In the heart of Mount Brydges, Ontario, a John Deere tractor stands tall, casting a shadow over three men. However, it is young Easton Cowan who boldly takes the reins and climbs into the driver’s seat. With a mischievous grin, he honks the horn, startling a flock of birds perched nearby.
“My favourite part,” Cowan chuckles, exuding a youthful energy that belies his status as a 19-year-old Toronto Maple Leafs prospect.
Raised on Chimo Farms Ltd., Cowan’s work ethic was cultivated among the sprawling fields of corn and soybeans that surround his family’s farm. His dedication to hard work has made him one of the most exciting prospects for the Leafs in years, drawing comparisons to the legendary Wendel Clark.
As we stand amidst the rows of corn and soybeans, Cowan reflects on his childhood antics, remembering how he once tried to get lost in the sea of soybean plants. He jokes about the cost of his surroundings, teasingly remarking “Eh, that’s five bucks right there” as I pluck a few stalks from the ground.
Despite his playful demeanor, Cowan is maturing into a young man who is keenly aware of the world around him. Once a small player on his youth teams, he now embraces his stature with a self-deprecating humor, referring to himself as “a twig.”
The theme of hard work permeates every aspect of Cowan’s life, a lesson instilled in him from a young age by his father. From the crack of dawn, Cowan would watch as his father navigated the fields in the early morning light, setting an example that has shaped his approach to hockey and life.
“Work,” Cowan echoes, a mantra that has guided him through the highs and lows of his young career. As we spend a day on his family’s farm, it becomes clear that Cowan’s roots run deep in the soil, anchoring him to a way of life that has shaped him into the player and person he is today.
