PRINCE GEORGE B.C. – On September 24th 2019, Kolton Cousins was traded from the Cowichan Valley Capitals to the Prince George Spruce Kings. The Sechelt native quickly has become a fan favourite over the course of the year. Cousins also scored his first BCHL Hat Trick with the Spruce Kings back in November. We talk to Kolton about what he has been up too since the end of the season and reflect on the 2019-2020 campaign!
Cole Waldie: Well Kolton, how have things been with you since the end of the season and what have you been getting up too?
Kolton Cousins: Things have been good. I took a couple of weeks off to recover from the season but now I’m training basically every day and getting ready and better than ever for next year. I am missing the best fans in the BCHL and the boys a ton, but I’m counting down the days until we can get back to work in the Mix and deal with some unfinished business.
Cole Waldie: Obviously a lot of limitations for working out when there is no ice or gym accessibility. You have found some ways back home in Sechelt, can you dive into that?
Kolton Cousins: I have to give a lot of credit to my dad Kelly and my older brother Riley on this one. My dad owns a Drilling and Blasting Company, so he has transformed one of his drill steels into a barbell for us and my older brother has collected tires and cinder blocks which we are using for weights for the barbell. My dad actually made a squat/bench rack today, so he is definitely making it easier for us to train as hard as we can during these difficult times.
Cole Waldie: Looking back on the 2019-20 season, what were some reflections you had on the campaign?
Kolton Cousins: We definitely had our up’s and down’s during the season, but I was very proud of our group for always believing and always having a winning mentality night in and night out. We started off the season as 23 strangers and ended the season 23 brothers. I know this season has lit a fire inside of me and I am hungry as ever to do whatever it takes to win a championship next year. The city of Prince George and our amazing Spruce Kings fans better be ready for an exciting season next year because I know us players will run through a wall for each other and do whatever it takes for PG to be successful.
Cole Waldie: September 24th, 2019, you get told that you have been traded to Prince George. What was the whole process like going through the trade?
Kolton Cousins: It can be hard to leave the organization where you started your junior career, but when I found out I was coming to PG, excited would be an understatement. I was definitely a bit nervous not knowing what to expect, but I had heard nothing but amazing things about the city of PG and the first class Spruce Kings organization. I was so impressed with the warm welcome I received from my billets, coaching staff, and my teammates. I felt at home very quickly. I strongly believe that Prince George is the best organization in the BCHL and is surrounded by the best fans in the league. There is absolutely no place I would rather be and I think the trade to Prince George was one of the best things to ever happen in my life!
Cole Waldie: There were a lot of fantastic memories and moments from the 2019-20 season, what was your favourite of the year?
Kolton Cousins: Every day you are making memories that will last a lifetime, but I think my favourite memory of the year was Mohawks Night. The Mix was absolutely electric, and we played our hearts out for the legacy of the Mohawks. Seeing how much the Mohawks meant to the community was unreal. We wouldn’t be here without the support from the community of Prince George and I know us players can’t thank everyone enough!
Cole Waldie: Preston Brodziak is one of your best friends, how cool was it for you to be a part of his final year of junior hockey?
Kolton Cousins: It meant the world to me to be a part of his final season of junior hockey. He has taught me so many life lessons on and off the ice and I honestly couldn’t thank him enough. When you first begin your junior hockey journey, you don’t realize how many friendships and memories you actually are going to make. Already through 2 years of junior, I have had so many lifelong memories and I hope Brodz has learnt as much from me as I have learnt from him. I have met my best friend because of junior hockey, and I cannot wait to see what great things he does with the rest of his hockey career and life!
Cole Waldie: Last thing for you, there will be a good amount of returning faces for next year. What do you like about this group moving forward?
Kolton Cousins: I think the organization and coaching staff sets up for success and with the returning core coming back, the future is very bright. We are already a very close group and are truly brothers with one another. We are looking forward to showing the new guys the ropes and expectations that come with throwing the Spruce Kings jersey on. I know for me; I am motivated as ever, and I hope all the other returners are feeling the same way. I am very excited to meet the new players and to make more friendships and memories. I hope the fans and the city are ready for some great hockey this year because we are amped up and are on a mission.
NOTE: The Spruce Kings Show Home Lottery and Mega 50/50 draws have been extended! You can get your tickets at ….
