Admirals winger hoping for double celebration
Cohen Alexander would love nothing more than to celebrate his birthday as a member of an Ontario Hockey League organization.
The hard-hitting winger for the Southern Tier Admirals turns 16 Friday, the same day the 2024 OHL draft begins with rounds 1-3.
“It would be an unreal birthday gift,” said Alexander, who attends Grade 10 at Holy Cross.
Alexander, who collected six goals and 13 points in 34 games for the Admirals this season, is eager to see how the draft plays out.
“I’m looking at it as a big deal,” he said. “I’ve been working for this for a pretty long time. Ever since I started this was my dream to go to the OHL and make hockey my career.
“I’ll be with family at home and wait to see if name gets called or not.”
Alexander, who has been in contact with the Sarnia Sting and a couple of other organizations, has a Plan B should he not be selected.
“I’m probably go play prep hockey in the States,” he said. “We have talked to one school in Ohio (Gilmour Academy) and I have a friend who goes there and he says it’s good.”
Alexander has paid his dues in minor hockey, beginning at the BB level in his hometown of Niagara-on-the-Lake, before moving to AAA for the Admirals, AA in West Niagara, and then back to AAA since his U14 season.
Alexander had no problems with the setbacks.
“It’s been alright. The coaches I have been with have been pretty good,” he said. “My coach this year (Kevin Rosebrugh) has been a big help. He has great systems and knows what he is doing with the team.”
Rosebrugh describes Alexander as a complete player.
“Cohen is a 200-foot player who plays in all three zones. He has the ability to play both wing and centre. Cohen has a good, accurate shot with a quick release in tight areas,” Rosebrugh said.
Alexander, who also played six games with Brantford of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League this season, said he doesn’t mind mixing it up.
“I think I play physical, I’m a heavy winger,” he said. “I like to get pucks deep and use my strength and my body to win puck battles. I don’t really give up on puck battles quick. I can usually split the defence pretty good. I have good hands and a good shot. I’m a 200-foot guy who likes to play in the D zone and offensive zone.”
Alexander also plays field lacrosse for his school and enjoys ball hockey.
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