Jeran Knorr considers himself a power forward in the MJHL and for good reason.
For years, the 20-year-old Kenora, B.C. product, who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 197 pounds, has modeled his game after NHL star Joe Thornton, showcasing an ability to create space with his size, all the while, possessing a playmaking ability that by the looks of it, continues to improve.
After a 16-goal, 32-point campaign with the Oil Caps a season ago, Knorr’s continued development in Virden is evident this year, as the playmaking power forward had 26 goals and 57 points in 59 games to go along with 33 penalty minutes during the regular season.
“I’m really comfortable this year,” Knorr said, adding that the chemistry between him and fellow linemate Kyle Salaway has helped with his development as a player.
“I really think the chemistry between me and Kyle , we’ve been playing pretty well together, I think that’s big.”
Knorr likes what he sees on the ice when it comes to the club he plays for this season. The Oil Caps finished in second place in the MJHL standings and are preparing themselves for what they hope will be a lengthy playoff run which eventually ends in the Oil Caps hoisting an MJHL championship trophy when all is said and done. The Oil Caps are taking on the Selkirk Steelers in round one, beginning on Saturday night at Tundra Oil and Gas Place.
“We’ve got a really good chance at winning it this year. We’re a good club.”
Although it can get quite a bit colder in the winter in Virden compared to that of Kelowna, Knorr wouldn’t trade his current position in for anything.
“The weather is a bit different here but that doesn’t matter to me. I really love it here.”
Knorr enjoys golfing in the summer and is one of several gamers on the team who play the game “Fortnite” on Xbox. Asked if he was the best on the team, he wouldn’t go that far.
“I’m not sure I’d say I’m the best, but I’m up there,” he said with a smile.
Knorr plans to attend a post secondary school with hopes of continuing his hockey career after this season with the Oil Caps is over.