The story of the weekend for the Lethbridge Hurricanes came early in round one when Yukon native Dylan Cozens had his name called at number seven by the Buffalo Sabers. Cozens becomes the first player from Yukon territory to be drafted into the NHL. Cozens also becomes the highest ever drafted Hurricanes player. That position was previously held by Zach Boychuk who went 14th over to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2008 and Brent Seabrook in 2003 also went 14th overall to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Cozens joins other former Hurricanes in being selected by the Sabers that includes former captain Giorgio Estapahn (6th round in 2015), Luc Theoret (4th round in 1997), Dylan Kemp (9th round in 1997) and Brad Rubachuk (12th round 1990).
Coming in as the fifth ranked skater in North America after finishing the season second in team scoring, recording 84 points in 68 games including 34 goals. Cozens then followed that up with 8 points in a first round series loss to the Calgary Hitmen, a series that went seven games.
Cozens also represented Canada at the Ivan Hlinka tournament this past season. He was chosen to be an assistant captain. Cozens struggled a bit during the tournament but managed to collect five points in five games which, tying him for fifth on the team in scoring. Canada did go on to win the gold medal at the event.
Cozens wasn’t the only Hurricanes at the draft on the weekend. Forward Logan Barlage was hoping to hear his names called as well after being ranked 188th among North American skaters. It was not to be for the Humbolt, SK product who will return the Hurricanes in the fall for his second full season with the club. There is still hope for the centermen who could still receive an NHL rookie development camp invite. Also one would expect him to enter the 2020 NHL draft.
