'Hopefully, I hear my name called': Calgary Canucks defenceman makes final NHL Draft ranking
Calgary Canucks defenceman Easton Hewson made the National Hockey League’s final draft ranking list for 2024 – but at the moment, his priority is winning the National Junior A Hockey Championship
The 18 year old and his teammates leave for Oakville, Ont. next Tuesday to play for the Centennial Cup.
It’s been nearly two weeks since the Canucks beat the Whitecourt Wolverines to win the AJHL Championship.
To make sure they’re ready, the Canucks have kind of gone back to training camp with two-a-day practices.
Hewson says it’s all worth it because they want to be their best in the national tournament.
“I think our group, we’ve done a really good job of staying dialled in,” Hewson said.
“We’re really happy and grateful for the AJHL title but the job is not finished for us and we all know that. We’re all pushing the pace every day and we’re hoping to bring home a national title.”
The lone Canuck ranked
After the Centennial Cup is over, Hewson can turn his attention to the NHL entry draft at the end of June.
Hewson is ranked 183rd on Central Scouting’s final list of North American skaters.
“Hopefully, I hear my name called,” said Hewson.
“We’ll see how it goes. I think it’s a testament to this whole program and how we’ve turned it around this year. I’m not the only guy that could’ve been on that list. I think we have a really good team and lots of guys' names could’ve been there and I’m glad to see mine for sure.”
Hewson registered two goals and nine assists over the Canucks’ 15-game playoff run.
Adam Leitch is his defence partner and he says it’s easy to play with the big blue liner.
“He’s a great skater and he uses his feet to get out of sticky situations. He’s very assertive in the way he plays and he likes to lead the rush and play with a lot of pace on offense,” he said.
“It helps that he’s 6’4” (193 centimetres) and you know, usually taller guys aren’t the best skaters but he’s figured it out.”
Put the work in
Canucks head coach Brad Moran says Hewson has put the work in to improve his game. The difference from last season to this season has been noticeable.
“To his own admission last year he needed to work on his decision-making as the rest of his game evolved,” said Moran.
“Physically he has and he’s learned to know when to take the risk and when to make the simple plays which really allows him to control the game and manage the clock and who he’s on the ice with or against to play the best of his ability.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Independent stores and grocery alternatives see sales boost amid Loblaw boycott
As the month-long boycott of Loblaw-owned stores wears on, small independent food retailers and alternative grocery options say they're seeing a boost in traffic and sales.
How to check the Air Quality Health Index and assess your health risks
As we enter another wildfire season, Environment and Climate Change Canada is advising people to pay attention to air pollution levels and check the Air Quality Health Index – especially on smoky days.
Cannabis legalization coincided with uptick in ER visits from seniors: study
A new study has linked the legalization of cannabis with a rise in the number of Ontario seniors visiting emergency rooms.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
DEVELOPING Defence witness who angered the judge in Trump's hush money trial will return to the stand
A defence witness in Donald Trump's hush money case whom the judge threatened to remove from the trial over his behaviour will return to the stand Tuesday as the trial nears its end.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.