OHL Priority Selection: London Knights

The London Knights opted to address their forward needs with the selections of Chris Tierney and drafting both the Rupert twins, with Ryan being selected in the third. Their fifth round selection of Brett Welychka may also pay dividends, as he has the potential to be a Knight. Mckeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, profiles these prospects.

Chris Tierney (2012), C, London

Tierney is a highly creative player who is dangerous off the rush, as he has speed and hand skills. He scored 91 points in 57 games this season due to his impressive first-step quickness and wristshot. He would benefit from taking some zip off his shot, as he missed the net on far too many occasions this season. His ability to get behind defensemen makes him so lethal. Although, there were times when he tried to beat the same defender twice just to showcase how good he is. He will need to simplify his game but he has all the tools to be a good junior scorer. Tierney will need to work on his defensive game and add some weight to his 6-foot, 160-pound frame. Despite his smaller size, he is fearless in his approach and attacks the net which is encouraging.

Ryan Rupert (2012), C, London

Both the Rupert twins played last season as under-agers as members of the Lambton Sting and were two of the better players on the team. This season they suited up for the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs and were instrumental in helping them win the Alliance Championships. Despite being undersized, Rupert has uncanny finishing skills and an amazing shot. He took his game to another level in the playoffs and recording many multi-goal games in series against the Waterloo Wolves and Jr. Knights. Rupert has that innate ability to disappear for long stretches but finish the game with three points. He only needs one chance to finish. His skating, consistency, and defensive awareness are all areas that need immediate attention but if he is situated with the right set of linemates and scores early in his junior career he could become a valuable offensive option for coach Hunter.

Brett Welychka (2012), RW, London

Welychka played in London's backyard as a member of the Jr. Knights. No player improved more throughout the course of the season than Welychka. He started the season as more of a special team's player, more responsible for killing penalties, but by the end of the season he was logging top PP minutes and scoring important goals for his team. He was carrying his line rather than fitting in. He is the sum of his parts, as he does not excel in any particular area but works very hard for all his chances. He is an honest player who competes but is not dirty. He played on both wing and up the middle but is better-suited for the wing. He should be able to land onto a Jr.B team and adjust well, as he understands the game well and does all the little things that lead to team success.