No trade, no problem: London native Jett Luchanko loving life with Guelph Storm

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It felt like Jett Luchanko was part of Ontario Hockey League trade rumours from the moment the Philadelphia Flyers sent him back to Guelph in the fall.

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But after all the dust settled last week, the third-year centre is thrilled to be staying with the Storm for the rest of the season.

“I love it here,” said the 18-year-old Londoner, who returns from a two-game cross-checking suspension to face his hometown Knights Friday, at 7 p.m. at Canada Life Place. “I wasn’t really sure what was going to happen for some of the time. There was always good communication. I went about my business and nothing affected me. But I have no complaints.

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“I love being part of this team and love every part of the city. We’ll try to make a playoff push here.”

The Storm haven’t lost in regulation in their past five games. They hope to pass Sault Ste. Marie for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff berth and, if the top end holds, set up a first-round matchup with London.

“Even though we’ve lost some really great guys, we’ve gained some young talent,” Luchanko, the NHL first-rounder, said. “We’re excited about where we’re heading. The higher up we get, the better. If we do slide into a spot against London, it would be a fun series.”

The Jr. Knights grad had four assists in an 8-7 loss to London Nov. 10 at the Sleeman Centre, which ranks as one of the craziest OHL games to date. The Storm are 0-3 so far against the Knights.

“You don’t want to be giving up eight,” Luchanko said, “but we scored seven so you can take that as a positive. There’s no denying the talent they have there. It’s like playing against any really good team. You want to be the one to prove that you can compete with them and beat them. That’s always the motivation. Hopefully, we can prove to ourselves that we can keep up with them.”

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ALLEN EFFECT: The Knights’ biggest trade splash was acquiring Guelph defenceman Cam Allen before the Christmas break. The 20-year-old has three goals and 12 points with a plus-12 rating in eight games since joining London.

“He’s a leader and one of the best teammates I ever had,” Luchanko said, “but I’m happy for him. He’s going to have a good time there. London is a good spot and he’ll definitely make that team better on and off the ice.

“It’s going to be weird to see him in the Knights jersey. It won’t be fun to go in his corners, but it will be a fun game.”

Ilderton native Noah Jenken went the other way in the Allen deal. The 17-year-old rearguard scored two goals in his first game with the Storm but is resting after a head check sent him to the hospital a week ago in Flint.

He isn’t expected to play this weekend.

“He’s back home,” Luchanko said. “That was scary to see, for sure. He’s a great kid and we’re happy to have him. Great player and a great guy.”

WORLD JUNIORS: Luchanko will face three of his Canadian world junior teammates – Easton Cowan, Oliver Bonk, Sam Dickinson – on Friday.

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He called the Ottawa experience a really cool one, though clearly being bounced in the quarterfinal again by Czechia wasn’t in the plans.

One of Canada’s biggest problems – lack of discipline – meant more ice time for Luchanko, who was an important part of the penalty kill.

“It’s always nice to be trustworthy in those situations,” he said. “I had to get out there a lot. We did get a lot of penalties, which sucked. It was a great tournament, the coaching was good and I have no complaints.

“If I was able to get another chance (next year in Minnesota), I would love to give it another shot.”

That depends, of course, on what happens in Philly. Luchanko made the team on his first try last fall and played in four NHL regular-season games. He is watching John Tortorella’s crew every spare chance.

“They treated me so well there,” he said. “They’ve got a good team and I’ll be rooting for them. The good thing about that whole (NHL) experience is I understand how everything works behind the scenes and got to learn from the best. It’s always tough to make one of those teams.

“Next year, I’ll be working hard toward that. I know it’s not going to be easy.”

rpyette@postmedia.com

KNIGHTSWATCH

Friday: vs. Guelph, 7 p.m. at Canada Life Place. Storm rookie goalie tandem Zach Jovanovski and Colin Ellsworth have appeared in a combined 17 OHL games.

Sunday: vs. Sudbury, 2 p.m. at Canada Life Place. Wolves acquired Ottawa defenceman Henry Mews, whose brother Max is a Knights prospect.

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