Cousins Hoping For Shot At World Juniors

As in many years past, game four could turn out to be a make-or-break game in the SUBWAY® Super Series between Team OHL, and the tough Russian National Junior Team.

The Russians will be coming off a busy travel schedule playing two games in the QMJHL just days after landing on Canadian soil, and later travelling across the province from Ottawa to Sault Ste. Marie for Monday’s contest.

The heavy travel never seems to affect the Russians however, and there’s no doubt that game four will be a hard fought battle between two hungry teams.

One of the more interesting angles that this game could take is that some of the players in the line up who weren’t invited to Team Canada’s summer camp will be looking to make a major impression on the coaching staff.

George Burnett, Head Coach and General Manager of the OHL’s Belleville Bulls and National Junior Team Assistant, believes that there are plenty of opportunities for these types of players to shine in – what really turns out to be – a one-game tryout.

“Last year one that comes to mind is Marcus Foligno, who wasn’t in the summer camp but played in Sudbury and not only did he get himself an opportunity to go to the final selection camp but he became an integral part of the team in Buffalo,” Burnett said.

Of the players looking to make an impression is Soo Greyhound forward Nick Cousins, who was selected in the 3rd-round of last year’s NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers.

Sitting 13th in league scoring through 19 games with 11 goals and 24 points, Cousins is showing that he belongs on Team OHL and at Team Canada’s Selection Camp in December, and Burnett believes has a realistic opportunity to be there.

“He’s had a great start to his season,” Burnett said. “I know how hard he worked out and prepared himself for the [NHL] draft testing last summer. They [Greyhounds] are a young, and much improved team in the East and he’s a huge part of the success they’re enjoying right now.”

Cousins himself is relishing the opportunity.

“There’s going to be a lot of scouts there especially for Team Canada,” he said. “I’m going to do what got me drafted, keep it simple and try to open some eyes. I really want to crack a spot on the World Junior squad in December.”

Other players in game four who weren’t invited to Team Canada Summer Camp who will be looking to make an impact including the OHL’s leading scorer Tanner Pearson, Brampton Battalion’s Sam Carrick, and Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors’ forward Riley Brace.

Another Greyhound standout will also be in the lineup. Defenseman Ryan Sproul, who has been solid on the backend scoring 3 goals and 13 points with an impressive +13, will be looking to squeeze his way into World Junior consideration. Forward Andrew Fristch will also play against the Russians on home ice.

Cousins is looking forward to playing in the series with both Sproul and Fritsch.

“It’s exciting to be a part of something like this, and to have some of my teammates along with me makes things fun,” he said. “Especially having it here in Sault Ste. Marie, I’m looking forward to it.”

But, as always with these mini-series, there’s always the question of who the players look forward to playing with, rather than against.

“I’d have to say Ryan Murphy,” Cousins said, hoping the Kitchener Rangers’ defenceman is healthy enough to suit up on Monday. “Having him on your backend is pretty good. He’s a good puck moving defenseman and he’s going to help us out a lot.”

Game four is scheduled for Monday November 14 and can be seen live on Sportsnet at 7:00 PM Eastern.