Eshkawkogan returns with hardware after representing Canada for the first time
It was a difficult ending to the World Under 17 Challenge in Sarnia for Kohyn Eshkawkogan’s Team Canada Red squad, falling in the gold medal game to their fellow Canadian counterparts, but by and large, it was a successful tournament for the 15-year-old Manitoulin Island native.
Eshkawkogan registered a point in each of his team’s first two games, coming against Finland and the United States, before being rewarded with a silver medal on Saturday night.
“It was a good experience with great people,” Eshkawkogan said. “The guys there had fun with our games. It wasn’t the result we wanted, but it was a good experience.”
Eying gold, Eshkawkogan has taken the disappointment of the loss in stride. He saw plenty of great things from his Team Canada Red teammates, absorbed a lot of knowledge, and earned a medal that he’ll cherish forever.
“It means a lot,” Eshkawkogan said of his silver medal. “It just shows that our team bought in and worked really hard to get to that game.”
Alongside top prospects for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, Eshkawkogan – who won’t become eligible until the 2027 draft – had a chance to put forth a good showing to introduce himself to the scouts. His two points tied him for fourth among Canadian defenders.
“I thought I did pretty well for myself,” Eshkawkogan said. “I just did whatever I could to help the team.”
Previously, Eshkawkogan represented Team Ontario at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, where he experienced a boatload of success, but until now, he had never been called to compete on the international stage.
Ahead of the tournament, the youngster said he thought it would feel like “a big difference,” and he was right. Pulling that maple leaf over your head is a big opportunity, and one he was honoured to have.
“It’s another level playing for the whole country,” Eshkawkogan said. “It’s cool playing with guys from across the country, as well.”
With nearly a quarter of the season in the books already, Eshkawkogan has scored a goal and five assists in his 12 OHL games, but has made his mark defending his own end of the rink early on.
The break-neck pace of the year has stopped him from reflecting backward on what he has done thus far, only allowing him to look forward and work to continue to help his team earn wins.
That’s never been more true, as he’s thrust back into the lineup after only one day of practice ahead of Wednesday morning’s meeting with the Kingston Frontenacs.
“I’m hoping it’s right back into the swing of things,” Eshkawkogan said. “I don’t think it’ll take time to adjust, I’ve been playing at a fast level there at U-17, so I hope that translates back here, as well.”
From one cool experience to the next, Eshkawkogan is eager to get a taste of what playing in front of 15,000 screaming fans in an NHL arena is all about.
“It’s going to be cool,” he said. “I hope to play in NHL rinks regularly eventually, so it’ll be a cool experience. It’s going to be pretty loud there.”
