Easton Cowan, expected to be one of the top names for Team Canada at the World Juniors, spoke on a potential injury he almost suffered at the final Canadian practice before the tournament starts.
Cowan luckily appeared to only have a minor issue that at first caused discomfort, but was quickly able to stay on the ice and appears to not have any issue that may lead to any potential missed time.
Cowan jokingly later told reporters later on he need to "learn how to skate, I guess".
Mark Masters of TSN also reported that Cowan was alright following the possible scare, and Masters reported on what the forward felt after the incident had happened.
Cowan had already been dealing with injury prior to the World Juniors, having not participated in selection camp in an OHL game with the London Knights against the Oshawa Generals.
Cowan was replaced at selection camp by Anaheim Ducks 2024 first-round pick Beckett Sennecke, but Cowan was almost certain to guarantee himself a spot if he was healthy to go, and appears able to do so.
Team Canada, along with Easton Cowan, look to avenge a disappointing quarterfinals exit in 2024 to Czechia.
Hoping to have a better fortune this time around at home in Ottawa, with Cowan, who had two points in five games with the Canadians last year, a major part.
Cowan will be one of two Toronto Maple Leafs prospects representing the team, along with 2024 fifth-round pick Miroslav Holinka.
Canada's first game at the World Juniors will be at 7:30pm ET/4:30PT against Finland. Holinka and the Czechs play prior at 5pm ET/2PT. Both games can be seen on TSN & NHL Network.