Smooth-skating Allenford blueliner joins Listowel following three productive seasons with the Grey-Bruce Highlanders AAA program
LISTOWEL, ONT. — The Listowel Cyclones are proud to announce the signing of defenceman Grayden McKnight for the 2026–2027 GOHL season.
A native of Allenford, Ontario, McKnight joins the Cyclones after developing into a consistent offensive contributor from the blue line with the Grey-Bruce Highlanders. The left-shot defenceman brings smooth skating, strong puck-moving ability and valuable experience at both the U18 AAA and junior levels.
During the 2025–2026 season, McKnight recorded five goals and 10 assists for 15 points in 28 regular-season games with the Grey-Bruce Highlanders U18 AAA team. He also collected 33 penalty minutes.
McKnight elevated his production during the playoffs, contributing one goal and five assists for six points through six postseason contests. His ability to generate offence from the back end remained an important part of Grey-Bruce’s attack throughout the year.
Alongside his U18 AAA season, McKnight gained additional junior experience with the Kincardine Bulldogs of the Provincial Junior Hockey League. He scored once in two regular-season appearances before recording an assist in his lone playoff game.
The 2024–2025 campaign represented McKnight’s most productive season at the U18 level. He registered six goals and 19 assists for 25 points in 31 regular-season games, establishing himself as a consistent playmaker from the blue line.
McKnight continued that production in the playoffs, scoring four goals and adding six assists for 10 points through eight postseason appearances. His playoff performance demonstrated an ability to contribute during important situations while providing offence from the back end.
That season also included McKnight’s first appearance at the junior level, when he suited up for one game with the Elmira Sugar Kings.
McKnight began making an offensive impact with Grey-Bruce during the 2023–2024 season. As a member of the Highlanders’ U16 AAA team, he recorded five goals and 15 assists for 20 points in 33 regular-season games.
He added four assists through eight playoff contests and earned an opportunity at the U18 level, collecting an assist in his lone appearance.
Across his three principal AAA regular seasons, McKnight accumulated 16 goals and 44 assists for 60 points in 92 games. His 44 assists reflect his consistent ability to move the puck, contribute to offensive possessions and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
McKnight was equally productive during postseason competition. Across 22 AAA playoff appearances, he recorded five goals and 15 assists for 20 points.
Before joining the Highlanders’ U16 and U18 programs, McKnight developed through two additional seasons with Grey-Bruce, competing at the U14 and U15 AAA levels.
His progression through the Grey-Bruce organization has provided McKnight with a strong foundation as he prepares to make the transition into the GOHL. His experience against junior competition with Elmira and Kincardine has also given him an early understanding of the increased speed and physical demands of the next level.
McKnight’s offensive record demonstrates his ability to contribute beyond his own end of the ice. His smooth skating and puck-moving ability allow him to support the transition game, distribute the puck effectively and become involved in the attack from the blue line.
The addition of McKnight provides the Cyclones with another promising young defenceman as the organization continues assembling its roster for the upcoming season. His established playmaking ability and consistent postseason production make him an exciting addition to Listowel’s defensive group.
The Listowel Cyclones are excited to welcome Grayden and his family to the organization and to the Listowel community.
Welcome to CycsNation, Grayden.
— Listowel Cyclones Hockey Club
