With Halttunen, Cowan, & Bonk playing in the World Juniors in Sweden, there have been openings in the lineup for rookies to make their debuts in London.
Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowan have made Canada's World Junior team, and Kasper Halttunen has made Finland's team. The three Knights' stars will be out of commission in Sweden for the next few weeks, which leaves some holes in the lineup. This has provided the opportunity for rookies to come in and make debuts.
Noah Jenken made his OHL debut last night, and PJ Fagan will make his OHL debut tonight for the London Knights.
Jenken made his debut for the Knights last night in a 6-2 win over the Windsor Spitfires. He was slotted in on the third defence pair with Jared Wooley.
Jenken was selected in the 4th round by London in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, after putting up 26 points in 30 games with the U16 Elgin Middlesex Canucks. He's begun this season playing in the GOJHL for the Strathroy Rockets, where he has been producing as a rookie defenceman.
A similar route to NHL Draft prospects Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowan, the Knights have Jenken playing big minutes in Junior B before they transition him to a full-time role in the OHL.
Forward PJ Fagan has been in a similar situation, playing with the London Nationals of the GOJHL.
Fagan was the Knights' 3rd round pick in 2023. The former Don Mills Flyer has 18 points through 22 games as a rookie with the Nationals, along with 63 penalty minutes.
Fagan will play his first career OHL game tonight for London against the Owen Sound Attack at Budweiser Gardens.
These two rookies will have their chance to shine in the green and white over the next few weeks. Other Knights prospects may also get this opportunity over the next few weeks, while the Knights are short in the lineup.