Wednesday, 05.16.18 / 2:55 pm CT
The IceRays have utilized their final tender for the 2018-19 season on Boston Jr. Bruins forward Mason Kohn. He will be competing during the off-season for a spot on next year’s roster.
A native of San Diego, California, Kohn played both midget and junior hockey in his hometown before heading to Boston last season to play in the USPHL and the NCDC. At just 17 years of age, Kohn already has two full seasons of junior hockey under his belt and has produced at an encouraging rate all throughout.
He played his first season of juniors with the San Diego Sabers of the Western States Hockey League as a 15-year-old, leading his team with 47 points (23 G, 24 A) in 51 games played. He would then spend the bulk of last season in the USPHL Premier league, tallying 22 points (6 G, 16 A) in 35 games, which put him at fourth on the Jr. Bruins in scoring.
“I tendered with Corpus because it’s a great program in a great league,” Kohn said. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the organization as a whole, whether it’s the staff, the culture, or the fan base.”
Aside from the larger arenas, greater fan bases and the professional-like feel that accompanies teams in the South, the fact that three straight years have seen a South team advance to the championship game speaks volumes as to how competitive the division is. Each of the last two seasons have seen a South division team win the Robertson Cup, and both times, the IceRays took them to a decisive fifth game. Kohn has taken notice of the fierce competition, and believes it will do nothing but help him in his development. “The competition within the division is really tough, and I feel like it’s a great place to further my development as a hockey player,” Kohn added.
Kohn (6’0”, 190) is a natural center with a vast skill-set who promises to influence the IceRays’ scoring potential in the coming years. Though he is young, IceRays Director of Hockey Ops Mike Mondoux feels as though he could be ready to make a substantial impact as early as next season.
“Mason has good size and has two years of junior experience and is only 17 years old,” Mondoux said. “Great character and very mature for his age. Great shot with a high-end release. Very strong on the puck and plays hard at both ends of the ice. Very skilled center who has the ability to put up points next season. Gives us stability up through the middle after losing three centers.”
Registration for the St. Louis Prospects Camp (June 1-3) is available here. Spots are becoming more limited by the day, and anyone interested in attending is encouraged to submit his registration as soon as possible.
