Corban Knight
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Birthday:
1990-09-10 |
Position:
C |
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Eligible for draft:
2009 |
Shoots:
Right |
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Drafted:
2009 |
Height:
6-1 |
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Acquired:
5th round (135th overall), 2009 |
Weight:
180 lbs. |
Prospect Talent Score
Probability of Success
- C
History
2007-08: Corban Knight appeared in four games for the Okotoks Oilers, scoring one goal. He spent most of the season with the UFA Bisons of the Alberta Midget Hockey League, leading that league in scoring with 65 points. He was named the MVP of the Mac's AAA Midget Hockey tournament.
2008-09: Knight spent the season with the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL, scoring 34 goals and adding 38 assists to go along with 55 penalty minutes in 61 games. He was named the AJHL Rookie of the Year, and was on the South Division All-Star and All-Rookie teams. Knight committed to North Dakota (WCHA) for 2010-11.
2009-10: Knight began his college career a year earlier than expected when a roster spot opened in Grand Forks. He played in 37 games at the University of North Dakota as a freshman. He scored 6 goals with 7 assists and was +8 with 35 PIM as the Fighting Sioux finished fourth in the WCHA during the regular season. Knight missed time late in the season with an ankle injury but returned to contribute to North Dakota's successful run in the WCHA tournament. Knight had a goal and an assist, both on the power play, in North Dakota's 5-3 win over St. Cloud State in the WCHA Championship game.
2010-11: Knight was the second-leading scorer for North Dakota as a sophomore. He scored 14 goals with 30 assists and was +25 with 34 PMs in 44 games for the Fighting Sioux – who won the WCHA regular season and tournament championships. North Dakota advanced to the Frozen Four semifinals before falling to eventual runner-up Michigan, 2-0.
2011-12: Knight was the third-leading scorer for North Dakota in his junior season. He scored 16 goals with 24 assists and was plus-15 with 36 penalty minutes in 39 games. The Fighting Sioux finished fourth in the WCHA during the regular season and won the league's Broadmoor Trophy after beating Minnesota and Denver on back-to-back nights in the WCHA tournament. Minnesota returned the favor a week later, defeating North Dakota in the NCAA West Regional final.
Talent Analysis
Simply put, Knight is a pest and the type of player that opponents hate to line up against. He skates extremely well and has a non-stop motor that takes him up and down the ice. He uses his body, his hands and his intelligence to sustain a constant attack against other team. Knight has the ability to handle the puck in traffic at high speeds, and he has a quick release and is able to get a shot off while in tight quarters. Knight shows great patience and uses his size well to protect the puck or create space in front of the net.
Future
Knight decided to return to North Dakota where he will spend his senior year continuing to hound his opponents and create chaos all over the ice. Expect an additional year or two in the AHL once his college career has ended. Knight does have the hockey sense, skills, and physical ability to become a significant checking-line contributor in the NHL once he has enough professional experience under his belt.
