Eshkawkogan to further hockey and educational careers in southern Ontario
By Sam Laskaris
M’CHIGEENG FIRST NATION— Kohyn Eshkawkogan is looking forward to a change of scenery.
Eshkawkogan, a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, spent the past hockey season toiling with the Sudbury-based Nickel City Sons’ Under-14 AAA squad.
As for the coming year, Eshkawkogan is moving with his family to Mississauga.
The 5-foot-7, 125-pound defenceman will play for the Mississauga-based Reps Hockey Club, with its Under-15 AAA team. He’ll also commence his high school studies at The Hill Academy, a specialized independent school that allows students to receive elite sports training while continuing their academics.
“The primary reason for the move is to get him another calibre of education that he can’t get up north,” said Kohyn’s father Kevin, adding he’s not criticizing the level of education in northern Ontario but simply stating high schools that focus on elite athletes are not available. “And on the hockey front, he’s going to be exposed to some of the best hockey players in North America.”
The Reps participate in the Greater Toronto Hockey League, believed to be the largest youth hockey circuit in the world.
Eshkawkogan’s coach this coming season with the Reps will be Sylvain Cloutier, a former National Hockey League (NHL) player.
Ideally, Eshkawkogan has two seasons of minor hockey remaining. After that, he’s hoping to be drafted and go on to play in the Ontario Hockey League, a Major Junior loop that features players aged 16-21 and is considered one of the top feeder systems for the NHL.
Kevin Eshkawkogan believes his family’s move to southern Ontario can only benefit his son’s development.
“He’s positioning himself to be a good candidate to be an OHL draft pick,” he said.
The young teen said he’s also looking forward to the move.
“I’m excited about this coming year,” he said.
He added he’s hoping to continue playing the sport at elite levels.
“I want to take it as far as I can,” he said.
And yes, that includes the desire to make it to the pros.
Kohyn said he does not currently have a favourite NHL team. But there are a pair of pro defencemen that he is fond of. They are Cale Makar, a member of this year’s Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalance, and Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
“I like Cale’s offensive abilities and Victor has many defensive abilities,” Kohyn Eshkawkogan said.
Though his 2021-22 campaign with his Nickel City squad wrapped up a few months ago, the young Eshkawkogan has kept himself busy competing in various tournaments.
One of the events he took part in was an international tourney in the Czech Republic. He played for a team called Draftday North America.
His club ended up advancing to the quarter-finals of the Czech tournament.
He also suited up for Draftday North America at an event in Nashville, Tennessee.
The young blue-liner also represented a Northern Ontario club which won a tournament in Toronto against other elite regional clubs.
He’ll also take part in another tournament in Toronto, which is scheduled from July 7-10. And then he’ll gear up for an event in Brantford, running Aug. 19-21.