otters have struggled in recent years, even faced rumours about the team being moved away from Pennsylvania.

But this year, there is hope.

Don't expect the Otters to jump from last place in the West to first this season. That would be nothing short of a miracle. The Otters look like a team that will be able to challenge for a decent playoff berth, following two seasons of heartbreak.

Joining McDavid upfront is last season's leading scorer Connor Brown as well as Stephen Harper, Dane Fox and Jake Evans, who aim to prove that the Otters aren't just the “Connor McDavid Show.”

Another big acquisition for Erie was Andre Burakovsky, who was the fourth overall pick in this year's Import Draft. The big Austrian was taken in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals. Joining him will be rookie Dylan Strome, who could bring some instant offence on this young, gifted team.

Defensively, Erie looks solid too. They're led by Adam Pelech, who could make Team Canada's World Junior Team this year. Former London Knight Troy Donnay brings a wealth of experience with him and will be instrumental in steadying the ship.

In goal, Oscar Dansk is the definite starter, despite coming off a poor season. He's a solid netminder, one of the few import goalies left in the league. With some support from his defensive corps, Dansk will bounce back.

Saginaw Spirit
The Spirit is another team who've been on the rebuild for a number of years. They've lost to the London Knights in successive playoffs, but that's not without putting up some resistance.

Jake Paterson, who's poised to be the best netminder in the league this year, will be the team's focal point this season. He's entering his fourth OHL season, was recently signed by the Detroit Red Wings and is a lock to make Canada's World Junior Team in the winter.

Did I mention he's also able to steal a few games on his own?

Offensively, the team will be missing Garrett Ross, who's no longer eligible to play in the OHL. However, Jimmy Lodge stepped up last season, after Vincent Trocheck was traded to Plymouth. Expect him to do the same this year. Last season's leading scorer Eric Locke returned for his overage season, giving this Spirit side some hope.

Saginaw did add numerous OHL veterans to bolster their roster, both in terms of skill and size. Forwards Cody Payne (Plymouth), Kristoff Kontos (Mississauga) and defensemen Sean Callaghan (Ottawa) and Justin Sefton (London) all moved to The Spirit this offseason.

Last season The Spirit finished eighth in the Western Conference. With some of their moves in the offseason, look for them to climb to a slightly better seeding this time around.

Other Teams to Keep an Eye Out For

Kitchener Rangers: Lost their top five scorers from last year, along with top netminder John Gibson. Additionally GM and head coach Steve Spott to the Toronto Marlies. Usually Kitchener has bounced back from setbacks aplenty, but this one might be just out of reach. Expect them to make playoffs, though.

Owen Sound Attack: Went all in on Cody Ceci last season, but he's now with the Ottawa Senators organization in the pro ranks. The OHL's stingiest defence last season, allowing just 165 goals, but a large part of that was due to goalie Jordan Binnington, who's playing pro hockey this year. Expect fourth year veteran Brandon Hope to step up in net, but should he falter, the Attack's goalie depth isn't the greatest just yet. They're celebrating the franchise's 25th anniversary this season; even installed a new PA and Video Control Booth at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre, but on-ice celebrations might be a little slimmer than last season.