Former Ohio AAA Blue Jackets forward, and Columbus-area native, Cohen Hoening, was chosen as the 6th pick by the Rock Springs Minors of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) of the U.S. Premier Hockey League. The draft was held on Thursday.
Per a NCDC press release:
“The NCDC is focused on being a primary step for players on the pathway to college hockey,” said Tony Zasowski, USPHL Deputy Commissioner. “The interest in tuition-free Junior A hockey is growing across both Canada and the United States,” said Kevin Abrams, of the NCDC. “The future provides exciting opportunities for communities and fans, as well as players and their families.”
Cohen told THN-Columbus, "Getting drafted to Rock Springs in the NCDC is a huge honor, and I’m intrigued to see what comes from it. Going that high in any draft is definitely exciting and feels like a huge accomplishment."
But that's not the only option he has when it comes to playing junior hockey.
Hoening was also tendered by the North American Hockey League's Minnesota Mallards, who play in Forest Lake, MN. He tells THN-Columbus that he plans to play for Minnesota for the 25-26 season. "I feel really good about tendering with the Mallards. They’re a pretty new team in the NAHL and still have a lot of legacy to create, and I think I have a great opportunity to come in there and help build that with them."
Cohen adds, "I think I will really be able to improve my game there in Minnesota and being around players that have had more experience with playing junior hockey will help me develop a whole new step."
Hoening says his goal is to play college hockey at some point, "My goal is 100% to develop enough to play college hockey. I think with either league there is a huge opportunity for me and I'm definitely looking to fulfill that." He also says, "I would love to develop enough to play in the USHL after a year in the NAHL. The USHL filters so many players into Division One hockey."
Hoening has played for various Ohio Blue Jackets AAA teams since he was 10, finishing last season playing with the T1EHL 18U and 18U AAA teams.
In his 18U season, he played 60 games for the AAA team, scoring 44 goals and totaling 71 points. On the T1EHL 18U team, he played 12 games and had 6 points. In four playoff games, he had a goal and two points.
Looking back on his time with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets, he says, "I've loved playing for the OBJ! It has played a huge part in my growth as a player, but more importantly, as a person. Everyone I've met through the organization has become family for me and it sucks that it's coming to an end."
Congrats to Cohen Hoening and good luck with Minnesota.
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