Ottawa 67’s defenseman Kohyn Eshkawkogan joins the My Hockey Hero podcast to discuss his hockey journey, Indigenous identity, and ambitions in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Growing up in Little Current on Manitoulin Island and belonging to the M'Chigeeng First Nation, Cohen shares how his family, community, and early years on the ice shaped him as a player and person.

Cohen reflects on Truth and Reconciliation Day, his great-grandmother’s experience as a residential school survivor, and the importance of learning, understanding, and acceptance. He also talks about bringing his Ottawa 67’s teammates to Manitoulin Island to learn about Indigenous culture through community visits, a sweat lodge ceremony, smudging, archery, and teachings about eagle staffs.

Hear about Cohen’s development from minor hockey and the Manitoulin Panthers to the Nickel City Suns, the Hill Academy, and the Ottawa 67’s. He discusses becoming a two-way defenseman, being drafted by Ottawa, representing Team Ontario at the National Aboriginal Hockey Championships, winning gold, and competing for Team Canada at the U17 and U18 levels.

Cohen also shares his focus on helping the Ottawa 67’s pursue the Memorial Cup, his education plans at Penn State, the players who inspired him—including Jonathan Toews, Cale Makar, and Bobby Orr—and his advice to young hockey players: work hard, enjoy the game, don’t take opportunities for granted, and ask for help.