A deeper look into what attributes London Knights defenceman Oliver Bonk can bring to Team Canada at the World Juniors, which begins in less than a week.
Oliver Bonk was the only OHL defenceman selected to represent Team Canada at the World Juniors in Gothenburg, Sweden.
The Philadelphia Flyers 22nd overall pick proved himself as one of the most reliable defenders participating at Canada's Selection Camp, and earned himself one of seven defence spots on the final roster.
Oliver Bonk — the son of former NHLer Radek Bonk — has one of the best defensive sticks in all of major junior, and his stick always seems to be in the right spot. Whether Bonk is defending the rush or making plays in the offensive zone, his stick positioning is always accurate and precise.
Early in Canada's pre-tournament games, the coaches have put Bonk in the bumper position on the powerplay. The bumper is required to make quick plays and decisions with the puck, a lot of one touches, deflections, and quick puck movements. Bonk's stick makes him a perfect candidate for this position, one that is rarely filled by defecemen.
Bonk has tight gap control and eliminates a lot of chances at the very top of the zone by using his defensive stick. He will put high pressure on opponents off of the entry, and use a stick check to force a turnover.
The London Knights defenceman also has an effective transition game. Bonk possesses an accurate first pass that always seems to lead into a zone entry for his team. He has high-end vision of passing lanes on the breakout, and leading up the ice. Bonk can be highly trusted with the puck on his stick, and if his teammates are open, he will find them.
Bonk will be utilized on both special teams units for Canada, and his unique skill set makes him a player his coaches can utilize in any game situation.
In London, Bonk is entrusted with a lot of ice time, and he is used to playing a top line role. It is likely that he won't earn as much ice time with Canada's deep defence core.
Overall, he is a mobile, two-way defender with an elite defensive stick.
As the only OHL defender on Canada's final roster, Bonk has the opportunity to prove himself as not only one of the best defenders in the OHL, but in the entire CHL.