London Knights forward Easton Cowan has been named the 2023-24 Red Tilson Trophy winner which is awarded annually to the OHL’s most outstanding player.
The 18 year old racked up 96 points (34G, 62A) across 54 games for the Knights, including a league leading 14 shorthanded points. The 5’10” winger also strung together an impressive 36 game point streak, which ranks 3rd all-time in league history.
Cowan and his London teammates finished with the best record in the OHL with a 50-14-4 slate, and are currently 1 win away from punching their ticket through to J. Ross Robertson Cup finals. His 14 points through 12 playoff games are a huge reason why the Knights currently hold a 3-1 series lead over the Saginaw Spirit in the Western Conference Final at the moment.
“I want to thank all of my teammates, coaches, training staff and of course my family,” Cowan said in a prepared statement. “None of this is possible without them. It’s a great honour for me and my family.”
Taken 28th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, Cowan is the first Knights player to win the Tilson Trophy since current Leafs’ forward Mitch Marner took home the award back in 2015-16.
“It takes special players to win and have great teams and Easton is exceptional,” said Knights Vice President and General Manager Mark Hunter. “He has speed skill and will and of all of those his will to win and be better everyday is a testament to his work ethic and drive to be a National Hockey League player. He had a great season in London and we’re very proud of him.”
Cowan joins an illustrious list of Knights players to capture the award including the aforementioned Marner, Michael Houser (2011-12), Corey Perry (2004-05), Jason Allison (1993-94), Dave Simpson (1981-82), and Dennis Maruk (1974-75). The Mount Brydges, ON native beat out Zayne Parekh of the Spirit, David Goyette from Sudbury, and Anthony Romani from the North Bay Battalion following voting from the OHL’s accredited writers and broadcasters committee.
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