Memorial Cup: Knights Cap Dream Season

Generating headlines with their record-breaking 31 games without a loss, the Knights were the CHL's number one team throughout the season. This deep London squad carried its winning ways into the playoffs and only lost two games en route to its first Memorial Cup in franchise history, perhaps going down as one of the greatest teams in Canadian Junior hockey history. We take a final look at some of the harder working, less profiled players who were instrumental in London's 4-0 Memorial Cup final win over the Rimouski Oceanic.

Danny Fritsche (CBJ), C

Played final three games in extreme pain nursing a bad shoulder .. used sparingly in Ottawa game of round robin .. days off paid dividends, as he came out flying in final .. unbelievable speed coming down the wing .. does not have breakaway speed but his eagerness, intensity and willingness to compete make him seem faster than he is .. steams into plays to create odd-man rushes .. generates options with a nice passing touch that prevents goalies from overplaying him .. scored game winner on relatively weak shot but was aggressive and largely responsible for second goal .. defence unable to handle him once he got his feet moving .. wins one-on-one battles, especially in the corners.

Brandon Prust (Cgy), LW

The shadow of Sidney Crosby .. played him tough and out-muscled Crosby along the boards .. seemed to get into his head and frustrate him .. the type of player that excels in tight, low-scoring affairs .. ideal playoff warrior .. provided an element of grit that talented Knights team needed .. too aggressive at times, but never takes a bad penalty .. aggressive forechecker created limited offence in PK situations .. does not have great one-on-one moves or blazing speed to cut wide, but is like a bull seeing a red flag and runs at anything in his way.

Danny Syvret (Free Agent), D

Smart defender who made quick decisions in the offensive zone .. perhaps played with an injury as he was tentative shooting the puck .. skates with good balance and generates power from his leg drive .. masks his plays well; ability to fake shot and make quick pass to confuse opposition .. can slow down plays inside the line but sometimes frustrates teammates as they have already taken off .. uses reach, body positioning and agility to force a play and force player to make a decision .. eliminated two parts of the C.P.R. line (Crosby and Roussin) from good scoring chances .. didn't initiate body contact but didn't mind taking a hit to make a play .. logged so many minutes this season and was a great captain of one of the best CHL teams ever.

Marc Methot (CBJ), D

Largely responsible for shutting down Crosby .. strong, physical defenseman who eliminated Crosby along the boards throughout the game .. will get involved in offence in a limited capacity .. makes crisp, accurate breakout passes and sees the ice well .. once he makes the first pass he forgets about the puck .. typical mobile defensive defensemen .. played against top lines all year, the playoffs and Memorial Cup .. the unsung hero for the Knights' success .. capability to make it to the NHL soon with his superior skating skills and a relatively shallow prospect pool of defenseman in Columbus.