Captain Barkey has earned his stripes

Last month, Denver Barkey was named captain of the London Knights for the 2024-25 season. He’s learned from others who’ve worn the ‘C’ over the years, and now it’s his turn. He’s focused on leading by example.

(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

* * *

The London Knights are in good hands with their leader.

After a team vote last month, Denver Barkey was named the 53rd captain in franchise history. 

“It’s a huge honour, something you look forward to as a kid, to wear that ‘C’ and be a leader of a team,” the veteran Knights forward told Gameday London.

“But with it comes a lot of responsibility, especially in London with such a great fanbase and a storied franchise where there’s always pressure and expectation to win.”

Last year, the Knights went without a captain, electing to go with a leadership-by-committee approach. Despite wearing the ‘C’ this year, Barkey, a draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, says the team will continue with that same mentality this season.

“Last year, we all sort of led in our own way. This year we do have a leadership group, but other guys are going to keep leading,” Barkey said. “It doesn’t matter who has a letter, everyone’s opinions and thoughts matter.”

Barkey led the Knights with 102 points last season, and after a bit of a slow start this year he’s begun to regain that offensive form. After posting just two assists through his first six games, the captain has six points over his last four contests heading into action against the Soo Greyhounds on Wednesday (Nov. 6).

He says whether or not the points are there, he’s just looking to have a positive influence on his teammates.

“I'm just looking to be myself, show up to work every day and do the right things, and bring that positive energy to the room.”

That positivity stems from some of the leaders that Barkey has experienced during his Knights career. As a rookie, he had Luke Evangelista as a captain, and then George Diaco and Sean McGurn the following year. 

The Flyers prospect says he learned a lot from those three, who helped him feel comfortable in the OHL when he was still young and unproven in the league. That’s something he wants to bring as a captain.

“Just their attitude and the day-to-day energy they brought to the rink, it was an infectious vibe they brought.”

(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).

Joining the leadership group this year as assistants are Landon Sim, Jacob Julien, Oliver Bonk and Easton Cowan. 

“Couldn’t have picked a better leadership group,” Barkey told Gameday London. “We really like this team and the group we have here.”

The Knights selected Barkey with the 16th overall pick in the 2021 OHL draft. Easton Cowan was selected nine picks later, and Oliver Bonk came right after him. 

“It was great to see those guys get voted on as assistant captains,” Barkey said. “It’s cool for the group, we’ve all sort of been together since day one.

“We all lead in different ways, and to combine all of our styles together feels pretty special.”

Barkey has played the most OHL games of any Knight on the current roster, and he’s closing in on his 200th game. He would be the 45th player in team history to reach that milestone.