By Jamie Neugebauer
The North York Rangers have signed forward Kyle Cochrane, the club announced Friday.
Cochrane, 18, played four games at the beginning of this year for the Trail Smoke Eaters of the British Columbia Hockey League, and is a former prospect of the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights.
A native of Brampton, the two-way forward came up through the North York Rangers minor hockey system, and has played under both head coach Mark Joslin and assistant coach David Mooney in the past.
“It feels really good to be back here,” Cochrane said.
“It brings back a lot of memories playing for Mark for since I played for him up until minor midget, so it’s pretty cool. He has changed a little bit, but he’s also dealing with older kids, but overall he seems like the same guy. I think he’s a really good coach, and knowing him and Mooney were big reasons why I came back.”
Cochrane played prep school hockey for The Hill Academy from 2012 to 2014, and posted 38 points in 59 games last year for their senior varsity squad.
Known as a high-level face-off man and penalty killer, Kyle’s character level and work ethic is something that already has Joslin excited.
“People around the organization are going to love him,” Joslin said.
“He is as good of a defensive centreman as there is at this level and I truly believe that he could step on to any team in this league and contribute. We’re thrilled to have him.”
