Played on Apr 17, 2025
Ontario Hockey League
Game Played in Erie Insurance Arena
Scout: Ben Marshall
General Game Notes: This back and forth offensive game needed extra time to decide the winner, and London was able to capitalize and clinch their series over Erie Otters. The stars players were the star players tonight and a huge reason why the Knights were able to move on to the next round.
Ty Henry (D, R, 6’3″, 212, Erie Otters, 07/19/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Not really know for his offense, Henry scored a nice goal getting up in the play and able to create a two on one rush. When he tried to go back door, the London Knight player got a stick on the puck and redirected it into the back of the net. Obviously a bit of a lucky bounce for Henry but this goal starts with him looking to create and sometimes creating a chance is all it takes. Henry has some unteachable size and solid footwork to go with it, this made him a great two way player tonight with a ton of upside to have more of an offensive impact. Where he needed to be better was picking and choosing his spots. After he was able to find the back of the net, he took more chances when he did not need too. This caused turnovers and transition hockey back at his goalie with him chasing pucks.
Dylan Edwards (C, L, 5’8″, 170, Erie Otters, 07/20/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Edwards was able to show tonight that he is an elite playmaker, pairing plus speed with high hockey IQ and phenomenal puck skills to make him a true first line threat. His defense is a work in progress, and while he does not figure to ever become a true two way winger, he back checks hard but does not have the size or strength to take players off the puck. Where he was at his best tonight is when he is able to show that he is a massive asset on the power play where he can make the most of his skills with the puck on his stick.
Sam Alfano (RW, R, 6’4″, 210, Erie Otters, 01/18/2004)
Game Rating
B+
Alfano’s net-front presence is a notable aspect of his game, as he effectively takes contact and positions himself for high tips and second chances. He demonstrates focus on the puck, using his strength to create multiple attempts when loose pucks are present at the net. In terms of defense, Alfano has room for improvement. He struggles with tracking players, particularly when not having momentum or space to gap up, which can lead to him losing his assignment. However, once connected to a player, he excels at leading and keeping them on the perimeter due to his length and reach.
1 Viewing
Comments: With the puck on his stick, Alfona shows above average ability as a playmaker, and that paired with his strong shot makes him an intriguing offensive piece. Defensively, he has the size and strength to win battles for pucks but he lacks the defensive awareness to be a true shutdown player. You want your best players to be solid in their own end as well, that is how the Otters lost. Alfona needed to be better in his own end, too often he had guys slip by him offering up scoring chances on a platter. Where he sets himself a part is he is a puck mover at heart, and excels with the puck on his stick rushing up the neutral zone. He is a zone entry specialist on the power play and has great vision with time and space.
Alexis Daviault (D, R, 6’0″, 190, Erie Otters, 06/17/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Daviault was able to show tonight that he is not really an overly physical defenseman, but he is not one to shy away from contact if it is the best way to fight for a puck. Given his puck moving style, he is prone to turnovers if he faces too much resistance or pressure in his own end. Daviault is a puck moving defenseman at heart, and is at his best with the puck on his stick pushing through the neutral zone. Defensively, he plays a very reliable game, provides much needed stability to the Otter blue line and his ability to log huge, tough minutes makes him a huge reason as to why he is able to create scoring chances from nothing.
Pano Fimis (C, R, 5’10”, 185, Erie Otters, 06/17/2004, Notre Dame)
Game Rating
A-
Fimis excels when pushing the pace on entries, showcasing his ability to manipulate the rush and create space for himself and his teammates. He demonstrates good decision-making by cutting to the middle of the neutral zone early, forcing defenders to make quick decisions. With good head-up awareness, he identifies open spaces to attack and utilizes his hands and feet to capitalize on them. Notably, Fimis’s footwork is a key aspect of his game, particularly when skating backwards with the puck in the offensive zone. This allows him to create deception and draws defenders into the play, ultimately setting up his teammates for success.
1 Viewing
Comments: During a two on one rush, Fimis took it upon himself to look off his teammate and take a shot and good thing he did. Fimis was able to show that he has a lethal release and this goal was scored from a bit of a distance, yet he elected to take it anyway. He is on the smaller side in stature but from how hard he shot this puck, you would think he would be over six feet. One of the better aspects to his game is how quick his feet get going from a dead stop. When he catches the puck his feet start to move before the puck hits his tape, then his first couple strides are slow explosive that larger slower footed opponents do not have a chance at catching him. Despite his size, he is a hard worker, and thrives in the tough areas of the ice, digging for pucks and fighting board battles.
Sam Dickinson (D, L, 6’3″, 205, London Knights, 06/07/2006)
Game Rating
A
The player demonstrated impressive skating ability throughout the game, utilizing it to excel in various aspects of his playmaking. He excelled at quickly retrieving pucks and using his speed to beat the first forechecker with passes or his feet. However, he sometimes relied too heavily on his energy when carrying the puck, which led to small gaps being exposed by skilled forwards. Despite this, he showed exceptional mobility while walking the blue line, showcasing his ability to create space and make plays. His confidence in beating the first layer of defense was evident, as he would often toe drag to create a lane before attempting a pass.
1 Viewing
Comments: Scored a nice goal from an amazing feed back door that he was able to set up and bury home a one timer shot. This goal was honestly more about the pass but the way he was able to find space and put the power behind it that he did, was pretty impressive. For a big man, Dickinson does a good job at using his feet to be in great offensive positions, a huge reason as to why he was able to put up thirty goals this season. At this level, and in this game, Dickinson does it all. He can defend with his size, able to throw smaller players around. He can lead the rush and join the rush making him a threat offensively any time he is on the ice.
Easton Cowan (RW, L, 5’11”, 190, London Knights, 05/20/2005)
Game Rating
A
This player’s skill set suggests that he is a versatile threat on the ice, capable of making plays in various situations. They are adept at keeping the puck close to their body and possess a release that can be difficult for opponents to anticipate. On offense, they display strong playmaking skills, reading the play well and exploiting weaknesses in the defense. As a skater, they are speedy and willing to engage with opponents physically. However, they may not be a dominant physical presence on the ice. When facing individual defenders, they excel at taking advantage of their mistakes, making them a formidable opponent in these situations.
1 Viewing
Comments: Just simply put he was one of the best players on the ice tonight. Scored the first goal of the night somehow finding a way to get behind the defenseman for a breakaway where he put his confidence with the puck and his skill to the test and beat the goalie with a little slip play through his legs. Even after a season and a long series against this team, they know he needs to be covered a little extra, still Cowan finds ways to get behind the defensive structure. It is not like he is cheating for offense either, he reads the play so well that he knows when to support defensively and when he can take a little extra time, like in this case, his team had full possession of the puck and he saw just his opening and took it. The speed and hands he has combined with creativity makes him a serious threat every time he is on the ice.
Evan VanGorp (LW, L, 5’10”, 166, London Knights, 05/18/2006, Maine)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: VanGorp has some solid offensive instincts and is a plus player with the puck on his stick as a setup man. He lacks the size to keep the puck on his stick when faced with overwhelming defensive resistance, but he is a strong enough skater to create time and space for himself to produce scoring chances for his teammates. He was able to show tonight that where he is at his best is being a relentless forechecker and providing incredible value as a defensive center. He still has the defensive lapses that are common against the other teams top players that, if he wants more of a two way role, he needs to figure out.
William Nicholl (C, L, 6’0″, 184, London Knights, 05/24/2006)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Nicholl was able to show that he is a true offensive play driver as a winger, and that is most apparent on the man advantage. At five on five play Nicholls lack of elite foot speed hurts him, as he is less able to create the time and space he needs to make the most of his offensive tools. Defensively, he is a liability, as his aggressive offensive style causes him to be somewhat mistake prone and he also just is not big enough, strong enough, or instinctual enough to be a defensive winger. That being said, Nicholl as a defensive liability is not a huge deal because he is able to create so much offense, in a game like tonight it really does cancel out.
Denver Barkey (RW, L, 5’9″, 166, London Knights, 04/01/2005)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Barkey was able to show that despite his smaller stature, he is an aggressive player, and has the ability to create turnovers and offensive chances, both of those in split seconds of each other. Barkey is at his best with the puck on his stick, speeding through the neutral zone in an attempt to establish some offense. The way he is able to push the pace of play forces the other team to stay tuned in to what is happening on the ice every second. He actually really thrives below the goal line, when he has time and space to make a play, he will attack one side of the net, and next thing you know he is on the other side with his quick foot work. Defensively, he showed some physical ability, but more importantly, he is smart enough and responsible enough to be a positive defensive defender and not a prototypical small skilled player.