OTTAWA—Kohyn Eshkawkogan won not just one, but two rookie of the year awards for his efforts in his first season with the Ottawa 67’s of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
“Kohyn won two rookie of the year awards this weekend,” his father Kevin told The Expositor on March 18. The two awards included the rookie of the year award from the 67’s team (selected by team staff) and from the team’s booster club.
These awards come despite Kohyn having missed several games this regular season. “I separated my shoulder in a game on Family Day (February 17),” Kohyn told the Expositor last Friday. However, “I should be able to play tomorrow, in a game in Erie.
The team itself has suffered a series of injuries during the regular season which kept players out of action, but heading into last weekend’s last two games, several players were expected to return to the 67’s roster, which would mark the first time they have had a full roster the entire season.
Kohyn’s focus remains on helping his team get to the playoffs. “We are two points behind North Bay (for the eighth and final playoff spot in their division) with two games for each team left,” he said. The 67’s were to play Saturday and Sunday.
“In spite of Kohyn being off for a while due to his injury, he is still leading the league for 16- year-old scoring for defencemen,” said Mr. Eshkawkogan.
Kohyn notched 20 points during the season, four goals and 16 assists.
While hopeful of his team making the playoffs, Kohyn said overall he is happy with the ways things have progressed in his first year of OHL action. “The season has been a bit more tiring than playing minor hockey,” he explained. “I have had lots of ice time in games this season, including on the power-play.”
Kohyn said he also knows where his focus is going to be in the off-season this summer. “My main focus will be getting into the gym to put on some good, healthy weight. And I can also work on my skating as well.”
In 2024 Kohyn was drafted 21st overall by the 67’s in the 2024 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection Draft. He is a member of M’Chigeeng First Nation and lived in Little Current until he moved to southern Ontario last season to play with the North York Rangers U16 AAA team last season. He is the first Manitoulin Island hockey player to be selected in the first round of the OHL draft.
