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One of hockey's enduring traditions - going way back before Gordie Howe - is that rural kids naturally pick up the work ethic needed to become great on the ice. Published May 02, 2024 • Last updated May 02, 2024 • 4 minute read One of hockey's enduring traditions - going way back before Gordie Howe - is that rural kids naturally pick up the work ethic needed to become great on the ice. That's not the case for the Ontario Hockey League's latest Red Tilson Trophy winner. Easton Cowan was never that big on hay-baling or barn-sweeping during his Mt. Brydges upbringing. Article content His incredible puck-hounding will came from within. Advertisement 2 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. or Article content "I think my dad (Chris) would like to say the farm," the London Knights forward and Maple Leafs first-rounder said Thursday after receiving the league's most outstanding player award, "but I'm not really a big helper there. Just be(ing) consistent each and every day, work(ing) hard on and off the ice and having the mindset that you want to keep getting better has really helped." The 18-year-old is the seventh Knight in franchise history to win the OHL's top individual honour and the first since current Toronto star Mitch Marner in 2015-16. He racked up 34 goals and 96 points in just 54 games, finished second in points-per-game (1.78), was the league's most dangerous penalty killer and produced a team-record 36-game point streak that ran from Nov. 25 to the season finale March 24. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content Advertisement 3 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content It was the OHL's longest heater in 29 years and perfectly captured his mentality as an important part of the league's best team. "He wants to prove every day that he is good," said London GM Mark Hunter. "It's a hard thing to teach and he brings it all the time. His focus is off the charts, and if you see what he does to prepare for a game day, you understand why he's ready for it. "It's professional. He understood what he needed to do and it came easy for him," Hunter added. "The will? It's been there since I first saw him play with Elgin-Middlesex." Denver Barkey thinks some people are born with a relentless pursuit of greatness. The Knights forward, selected in the first round nine picks before Cowan in the 2021 OHL draft, sensed that quality in his new teammate immediately. "Before I even met Easton in person, we talked online through Zoom calls during COVID and communicated through social media," the Flyers prospect said, "and that's where I noticed how hard he really worked. I don't think he likes to get his hands dirty on the farm, but he's 18 years old and has the energy of someone a bit younger than that, even. Advertisement 4 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content "He's always fun to be around, helped us have a very successful season and we're all super proud of him," he added. The Hunters placed the 16-year-old Cowan with the Junior B Komoka Kings in 2021-22 - just as they did with fellow NHL first-rounders Oliver Bonk with St. Thomas that year and Logan Mailloux with the London Nationals a little earlier. Advertisement 5 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Hunter described his progress - from part-time affiliate to regular contributor to playoff hero last year to Toronto first-rounder and Canadian world junior skater - as quickly climbing the hockey ladder. "He just kept grabbing rungs," the GM said. "He's handled adversity and we do give some in London. He got better and better and the rest is history. He came back (from Leafs camp) with a good attitude, where he wants to win but understands you need a team. "If you lose hockey games, you don't get accolades (like) most valuable player," Hunter added. "I give him credit for being a great teammate. He wants to be a difference-maker and he deserves this award." Cowan won 41 per cent of the MVP vote by the OHL's accredited media. Saginaw defenceman Zayne Parekh was second with 18 per cent and Sudbury's high-scoring David Goyette was third at 17 per cent. The last three Knights to win the Tilson - Marner, Michael Houser and Corey Perry - all played in a Memorial Cup final that same spring. Cowan, with four goals and 14 points in 12 playoff games, hopes to continue that trend. "We're looking to close out our series with Saginaw (Friday at Budweiser Gardens)," he said of the Western Conference final that London leads 3-1. "It takes hard work and I feel our team has it. We're all very confident in our group. Obviously, (the Cup is) our end goal but, right now, we're focusing on (Friday) and being ready for that game." rpyette@postmedia.com Here are the seven London Knights to win the OHL's Red Tilson Trophy as the league's most outstanding player: 2023-24: Easton Cowan 2015-16: Mitch Marner 2011-12: Michael Houser 2004-05: Corey Perry 1993-94: Jason Allison 1981-82: Dave Simpson 1974-75: Dennis Maruk Recommended from Editorial PYETTE: Drive, consistency fuel Easton Cowan's record point streak PYETTE: Easton Cowan is a scoring machine, and should be OHL MVP Article contentSign In or Create an Account
THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN
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