Easton Cowan presented Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as MVP of 2024 ...
Oshawa, Ont. – Leading the OHL Playoffs with 34 points (10-24–34) over 18 games, London Knights forward Easton Cowan was unanimously voted the Most Valuable Player of the 2024 OHL Players by accredited media in attendance at the Tribute Communities Centre on Wednesday.
A first round (28th overall) pick by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2023, Cowan had a goal and three assists in London’s 7-1 series-clinching victory over the Oshawa Generals in Game 4. OHL Commissioner David Branch presented Cowan with the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as he joins Mitch Marner (2016), Bo Horvat (2013), Austin Watson (2012) and Corey Perry (2005) as the fifth player in franchise history to claim the honour.
“It’s a great feeling, but I couldn’t have done it without any of these guys,” said Cowan following the announcement. My family, my friends, they’re all here right now along with these boys that battle for me each and every night. It’s a great feeling.”
Cowan had points in 16 of his 18 playoff outings, headlined by a career-high five points (1-4–5) in London’s 8-1 Game 1 win over Oshawa. He follows Marner (2016), Connor McDavid (Erie, 2015), Justin Azevedo (Kitchener, 2008), Perry (2005) and Brad Boyes (Erie, 2002) to become the sixth player in OHL history to win the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award after receiving the Red Tilson Trophy as the League’s Most Outstanding Player during the regular season.
Cowan and the Knights advance to the 2024 Memorial Cup presented by Dow that gets underway in Saginaw, Michigan on Friday, May 24th.
Wayne Gretzky 99 Award winners:
2024 – Easton Cowan (London Knights)
2023 – Michael Simpson (Peterborough Petes)
2022 – Logan Morrison (Hamilton Bulldogs)
2019 – Nick Suzuki (Guelph Storm)
2018 – Robert Thomas (Hamilton Bulldogs)
2017 – Warren Foegele (Erie Otters)
2016 – Mitchell Marner (London Knights)
2015 – Connor McDavid (Erie Otters)
2014 – Robby Fabbri (Guelph Storm)
2013 – Bo Horvat (London Knights)
2012 – Austin Watson (London Knights)
2011 – Robby Mignardi (Owen Sound Attack)
2010 – Adam Henrique (Windsor Spitfires)
2009 – Taylor Hall (Windsor Spitfires)
2008 – Justin Azevedo (Kitchener Rangers)
2007 – Marc Staal (Sudbury Wolves)
2006 – Daniel Ryder (Peterborough Petes)
2005 – Corey Perry (London Knights)
2004 – Martin St. Pierre (Guelph Storm)
2003 – Derek Roy (Kitchener Rangers)
2002 – Brad Boyes (Erie Otters)
2001 – Seamus Kotyk (Ottawa 67’s)
2000 – Brian Finley (Barrie Colts)
1999 – Justin Papineau (Belleville Bulls)
