Counting on Couture

Somewhere behind closed doors, Brian Kilrea is smiling. Kilrea known for his winning ways on the ice scored a huge coup for the Ottawa 67's off the ice when he gambled and took a chance on selecting a disgruntled Logan Couture. Hardly a gamble as Couture's game spoke volumes so much that three days before the draft he was slated to go 1st overall. It took an unprecedented ruling that enabled John Tavares to enter the draft a year earlier than scheduled to bump Couture to 12th overall. Most teams had all but given up on him and had assumed that Couture would opt for the USHL as he had strongly suggested.

"I was disappointed at the start of the season but then once I met with Coach Kilrea and fully understood the proud tradition of the 67's organization it seemed like a perfect fit" said the 6'1 194 pound Couture. "Coach Kilrea has taught me so much on and off the ice and I have become a better person largely due to his influence".

If the perfect fit were a sweater than the label would have read large. Couture first year numbers were exactly that. He finished third in rookie scoring and third in team scoring on the strength of 25 goals and 64 points in 65 games. Couture confidence grew as he started to get more acclimatized with the league. Playing along side Matt Lahey and Jamie McGinn from the outset the trio formed one of the most potent lines in the league. Couture immediately clicked with them and it made him a mainstay on the PP. His smart play away from the puck also made him a favourite for Kilrea in short handed situations.

"I really thrived with the added responsibility and wanted to prove to my coach and my team mates that I could handle it" says Couture. "I was blessed to have great line mates and I think we are all capable of improving on our own totals and helping the team win more games".

The addition of Couture to the 67's was a big reason they almost upset the OHL champion Peterborough Petes in the opening round. They managed to take them to six games something no other team in the OHL managed to do. Couture was brilliant leading the team with 7 points including a stellar performance in game 4 in which he lead the charge with a goal and two assists while his team was on the brink of going down three games to one.

I really thought we could have beaten them but sometimes those are the breaks" admits Couture. "The playoff atmosphere was electric and it really helped me understand where I need to take my game, the intensity was unbelievable".

As Couture reflects about the series that was lost he will have plenty of time to make a statement this season; his draft year. Already considered a highly sought after prospect, Couture missed a real opportunity to shine in the eyes of scouts when he suffered a laceration behind his leg that cost him an opportunity to play in the Under 18's, although his omission will not be considered a knock against his play. Focussed and determined to succeed Couture off season has consisted of extensive weight training and even included a trip to California to skate with NHL players such as Nigel Dawes and Kip Brennan to fine tune his skills.

"To even be considered for the draft is an honour and mentioned in the first round, well that is a dream come true" glows Couture. "I have wanted this since I first started playing hockey and I think if I continue to play my game I will be successful".