Achi news desk-
Calgary Canucks defenseman Easton Hewson made the final National Hockey League draft position list for 2024 – but right now, his priority is winning the National Junior A Hockey Championship
The 18-year-old and his teammates are leaving for Oakville, Ont. next Tuesday to play for the Centenary Cup.
Almost two weeks have passed since the Canucks beat the Whitecourt Wolverines to win the AJHL Championship.
To ensure they are ready, the Canucks have gone back to training camp with two-a-day practices.
Hewson says it’s all worth it because they want to be at their best in the national tournament.
“I think our group, we’ve done a really good job of staying in,” Hewson said.
“We are very happy and grateful for the AJHL title but the job is not done for us and we all know that. We are all pushing the pace every day and we hope to bring home a national title.”
The only Canuck ranked
After the Centennial Cup is over, Hewson can turn his attention to the NHL entry draft in late June.
Hewson is ranked 183rd on Central Scouting’s final list of North American skaters.
“Hopefully, I’ll hear my name called,” Hewson said.
“We’ll see how it goes. I think it’s a testament to this whole program and how we’ve transformed it this year. I’m not the only guy who could have been on that list. I think we’ve got a really good team and a lot of guys’ names could have been there and I’m glad to see mine for sure.”
Hewson registered two goals and nine assists over the Canucks’ 15-game playoff streak.
Adam Leitch is his defense partner and he says it is easy to play with the big blue liner.
“He’s a great skater and uses his feet to get out of sticky situations. He is very assertive in the way he plays and he likes to lead the rush and play fast on offense,” he said.
“It helps that he’s 6’4″ (193 centimetres) and you know, taller guys aren’t usually the best skaters but he’s figured it out.”
Put in the work
Canucks head coach Brad Moran says Hewson has put in the work to improve his game. The difference from last season to this season has been obvious.
“By his own admission last year he needed to work on his decision-making as the rest of his game evolved,” Moran said.
“Physically he has and has learned to know when to take the risk and when to make the simple plays that really allow him to control the game and control the clock and who he is on the ice with or against to play the to the best of his ability. “
