TISDALE — Playing for the U18 AA Beardy’s Blackhawks last winter helped Jacob Cossette make the transition to the AAA level with the Tisdale Trojans this season.
“My AA coach, Tim Leonard, really helped me get to the next level,” said the 16-year-old forward from Air Ronge. “He relied on me in all parts of the game and I got tons of opportunities there.”
Trojans head coach Dennis Kubat said that under Leonard’s tutelage, “You can tell he developed good habits and brought them over.” While Cossette said the AAA game is faster than its AA counterpart, he has proven early on this season he can contribute for the Trojans.
Through three games, the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder had two goals and three points. Kubat described him as a power forward who has a big body and good shot.
“He has been really consistent. … He’s off to a good start,” Kubat said. “I’m happy for him. He’s a great kid.”
In the second weekend of the season, Cossette had a goal and an assist in a Friday night win against Warman. He scored the next night in another Tisdale victory. What has allowed him to put up points early on?
“I think the six weeks of practice before we played our first game came in really handy and has helped me prepare for the season,” Cossette said. “Our short bench has given me extra opportunities as well.”
The Trojans started out the season undermanned due to injuries, suspensions and being unable to call up affiliated players due to COVID-19 protocols. Cossette has been contributing – and having fun.
“I’ve really enjoyed practicing every day and the support from the town,” he said. “It’s great to have people come up to you in public and ask how the season is going.”
Before Cossette played in Beardy’s, he was part of the North East U15 AA program. With that squad, Cossette was teammates with some current Trojans, such as Zackery Somers, Cody Wilson, and Tisdale’s own Nicholas Andrusiak.
“It definitely helped me make my decision [to come to Tisdale], knowing that I would have some friends already and I knew what they brought to the table, so I was very excited.”
For the first time in a hockey career filled with long car rides, Cossette is billeting. He is pleased to live with Rob, Amanda and Hazen Larson.
“They have made me feel like a part of their family right from the start,” Cossette said. “When I played with North East and Beardy’s my dad drove me to every practice. So, I am really enjoying not having to drive three hours to practice.
The Trojans Last Week
The Tisdale Trojans’ two game series with the Battlefords Stars was postponed due to two individuals waiting for COVID-19 test results, according to the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League website. The site stated that for privacy reasons no further comment would be made.
Trojans head coach Dennis Kubat said the message to the players after the postponement is “just control what you can control.”
Last Friday’s game between Warman and Prince Albert and last Sunday’s contest between the Saskatoon Blazers and the Saskatoon Contacts were also postponed due to COVID-19 protocol.
This Week
The Trojans (2-1) are slated to play the Saskatoon Blazers (3-1) on the road on Friday.
