Kohyn Eshkawkogan will join Ottawa 67’s squad
Ashton Pitawanakwat chosen by Barrie Colts
MANITOULIN—Kohyn Eshkawkogan can check off one of his long-term goals after he was drafted in the 2024 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft Friday night.
“I was very happy being chosen by Ottawa (67’s), and having my name called as having been drafted was quite an experience,” said Kohyn after having been drafted in the first round, 21st overall, last Friday evening.
“The general manager and the head scout for the 67’s called me last night,” Kohyn, who is just 15, told The Expositor on Saturday. “They asked if I would attend training camp with the 67’s if they drafted me and if I was excited.” He gave an emphatic ‘yes’ to both questions.
A draft viewing party was held last Friday evening for Kohyn. “Most of my family, a few friends and some of my former coaches were on hand. There were about 40 people,” he said, pointing out the event was held at the curling club room at the NEMI recreation centre.
“I will be attending the 67’s development camp on April 26-28,” Kohyn told The Expositor. Kohyn, a defenceman, is 15, 5’ 10” and weighs 161 pounds. He is a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation and lived in Aundeck Omni Kaning until he moved to southern Ontario to play with the North York Rangers U16 AAA team.
“We’re all very proud of Kohyn,” said his father Kevin Eshkawkogan in an email. “With family in Aundeck Omni Kaning, M’Chigeeng, Little Current, Moose Factory and Wiikwemkoong, he understands he is not just representing himself, our family, but all of those who take the time to support him. We are thankful for his Little Current Flyers, Manitoulin Panthers and all of the coaches and team managers who taught him so much and organized a ton to make hockey happen for him and his teammates over the last 12 years.”
“As Manitoulin’s first OHL first rounder, he appreciates how hard it is to obtain good grades at The Hill Academy, train in rinks all across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), play a full schedule with one of the best teams in the GTHL and in the world, but also that Manitoulin is a great place to play and develop as a hockey player and as a person,” said Mr. Eshkawkogan. He pointed out Kohyn spent a lot of time growing up in the NEMI recreation centre, the M’Chigeeng Arena, driving back and forth to Sudbury, running up McLean’s Mountain (as part of his training program) and on the outdoor rink in the backyard and AOK.
“He had a personal goal to be an OHL first rounder and he achieved it,” said the proud dad. “He fully understands he has an even harder path ahead of him as he has more dreams and goals to achieve and with the right energy and effort, he will execute his plans to accomplish whatever he puts his mind to. His hard work is paying off.”
Along with the upcoming Ottawa 67’s development camp, Kohyn will go for gold at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships in Grand Prairie from May 6-11. “After that, it’s all about finishing off the school year with good grades and ramping up for another summer of training at Gary Roberts performance camp to make an impact in Ottawa at the 67’s main camp in August,” said Mr. Eshkawkogan. “As his family, we look forward to the front row seat we have to watch whatever he chooses to do next.”
After next week’s development camp, Kohyn will take part in the team’s main training camp in the fall. “If I make the team I will be living with a billet in Ottawa,” he said.
Another Manitoulin hockey player, Ashton Pitawanakwat, of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory was selected 267th overall (14th round) by the Barrie Colts in the OHL draft this weekend.
Mr. Pitawanakwat, who could not be reached for comment prior to this week’s press deadline, played for the Sudbury Wolves U16 AAA team and Team Northern Ontario Hockey Association this season.
A free public skating and meet and greet session with Kohyn Eshkawkogan will take place Saturday, April 20, from 7-9 pm at the M’Chigeeng arena.
