Luchanko having stellar season with Storm
Jett Luchanko, a former London Junior Knight, has seen his draft stock rise this year with a breakout season for the Guelph Storm, where he’s producing at a point-per-game pace.
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
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Jett Luchanko knew he was going to get the opportunity to produce this season. The result? The sophomore forward has seized that chance with the Guelph Storm and enjoyed a breakout season in the OHL.
A former London Junior Knight, Luchanko, who was Guelph’s first round pick in the 2022 draft, has produced 56 points in 54 games so far this season. That’s currently tops on his team in scoring. He enjoyed a season-best nine-game point streak (Dec. 28 to Jan. 17), tallying four goals and 14 points along the way. And he rode that momentum into the CHL’s Top Prospect Game in Moncton, New Brunswick.
“Last year was a great learning experience for me. I knew going into the summer that I was going to get a bigger role this year, so I worked hard,” Luchanko told Gameday London. “It’s been nice to play a little bit more.”
There’s plenty of adjustments that players need to make when they come to the OHL — especially as a 16-year-old. Prior to being drafted, Luchanko had skated a bit with the GOJHL’s Strathroy Rockets, but other than that he had limited experience playing against 19- and 20-year-olds.
In his rookie season last year, the Londoner managed 14 points in 46 games. To say his production has taken a jump this year is an understatement. He surpassed 14 points on Nov. 1, just 13 games into the year, and he’s continued to score at around a point-per-game pace throughout the season. Adjusting to the size and speed of the game at the OHL level has been key for Luchanko.
“Over the summer, I got a lot bigger. Last year I got pushed around a little bit, so I decided to put on some weight and I think that’s been helping,” he said. “I was a bit intimidated coming into the league last year. This year, I’m a lot more comfortable and I know what to expect, especially with all the things away from the rink and being away from home.”
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
Storm head coach Chad Wiseman says Luchanko’s work during the offseason showed his dedication to the craft.
“He’s committed to be a hockey player, and he wants to be a professional and have a career in hockey,” Wiseman told Gameday London. “And he proved that this summer with the way he came into camp and the shape he was in, and the size and strength he added.”
Luchanko has taken on the role of quarterbacking Guelph’s top powerplay unit, and he’s tied for second in the entire OHL (with London’s Easton Cowan) in powerplay assists with 24.
“His ability to enter pucks into the zone with speed is elite,” Wiseman said. “His playmaking ability and vision is second to none. “He’s gotten more confident as the year has gone on, and he’s been able to make the plays he knows he can make.”
Luchanko knew he’d get more opportunity on the powerplay this year, but being the go-to playmaker on the top unit was unexpected. That was the role Matthew Poitras played last year for the Storm, and he was expected to again serve in that capacity this season — until he made the Boston Bruins out of training camp. Poitras was the OHL leader in powerplay assists last year.
Wiseman says Luchanko has filled that role fairly seamlessly, and he continues to get better.
“His IQ is really high. He really understands the game,” the coach said. “He’s positionally sound and his speed is elite. He makes guys around him better.”
That speed was on display during on-ice testing at the CHL Top Prospect event, where 40 of the league’s best draft-eligible players suited up and competed against each other. Again, an understatement. Luchanko was the top overall skater in the testing, which featured forward and backward sprints, weave agility, transition agility, and reaction drills performed with and without the puck.
(Photo: Matt Hiscox Photography).
Not surprisingly, Luchanko continues to catch the eye of NHL scouts. He has the fourth most points among OHLers available for this year’s NHL draft, and he has 14 multi-point games this season.
Like many young hockey players growing up in the area, Luchanko worshipped the Knights growing up, idolizing players like Mitch Marner and Max Domi.
“I went to as many games as I could. They had so many great teams and players. It’s always been a dream of mine to step on my ice and play.”
He got that opportunity last year, and he’s played in London two more times this season.
“Getting out there for the first time with Guelph was pretty special. It felt like an NHL game.”
Knight Watch: London won two of three last weekend without its stars; Big trade brings key defenceman to the Forest City; Goaltending duo continues to shine; It’s Erie Wednesday, Sarnia at home Friday …