Denver Barkey named captain of the London Knights

Denver Barkey never got the chance to show the Flyers he was ready for the NHL. A summer bout with mono had him sidelined for the majority of training camp and the preseason. 

Back in London for another season, Barkey is poised for yet another big season. In what should be his final season of junior hockey, he will be taking on more of an official leadership role.

On Wednesday evening, the London Knights announced that Barkey was named the 53rd captain in franchise history. It was a nice honor for the 19-year-old who has broken out in back to back seasons. 

He isn’t the only Flyers’ prospect that will be skating with a letter on his jersey for London. Along with the captain announcement, Oliver Bonk was named one of four alternate captains.

Barkey named captain, Bonk earns alternate captain label

Ever since Barkey and Bonk were drafted by the Flyers, it seems you can’t find one without the other. They were close before, but knowing they have a chance to play in the same NHL team someday has to have brought them even closer.

Both will hold large roles with the Knights as this should be their final year playing with London before making a true crack at the Flyers roster.

Unlike Barkey, Bonk had an opportunity to show Philadelphia that he was ready now. For him, the biggest improvement he needed to make at the next level was the ability to keep up with the speed of NHL players. With a logjam at defense, it was always going to be tough for him to make the roster. But he was given a fair chance nonetheless.

With more responsibility on the backend, Bonk has already gotten off to a hot start. He has a goal and four points in the Knights’ first three games. Bonk is fourth amongst defensemen in points, 10th overall. He also appeared in one preseason game, registering three assists.

Barkey was cleared to skate toward the end of camp and has been able to start the regular season with the Knights. By his standards, it’s likely been a slow start as he has two assists in three games. But Barkey admitted that he had to put weight back on after his summer illness. So even though he’s back and playing, it may still take some time for him to get into gear.

It won’t be long before Barkey and Bonk could be appearing in the Flyers’ lineup together. Both should have another strong season with a possible trip to the World Juniors as well.

The future looks bright with these two.