Simon Knak is heading into this season with a chip on his shoulder and something to prove.
His rookie season in Portland last year saw him accrue 34 points over his 49 games. Good enough to end the season tied for tenth in points among WHL rookies. He also showed that he can play a clean game, having taken only 3 penalties in that time. However, all of this was seemingly not enough to impress the scouts and NHL teams.
For his sophomore season in Portland, Knak is bringing with him a drive to prove himself that fans haven’t yet seen from him.
HC Davos
NHL-Draft-Prospect Simon Knak von den @pdxwinterhawks bestreitet Saisonvorbereitung mit dem HC Davos: https://t.co/Rh011bqDV8#welcome #HCD #DieEisheimischen pic.twitter.com/noI6cswwp1
— Hockey Club Davos (@HCDavos_off) August 3, 2020
Knak spent his time away from Portland training and playing in the National League with HC Davos in Switzerland. While there, he worked on improving both his shot and his speed.
He is glad for his time with Davos, his stint with them allowed him more development this season.
The Swiss-born forward took part in 25 games with the men’s team this season. In these games, he contributed with three goals and five assists.
On skating with Joe Thornton
Prior to the NHL’s return, long-time San Jose Sharks forward, Joe Thornton, found himself as an unrestricted free agent. As Thornton waited for a call that was sure to come, the decision was made to train and play in Switzerland. He returned to the team that hosted him during the 2004-05 NHL lockout and suddenly, Knak found himself sharing the ice with an NHL star.
“Skating with him was cool and when it was announced he could play games, it was exciting. It is something I will always remember and will tell my kids about one day.”
On captaining the Swiss team at the World Juniors
Der Coaching Staff der U20 hat die diesjährige Captain Crew bestimmt. / La groupe des capitaines de notre U20 à Edmonton.
C: Simon Knak
A: Iñaki Baragano
A: Joel SalzgeberLet's go, Boys! ??? pic.twitter.com/OZCVP0wGOr
— Swiss Ice Hockey (@SwissIceHockey) December 20, 2020
“Serving as captain wasn’t a new experience because I’ve been captain of the national team before, but the bubble was definitely new. There was no fresh air but it was a good experience and I have the opportunity to return for the next tournament,” said Knak.
While the Swiss team had a rough time at the 2021 World Juniors, it allowed the entire team to gain even more experience on the international stage and time to train during this pandemic. In the end, Knak was recognized as one of the top three players on the team.
Over the summer of 2020, Knak represented Switzerland in eight international U20 games, serving as captain for each of them as well.
Divisional play and the shortened season
“I am just happy we get to play and that the league figured out a good plan that means we can have a season.”
As much as fans are looking forward to the season, the players are the ones who are most looking forward to having games to play. To Knak, the opportunity to get in front of the scouts once again this season is especially important.
Personal goals
There is one personal goal that Simon Knak hopes to achieve this season. It is providing him fuel throughout the 24 games that are to be played.
“I want to prove the scouts wrong and that they and the teams messed up by not picking me in the draft last year.”
Knak is determined to make a point this season.
It was an absolute mistake to not select him in the NHL Entry Draft last October.
He deserved to be drafted last year but it would be downright foolish to skip over him again this year. With all games against teams in the US Division this season, he has ample opportunity to impress. To say this may just be the biggest year of his junior career may not be too far off-base.
To the fans
“I would tell them thank you for all of their support last season and hopefully they get to be in the arena next season, but I can’t wait to see them all again.”
Knak and the Portland Winterhawks will make their season debut Thursday, March 18th. The game will be against the Tri-City Americans at the Toyota Center in Kennewick, WA. Puck drop is set for 7:05 pm PDT.
