Kohyn Eshkawkogan set to hit 100-game milestone
OTTAWA, ON – Despite this only being his age-17 season, Kohyn Eshkawkogan already carries himself like a pro. While some of that is innate, there’s no doubt that the fact that he’s already about to eclipse 100 games has something to do with his maturity.
“Hitting 100 games means a lot,” said Eshkawkogan. “We have a great group of guys, so it’s special to hit it with this team, and I look forward to playing the rest of the year with them.”
Even in celebration of his own personal milestones, he rarely ever foregoes the chance to uplift his teammates. While Eshkawkogan has acted like a sponge since coming to the Barber Poles, trying to learn as much from the coaching staff and his peers as much as possible, he credits one player in particular for making his rookie season as smooth as can be.”
“Someone who helped me adjust to the OHL was my d-partner last year, Matthew Mayich,” he said. “He was an overager and showed me the ropes at the start of the season, and as the season went on, he helped my play, and I helped him as well.”
It was later in that same season when Eshkawkogan really felt at home with the team.
“My best memory was going on a two-week road trip after Christmas in my rookie season and hanging out with the boys in the hotel.”
Thanks to his play in the OHL, he was afforded the chance to play for Team Canada Red at the Under-17’s in 2024, where he netted two assists.
“Joining Team Canada at the U-17s was a unique experience and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” he said. “It was cool playing with guys I’ve played minor hockey against and playing with them at that level,” he added. “I enjoyed every bit of it.”
With the way his game has been growing, it’s possible that Eshkawkogan–who should be a hot commodity for the 2027 NHL draft–may get further international opportunities as he begins the back half of his junior hockey career.
Even though he’s only 17, Eshkawkogan has become an integral piece to the 67’s blueline, providing strong offensive play in-zone and especially on the power play.
“I’d say my game has grown the most on the offensive blueline, being able to attack downhill and finding lanes to the net.”
However, the product of Manitoulin Island, ON, still feels he has some room to grow to get his game where he feels it can be.
“I’d like to see myself improve on closing my gap in the neutral zone,” he said. “It’s a part of my game I’ve improved on a lot already, but I still have a lot of room to improve.”
Despite the beginnings of draft buzz surrounding his play, ‘Ko’ remains focused on the task at hand: this season.
“Playing for this team is so cool,” he said. “All the guys are so close, ever since the start of the year, it’s been a close-knit group, and I look forward to going on a deep playoff run with these guys and hopefully win a Memorial Cup.”
Jacob Titus
Writer, Ottawa 67’s
