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When the London Knights took measurements for NHL Central Scouting this week, Liam Spencer checked in at just a tick below 6-foot-5 and weighed 220 pounds.
He plans on using it.
“I’m supposed to take on a physical role and use my size to my best ability and really punish other teams,” the 18-year-old defenceman said. “Just adapt my game to that more physical, kind-of-mean style of play.”
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The Londoner spent the summer at EPIC (Elite Performance and Injury Centre) in Komoka getting bigger, stronger and faster. Last month, the Knights acquired his rights from the Brampton Steelheads and it’s clear the defending OHL champs want to carry over the rough-and-tumble style that has served them well.
Spencer’s previous recorded high was 18 penalty minutes in 27 games with the Jr. Knights ‘AAA’ U16 team in 2021-22. He racked up 91 minutes in just 29 games playing for Jason Williams and the Strathroy Rockets in the Junior B ranks this past season.
“When I came back (from Mississauga), Jason really made a big point I had to add that (aggressiveness) to my game,” he said. “He encouraged me to keep doing those things and get in guys’ faces and make the other team not want to play against us.
“I’ve got better at it and there’s still room to improve.”
Spencer was a fourth-round pick of Mississauga two years ago. He played in eight OHL games as a rookie but only four more last season after an early injury slowed his progress.
The relocated Steelheads are expected, just like the Knights, to be top contenders this year. Brampton – now led by Sarnia’s 2022 first-rounder Porter Martone – is rated No. 2 in the Canadian Hockey League preseason rankings and London is No. 3.
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“They’re going to have success,” Spencer said. “Porter is a great player and a good guy. He was in my class (at school) and he always gave me rides whenever I needed them. Hopefully, us in London, we can take them down. I think we have the roster.
“But they’re good guys and I wish nothing but the best for them.”
When the move back home was finalized, he immediately texted his best friend Jett Luchanko, the Guelph Storm star and Flyers first-rounder, about it.
“He was really excited, too,” Spencer said. “I kind of forgot to tell my mom right away. But I remember that when I did, it was great and the family was pretty happy.”
He is already comfortable, of course. His old Strathroy teammates Noah Jenken, Evan Van Gorp and Rene Van Bommel have only added to the experience.
“When I was younger, I never really thought I’d play for the Knights,” Spencer said. “I remember going to get a picture with (Mitch) Marner and (Matthew) Tkachuk when they won the Memorial Cup (in 2016). I thought it was bigger than me and I’d never get that experience.
“Now that I’m here, I’m extremely grateful. It’s everything I ever thought it would be.”
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