Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month: Cowyn Loney

Northern Vision Care’s Youth Athlete of the Month for March has been playing hockey since the age of four and also got the opportunity to help out the Fort St. John Huskies for a couple of games this past season.

NEBC U-18 Trackers defenceman Cowyn Loney says before he could walk, he was playing around with a mini hockey stick, shooting pucks around — just like his dad, who played for the senior Flyers.

“I was kinda just almost born into it because my dad played hockey. I’ve kind of really enjoyed it ever since,” said Loney.

Off the ice, the 16-year-old enjoys what comes along with the sport — travel and hanging with his friends.

“[Hockey] definitely bonds people together; they become your friends, and you can always have them to hang out with whenever you want.”

One of his favourite experiences was joining the Fort St. John Huskies for a couple of games amidst their dominating season.

“I got a text when I was in school, and I was kind of like really nervous, like didn’t expect it. I got a text from my coach saying, ” Bus leaving at 3:30 p.m. to go with the Huskies.”

Whether he ends up with the team eventually or not, Loney will always be able to say he contributed to the Huskies’ 38-3-1 season — which included an NWJHL Championship and, potentially, a provincial championship.

The six-foot-four-inch defenceman had nothing but positive things to say about the Huskies and their head coach, Todd Alexander.

“Those guys are really nice. They’re a well-built team. That’s why they win so much, and that’s why they do so good because Todd’s got a good group of guys there.”

Loney described the junior hockey club as selfless and said that as soon as he entered the dressing rooms, players were chatting with him to see where his head was at.

“It was an enjoyable experience. Got to see what it was like in the dressing room. They won a couple of games too when I was with them so it was perfect. It was nice. Good experience.”

As for his future in hockey, the 16-year-old doesn’t have a set plan, but he believes ending up in a Huskies jersey would be a great opportunity.

Loney does have a rough idea of his direction after high school, saying he is leaning towards a career in carpentry.

” I like putting up houses with my grandpa. I’ve always worked with him a little bit, and my dad does every now and then, makes a few projects here and there, and I help him, and it’s just pretty cool.”

In the nomination for Loney to be named this month’s athlete of the month, the following line stood out: “He is an awesome young man and well liked on and off the ice. He also has very good sportsmanship.”

Loney says he always aims to treat others with kindness on and off the ice.

“I don’t try to get mad too much. And other players, you obviously hit ’em and battle a little bit, but at the end of the game, it’s just a fun game, so you’re all good with them.”

“It kind of depends on who you’re playing, but you might never see these guys again, so there is no point. You just kinda play the game, shake their hand at the end, and get on with it.”

Congratulations to Cowyn Loney for being named the Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month for March.

If the athlete you nominated didn’t win this month, keep nominating! The votes carry over, so keep submitting your picks for the Northern Vision Care Youth Athlete of the Month!