With the upcoming NHL Draft slated to begin on June 23, 2017, it is time to start focusing some attention towards this event. It is no secret that the Philadelphia Flyers have stocked the system with young defensemen. So what areas of need do the Flyers have this year? Many people are predicting the Flyers to focus the majority of their attention on Wingers and Centers in this draft. Enter Right Wing Logan Cockerill a potential mid to late second round draft pick for the 2017 NHL Draft. After recently conducting a phone interview with this young classy prospect, it’s no wonder why the Flyers may target him.
Cockerill was born on March 3, 1999, in Brighton, MI. He began skating at the young age of 3, in hopes of playing the sport of hockey. His success in the sport led him to play for the Belle Tire U16 Midgets. The young phenom had a coming out party in his second season for the Belle Tire’s, amassing 28 goals, and 31 assists for a total of 59 points in 64 games played.
BU with major win on recruiting trail. '99 forward Logan Cockerill (Belle Tire) was dynamic at this week's Beantown Spring Classic.
— Jeff Cox (@jeffcox425) March 15, 2015
After a successful campaign with the Belle Tire’s, Cockerill began playing for the US National U18 Team. He quickly made a name for himself after amassing 14 goals, and 14 assists for a total of 28 points in 52 games played. He showed his range and scoring ability with them. Even with this success on a National stage, Cockerill still believes he can get better.
“I just try to keep getting better. I don’t go into next year thinking how do I top the previous season. Over the next few months I’m going into the weight room to get stronger and faster. I need to build my weight up so I don’t try to force things. I will focus more on strength and speed to become faster and stronger, in hopes of getting better.“
At age 18, Cockerill does not forget where he comes from or what lead him to begin skating at the young age of 3. Even being on the cusp of being drafted into the NHL, he will never forget who defined him into the player he is today.
“There are many people who contributed to my success. All my coaches, and with that my brother played. He started playing between the ages of 4 and 5 (Giggling). I just wanted to follow in his footsteps.” Cockerill continued to say, “Also, I can’t forget about my mom. She has been an inspiration to me.”
Cockerill is just a simple young person who realizes how close he is to his dream. Or was it really his dream to make it into the NHL? His answer may actually surprise you:
“It was every kids dream to make it to the NHL, but I just wanted to do the best I could. I never thought I would make the NHL. I just wanted to do the best I could in hopes of progressing in my career.“
The former Belle Tire product, appears to be a solid two way forward. He has some pep in his step, and if a person saw him play on the US National Team one would instantly notice his good hands. Cockerill is looking forward to the draft, and he offers some kind words to the fans of the city that selects him.
“My family and I are looking forward to the draft. It is very, very humbling to put it into words. To get to this point in your career…to see all your hard work pay off it’s humbling. We couldn’t be happier. To the fans I’m going to bring passion. I’m a good leader who brings energy. I want to do the best I can for the fans. Thank you. I just want to say thank you. I will do the best I can.“
Cockerill is a gifted forward who has a good hockey IQ. He has a knack for knowing where to be, and when to be there. In addition, he has a heart of gold and has not forgotten his roots. For these reasons, Philadelphia could very well be a possible landing spot for him to continue his hockey career.
Mandatory Photo Credit: Christopher SzagolaCal Sport Media via AP Images
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