-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Toronto Maple Leafs [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs] may have lost their Thanksgiving Monday matinee game against the Detroit Red Wings [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings], but one former OHL MVP, a two-time OHL champion, and a Memorial Cup champion experienced a special moment after spending the first two games of the season in the press box. Easton Cowan [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/if-you-stick-with-it-good-things-will-come-what-easton-cowan-will-remember-about-his-nhl-debut-with-maple-leafs] made his NHL debut Monday afternoon in front of a packed Scotiabank Arena, which featured some familiar OHL faces. <i>Photo credit: @LondonKnights via X</i> [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/36f8afa3-71ca-4bfe-a68c-2e9251eddc5b.jpeg] <i>Photo credit: @LondonKnights via X</i> Players from the London Knights showed up to the game in support of their former OHL teammate, which the official X account of the Knights tweeted out. The group picture features: Aleksei Medvedev [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/no-ncaa-for-aleksei-medvedev-a-sigh-of-relief-for-the-london-knights-their-fans], Jared Woolley, Sam O’Reilly [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/london-knights-sam-o-reilly-involved-in-nhl-trade-between-edmonton-tampa-bay], Andoni Fimis, Henry Brzustewicz, Noah Read, Rene Van Bommel [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/london-knights-rene-van-bommel-commits-to-ncaa-lake-superior-state-university], Evan Van Gorp peaking in the back, and former London Knight — and current Toronto Marlie — Landon Sim. There’s no denying that there is a special bond that forms and never dies when you are part of a championship team. All nine players in the picture were members of the 2025 OHL Championship-winning team [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/the-london-knights-hang-on-to-win-ohl-championship] and continued the celebration with a redemption victory at the Memorial Cup [https://thehockeynews.com/news/latest-news/2025-memorial-cup-london-knights-capture-crown-and-redemption-with-win-in-final]. Easton Cowan made the Maple Leafs roster after an impressive training camp; however, head coach Craig Berube [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/latest-news/we-need-more-from-him-maple-leafs-craig-berube-challenges-william-nylander-for-offense-following-defeat-to-red-wings] waited until Game 3 of the season to showcase Toronto’s top prospect. Instead of easing Cowan into the lineup and playing him in the bottom six, Berube situated him right beside Toronto’s superstar captain, Auston Matthews, for his debut. The Leafs dominated their game against Detroit, mounting a comeback from down 2-0 in the third period. Unfortunately, Red Wings forward Mason Appleton stunned the home crowd, scoring the game-winning goal with 45 seconds left on the clock. Looking at the silver lining of things, not only did Cowan have a strong debut, but he looked like he belonged inside Toronto’s top six. Cowan finished the game with 14:05 TOI, one shot, and three hits. Additionally, the Maple Leafs outshot Detroit 12-1 while he was on the ice. He was noticeably engaged and unafraid of contact. Most importantly, he displayed his offensive skills and hands to make plays to his captain, setting him up for a few scoring chances. Toronto is back in action Tuesday night, as they host the Nashville Predators [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/nashville-predators]. Will this be the game Cowan scores his first NHL goal? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Make sure you bookmark THN's OHL site [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Also, be sure to leave a comment at the bottom of the page and engage with other passionate fans through our forum. Latest OHL News: Former London Knight Impressing Maple Leafs Organization & Fanbase [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a0706d71-aa95-4842-8dd8-dffb8e135f0e.jpeg] Former London Knight Impressing Maple Leafs Organization & Fanbase The majority of NHL teams have kicked off their pre-season this past weekend, including the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs">Toronto Maple Leafs</a>. Training camp and pre-season are opportunities for younger players in the system to impress coaches and management and make a name for themselves. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/former-london-knight-impressing-maple-leafs-organization-fanbase] Sarnia Sting Strengthen Between The Pipes With Addition Of Maple Leafs Camp Netminder [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/97042d32-a669-4169-805b-aaf19d8e9873.jpeg] Sarnia Sting Strengthen Between The Pipes With Addition Of Maple Leafs Camp Netminder The North Bay Battalion had three OHL-caliber goaltenders on their roster to start the season: starter Mike McIvor, Charlie Larocque, and Jack Lisson. It’s also worth mentioning that the organization’s 2025 5th-rounder 6-foot-3 netminder Cole Vreugdenhil has also made a strong first impression with the organization. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/sarnia-sting-strengthen-between-the-pipes-with-addition-of-maple-leafs-camp-netminder] 5 Rookies Who Could Dominate The OHL Rookie Of The Year Race [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3f64e48e-34b6-4d18-b592-ef8d9ce5a8c4.jpeg] 5 Rookies Who Could Dominate The OHL Rookie Of The Year Race Owen Sound Attack forward <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/players/owen-sound-attacks-rookie-sensation-has-truly-stepped-up-his-game-positioning-himself-as-a-strong-contender-for-rookie-of-the-year">Pierce Mbuyi</a> was awarded the Emms Family Award as <a href="https://chl.ca/ohl/video/attacks-pierce-mbuyi-earns-emms-family-award-as-ohl-rookie-of-the-year/">OHL Rookie of the Year</a> last season after recording an incredible 29 goals and 52 points in 63 games. He set a new single-season points record by a 16-year-old Owen Sound rookie. [https://thehockeynews.com/ohl/latest-news/5-rookies-who-could-dominate-the-ohl-rookie-of-the-year-race]
