In the high-pressure world of junior hockey, where every shift counts and every game could define a player’s future, it’s easy to forget that these young athletes are, at their core, still teenagers trying to navigate the challenges of growing up. But Will Nicholl, an 18-year-old forward for the London Knights, has managed to strike a balance between pursuing his dreams on the ice and enjoying life off it.
Whether it’s hanging out with his teammates at an arcade in London, perfecting his shot with a carefully selected stick, or soaking in the surreal experience of sharing a hot tub with Connor McDavid, Nicholl’s journey is as much about finding joy in the little things as it is about hockey success.
A Family Foundation and a Life Built on Sports
From the moment Nicholl could walk, hockey was already in his blood. Growing up in a family where his dad and grandfather were both passionate about the game, it’s no surprise that Nicholl was lacing up his skates before he could even tie his shoes.
Hockey wasn’t just a sport for him – it was a family tradition. However, his athleticism wasn’t confined to just hockey. Nicholl played many sports growing up, including soccer, basketball, football and even tennis, thanks to his grandparents’ backyard tennis court.
As a result, Nicholl believes that playing a variety of sports as a kid helped him develop into a well-rounded athlete and taught him the importance of staying active, while maintaining balance in his life. His message? “It’s important to get your mind off hockey,” he says.
Life Beyond the Rink: London Knights’ Off-Ice Bonding
Off the ice, the London Knights have a camaraderie that goes beyond the rink. When the team isn’t putting in the work at practices or games, Nicholl and his teammates are just like any other group of teenagers – seeking out fun ways to relax and unwind.
For Nicholl and his London teammates, that often means a trip to a local bowling alley, hitting the golf simulator, or enjoying a friendly game of mini-putt. With the team’s newfound obsession of going to a local arcade called The Rec Room, it’s clear that the Knights know how to keep things lighthearted.
“We’re always looking for new things to do,” Nicholl explained. “There’s an unreal new arcade in London, and half the team went bowling not too long ago. It’s about staying social and not just revolving everything around hockey. It is this sense of community off the ice that helps the Knights stay connected and maintain a sense of normalcy amid the intense pressure of playing in the OHL.”
When the Knights aren’t out bonding over something fun to do, you can find them stopping in at their favorite spot to eat in London – Chipotle. Nicholl chuckles when he mentions how often the team heads to the world renowned spot. “We go 3 or 4 times a week,” he admitted. With 23 points in his first 23 games, and the Knights currently ranked as the number one team in the CHL, it sounds like they shouldn’t stop their weekly Chipotle visits anytime soon.
From St. Thomas to London: Gaining Confidence and Experience
The path to becoming a Knight wasn’t a straight line for Nicholl. At 16, he found himself in St. Thomas, playing for the area’s Junior B team, the St. Thomas Stars. While some of his peers were getting their first taste of OHL action, Nicholl was learning valuable lessons about patience, leadership, and confidence.
Nicholl credits the system that Dale Hunter has implemented in London, which works hand in hand with St. Thomas to give younger Knights draft picks the opportunity to gain experience in junior hockey. Instead of being in and out of the lineup in the OHL, players can take on a larger role with St. Thomas.
This approach has proven to be beneficial for both the Knights and the Stars, fostering a strong partnership that ultimately supports the players’ development. Nicholl says that while he was getting crucial game reps with St. Thomas to build confidence, he would still practice and work out with the Knights daily to ensure a smooth transition to the OHL. “Being a young 16-year-old in the OHL can be tough, but in St. Thomas, I got the chance to be the guy on the first power play unit and the first line,” he reflects. “It gave me that extra year to fit in and develop my game” says Nicholl.
That extra year of development wasn’t just a blessing; it was a game-changer. “It was the most I’ve ever developed in a year,” Nicholl said, citing his time in St. Thomas as crucial to his growth. It allowed him to transfer new skills and confidence directly into his OHL career when he rejoined the Knights.
The Stick That Changed Everything: A Lesson from Rob Schremp
The story of Nicholl’s journey to finding the right stick curve is one of those fun, behind-the-scenes moments that shows how even the smallest change can make a big impact.
A week before heading to Edmonton for Oilers development camp, Nicholl switched his stick curve from a P29 to a P28 after getting some advice from former NHLer and London Knights legend Rob Schremp.
Schremp noticed the flatness of Nicholl’s curve and suggested he try one with more toe to improve his shooting accuracy and power. The change made a noticeable difference.
“I shot way harder with the P28,” Nicholl explained. “I realized I was scoring more and ripping the puck better. It was a game-changer.”
Now that he had developed a preference for the P28 curve, Nicholl found himself in a dilemma – he only had sticks with a P29 curve at home. Fortunately, he reached out to his London teammate Easton Cowan, who uses the same P28 pattern, and Cowan was able to deliver a few sticks to Nicholl to ensure he was all set for a big week in Edmonton.
A Taste of the Big Leagues: Edmonton Oilers Camp
When Nicholl got the chance to attend Oilers’ development camp, he found himself in a surreal environment. There he was, hanging out in the hot tub after practice with McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Evan Bouchard—an experience that Nicholl will never forget. “It was pretty cool,” he recalled, still in awe of the moment. “Being in the same place as those guys, seeing how they prepare and recover, you realize what it takes to play at that level.”
What stuck with him the most, however, was the physicality. “You have to get bigger and stronger. You’ve got to be ready to play against men,” Nicholl said, reflecting on the difference between the OHL and the NHL. When meeting with Oilers brass at the end of camp, their message to him was clear – focus on building stronger legs to ensure he could compete at the high level demanded in professional hockey.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Nicholl continues to grow as a player and person, it’s clear that he’s more than just a hockey player. His love for the game, combined with his grounded personality and ability to find balance between his passion and his social life, make him a unique figure in the OHL.
Whether it’s practicing with the Knights, finding new ways to enjoy London, or learning valuable lessons from the best players in the world, Nicholl is shaping up to be a star both on and off the ice.
And when you ask him what his future holds, you get a glimpse of his fun side, too. “If I could switch lives with anyone, it’d be Connor McDavid,” he laughs. “Just to go for a little wheel.” It’s a reminder that while Nicholl may be focused on becoming a pro player, he’s still just a kid with big dreams—and a great sense of humor to go along with it.
Written by Sullivan Sparkes
Sullivan Sparkes is a sports writer with a professional background in both playing and analyzing hockey. A graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, he played in the OHL, QMJHL, and professionally in the ECHL. With a deep understanding of the sport from both on and off the ice, he brings a unique perspective to his writing.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling