TORONTO—Fifteen-year-old Kohyn Eshkawkogan, a member of the M’Chigeeng First Nation had a lot of fan support as he suited up for Team Red at the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) 2024 Top Prospects Game.
“Yes, I had a lot of family and friends at the game, there were at least 20 there,” Kohyn told The Expositor. “Most of them are from the (Manitoulin) Island and some were from my mom’s side in Moose Factory.”
“I thought I played pretty well. It was a cool opportunity and experience,” Kohyn said, noting that the game brought together 40 under 16 AAA players from the GTHL, all selected to take part in the game (held January 17).
“I would have had six of my teammates (from his GTHL North York Rangers U16 AAA team), but one of them had broken his ankle (previously) so there were five other guys from my team there,” Kohyn continued.
His North York Rangers team is in third place in the league standings, with the two teams ahead of the Rangers having games in hand.
In 51 games in the regular season this year Kohyn has garnered 35 points. It should be noted he is a defenceman and he is also the youngest player on his team.
“I would say my skating ability that allows me to move up into the play,” Kohyn told The Expositor on what he feels is his greatest strength.
Hockey is certainly not the only thing Kohyn excels at—his schoolwork is just as impressive. He is a Grade 10 student at Hill Academy in Caledon and his goal is to be on the academic team (average of 90 percent in his classes).
One of his goals is to play in the Ontario Hockey League (with 2024 being his draft eligibility year). And yes, if all goes well, “I’d like to play in the NHL later.”
Kohyn’s parents (Kevin and Melissa) were in attendance at the Top Prospects Game. “It went well. Kohyn played really well, although his team lost 4-3,” said Kevin.
