CREDIT: VICTOR MARIO KAISAR
Knights rookie Christian Dvorak prepares to fire a shot at Oshawa’s Daniel Altshuller at the Budweiser Gardens.

Christian Dvorak's earliest hockey memories go back to the tender age of three. Now at the age of 17, he's living his dream as a part of the OHL's London Knights.

The Knights drafted him in the eighth round of the 2012 OHL priority selection, but Dvorak remained in the U.S. He played with the Chicago Mission organization before moving on to play for the Chicago Steel for a handful of games last season.

He was slated to go to the University of Wisconsin for the 2014/15 season, but that never materialized. When the London Knights came calling, it was hard to say no.

“London gives me the best chance for me to develop my game,” Dvorak said, following a team practice. “It's a great place to be and probably the best junior team to play for.”

“I can't tell you how difficult a decision it was,” Dvorak's father Ed told the Wisconsin State Journal. “It was very gut wrenching. It's disappointing for [University of Wisconsin staff], I get that. But as parents we all try to do what's best for our kids.”

“It's a dream of my son's to play in the NHL.''

Now, a month or so into his OHL career, Dvorak's role on this deep London roster is reminiscent of Remi Elie and Kyle Platzer from just a year ago. He has to earn his playing time, earn the trust of the Knights and make himself feel invaluable.

So far, it's been mostly good from Dvorak.

“There's not too much of a difference between styles of play in the U.S. and Canada,” he said. “Here it's quick, it's fast, and players seem stronger. You just have to play hard, and you'll be fine.”

“It's tougher, but it's better.”

Through the first 11 games of his infant major junior career, Dvorak, on the Knights' “rookie line” put up three goals and four assists — impressive numbers when you consider London's offensive talents this season.

“I've had a great time in London,” added Dvorak with a smile. “It's been an easy transition on and off the ice. We're (Dvorak and fellow rookie line mates Mitch Marner and Tait Seguin) getting along and gelling well on and off the ice. It's been fun.”

And while Dvorak's association with the franchise has been limited so far, it was former Knight Alex Broadhurst, also an alumnus of the Chicago Mission program, who sold him on London. “I never played with him, but I knew of him,” Dvorak said. “He told me he had a great time — the best year of his life. It made my decision to come here a little easier.”

As well, the prospect of playing in the 2014 Memorial Cup might have tilted the scales in favour of London, but Dvorak insisted that wasn't the only reason he picked the OHL over the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

A quick look at the history books show this isn't the first time that the Hunter brothers — general manager Mark Hunter and head coach Dale Hunter — convinced a promising Wisconsin prospect to join their club. In 2006, a certain Sam Gagner passed up a scholarship and joined the Knights. Playing alongside Patrick Kane, he put up 118 points and is still with the Edmonton Oilers franchise, entering his seventh season.

That, of course, is Dvorak's goal. He should get there, eventually. But for now, that isn't what's on his mind.

“I just want to play hockey, get better at it, and keep making contributions in London.”