As Oliver Bonk and Denver Barkey battle with their London Knights' teammates for a chance to hoist the Memorial Cup, the two were recently honored for their career seasons.
Announcing their end-of-season awards, the OHL handed out honors for its first, second, and third all-star team selections. OHL general managers vote on the all-star honors in two stages. The conference first votes on players and then whittled down to the best players among the two conferences.
Oliver Bonk, who was voted to the All-Rookie second team last season, was named the league's first team this season. Bonk more than doubled his goal total (10 goals in 2022-23 to 24 in 2023-24). 15 of his goals came on the power play, a unit that thrived on in the bumper position. He was atop the league in power-play goals by a defenseman. Bonk's 67 points were second on the Knights among defensemen and sixth overall.
Bonk added 16 points in 18 playoff games, second among all defensemen. His seven goals were the most at his position. So far in the Memorial Cup, Bonk has one goal and four points. The defenseman inked his entry-level deal with the Flyers last August, a few months after he was drafted in the first round. Bonk likely needs one more season with the Knights before making his professional debut.
As for Barkey, he earned the nod on the OHL's second All-Star team. Like Bonk, Barkey had a career season as well. He nearly doubled his point total from last season (59 points in 2022-23 to 102 points in 2023-24). Breaking the century mark in points is a huge accomplishment for the 19-year-old. That tied him for fourth in the league. He scored 35 times while adding in 67 assists. The latter stat was good for third in the league.
Barkey chipped in with 27 points in 18 playoff games, tied for third in the league. His 1.50 points per game was fifth in the league. As for the Memorial Cup, Barkey also has one goal and four points. Thanks to his breakout season, Barkey signed his entry-level contract in March.
After sweeping round-robin play, the Knights earned a berth in the Memorial Cup final on Sunday. They await the winner of the Saginaw Spirit and Moose Jaw Warriors. That game will be played Friday at 7:30 p.m. The winner-take-all will be on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.