Easton Cowan Media Availability Easton Cowan has officially made Canada's 2024 World Junior team, and has come to embrace his utility role and ability to play just about anywhere in the lineup. "I can play any role they need me to play, whether that's top six, bottom six, PK, or power play," says Cowan. Cowan's title throughout the entirety of selection camp was the 'dog on a bone' and being a relentless player who never gives up and keeps chasing. "[I] just got to go out there and play hard, and have that dog on a bone mentality," said Cowan at the beginning of camp. He did just that. Though he and Alan Letang agreed that it wasn't Cowan's best showing, that hard working mentality is always evident in his game. This is what earned him a spot on Canada's final roster. Easton Cowan at Canada's World Junior Selection Camp at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, ON. [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjAzMDcxNDQwNDQ5MTg1MzQ3/106a4584.jpg] Easton Cowan at Canada's World Junior Selection Camp at Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, ON. Cowan was selected in the first round in the 2023 NHL Draft by the Toronto Maple Leafs, a pick that many were surprised by. He has just continued to prove himself time and time again this season, and his impressive pre-season stint with the Leafs reassured a lot of fans about his game. In this tournament, it is likely that we will see Cowan play a million different roles, whether he's supporting in the top six, or grinding and creating momentum in the bottom six. Cowan and Denver Barkey have been one of the best penalty kill duos in the OHL this season in London, and Cowan should play a vital role on Canada's PK unit as well. Before camp began, Cowan said that his head coach Dale Hunter told him to keep that "dog on a bone mentality, and hound pucks." Hunter has previous World Junior coaching experience as well. The World Juniors begin on December 26th, where Canada will begin their hunt for a third-straight gold medal.
