Steadily, gradually, the London Knights are creating a monster.
Max Domi is evolving into a top weapon in his second OHL term - and an increasingly vital piece of a London machine that produced a remarkable 24-game winning streak. The run ended New Year's Day thanks to a 6-5 overtime loss to Sarnia that left them one game shy of the league record set by the `83-4 Kitchener Rangers.
Domi, the son of former NHL enforcer/showman Tie Domi, scored 14 goals in 22 games during the team's streak (22-14-14-28), to surpass his 21 goals as a rookie in `11-12.
Currently sitting sixth in league scoring (40-23-31-54), Domi has continued to build on a successful Ivan Hlinka tournament last August, in which he won gold and played a pivotal offensive role.
There have been some 'electrifying' performances along the way from the younger Domi according to McKeen's Head Scout David Burstyn.
'He's a blur on certain nights and the most dynamic performer on the ice by far, however there are other times when he really struggles to sustain his defensive energy and focus."
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Max Domi (C/W, 2013), London - can attribute his success this season to the work he put in during the summer - adding 12 pounds of muscle, primarily in his core and lower body .. small in terms of size, yet already possessing leg and trunk strength that rivals some NHLers .. extremely tough to knock off the puck because he is so balanced and strong on his skates .. benefits from the added strength which makes him harder on the puck now when engaging in the trenches, traffic areas, and along the boards .. a shifty player - backed by above-average speed .. boasts multiple levels of quickness due to a short, compact stride that swallows up ice .. generates tremendous acceleration and speed while executing crossovers .. stays low to the ice and is always navigating with head fakes and dekes to side-step opponents .. a most lethal counter-attack threat, extremely effective when playing high in the defensive zone and exploiting his swift acceleration gear to get a jump on the opposition .. reaches full speed within a handful of strides, and can be a real challenge to stop .. able to change the complexion of a game .. capable of taking the puck end-to-end - and can burn a goalie from 25-to-30 feet out with a sizzling wristshot that explodes off his stick .. gradually becoming more mature in terms of his offensive play, and specifically puck distribution .. does a decent job passing the puck, a criticism that plagued him as a rookie .. still has a real hunger for the puck, however now is starting to exhibit better patience in his approach play .. more confident holding the puck and curling back once he gains the offensive zone - and can stickhandle while standing still in order to create a passing lane .. his development as a playmaker adds dimension to his offensive repertoire and makes him that much more difficult to play against .. always around the puck when he is on the ice, albeit can 'ride the pine' occasionally in even-strength, 5-on-5 situations, when the coaches are concerned about his defensive intensity .. shows marked improvement in his overall defense however, yet comes up alarmingly flat and static as a checker in his own zone at times .. must continue to round out his game and learn how to fully exploit his skating, strong competitive nature, and superior puck skills.