Memorial Cup: Prolific Perry
The London Knights won their first Memorial Cup in franchise history. A team rich in depth, their success was largely due to players identifying and understanding their roles within the team. We close out our report cards for each team in the tournament by looking at the squad that won it all and we begin with MVP Corey Perry, who earns top marks for his efforts.
Corey Perry A+
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Played sensational in each and every game .. was hungry and showed a desire to win .. made many nifty moves to put himself into better scoring positions and the strength of his point shot usually resulted in goals.
Marc Methot A+
Played a silent but extremely efficient game .. was first star in Game One with two goals .. confidence in his game improved steadily throughout the tournament .. was largely responsible for shutting down Sidney Crosby in the finals.
Really improved his grade with his ability to step it up in the finals .. physical force with a goal scoring touch .. played with intensity and really drove the defence back with his Pit Bull style of play.
Rob Schremp A-
Provided the first PP unit with a slick playmaker and an accurate shot .. a little selfish at times, preferring to shoot rather than look for pass.
Continued his strong play throughout the playoffs into the Memorial Cup .. strong on the puck and makes quick offensive decisions .. took abuse as he charged the net with reckless abandonment.
Really excelled in role of shadow .. worked hard and was the heart and soul of this team .. a fan favourite, he played every shift like it could be his last.
Danny Syvret B+
Chipped in offensively and provided team with outstanding leadership .. logged a lot of minutes in critical situations and excelled in all challenges thrown his way.
Unbelievable strides made in his game in this tournament .. scored two goals and was named second star against Kelowna .. looked comfortable playing on any line and showed a commitment to team concepts that was unrivalled by any other Knight.
Registered a shutout in the finals .. earned the start in the finals due to his superb lateral movement .. showed poise and an ability to make consecutive saves.
Looked solid in his only appearance against Ottawa, stopping 26 shots .. has a tendency to play a little deep in his net but his quick reflexes usually bail him out of any trouble.
Dylan Hunter B-
At times he showed that he wanted the puck and fought for it .. talented linemates provided him with bloated offensive totals.
Huge defender who used his size to eliminate players from potential scoring chances .. looked comfortable on the PP and had enough confidence to use his shot more.
Bryan Rodney C+
Was playing on a bad knee, which resulted in a lower grade .. stepped up his game in the finals and managed to record a goal and an assist while making many good reads in the offensive zone as well.
Played well in limited role .. finished his checks and tried to cycle the puck down low to create his scoring chances.
Perhaps he was still showing signs of rust from long layoff but he was capable of playing better .. was employed in a defensive role .. shot lacked the zip and accuracy for him to score the occasional goal.
Played very little in tournament but attacked puck carriers and was often the first forechecker in the zone.
Fan favourite for his ability to drop the gloves and play a physical game .. intimidated players at times and was used to provide timely checks to ignite teammates.
These three players saw such little ice time that it would be unfair to grade them on their limited performances.