Dustin Kohn

Kohn eager for shot with Sound Tigers
by Michael Fornabaio, connpost.com, June 27, 2007

SYOSSET, N.Y. — A two-game visit to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers in 2006 made clear what Dustin Kohn needed to become. "To get a chance to skate with those guys, play those two games, that was big for me," Kohn said, "to see the pace of the game and how much bigger and stronger the players are."

Kohn has gotten bigger and stronger since then, though. At 20, he should join the Sound Tigers full-time in the fall for his first pro season. "I'm very excited," said Kohn, a second-round pick of the New York Islanders in 2005. "I can't wait for camp in the fall."

It will be a big step forward, but Kohn appears ready.

Kohn had five goals and 45 assists for Brandon of the junior Western Hockey League in 61 games this season. The year before, split between Brandon and Calgary, he had four goals and 25 assists in 69 games. "I think I've become a more complete player," Kohn said. "I've been able to play well defensively, and put up numbers offensively, too."

The New York Islanders showed off their prize defense prospect, along with about 30 others, when their annual rookie camp began Wednesday at IceWorks. It continues with more drills today and Friday, then with scrimmages each morning Saturday through Monday.

It's Kohn's second trip to Long Island for a rookie camp. The team normally brings in its draft picks, as it did with all the players it selected at Saturday's draft, but 2005 was the end of the lockout. He said that last year's camp was a good experience, though. "You get to know the guys, and create relationships with people," Kohn said. "When you get to meet them, it makes it easier when you get to camp in the fall. You've got friendships with people in the organization."

Islanders Sign Kohn to Deal
islesinfo.com

May 29, 2007: The New York Islanders have agreed to terms on a three year entry level contract with prospect D Dustin Kohn, according to the Brandon Wheat Kings web site. A second round draft choice of the Islanders ( 46th overall) in the 2005 NHL entry draft, Kohn is coming off a career year in what was his fourth WHL season. In 61 games with the Wheat Kings, the 6'2” 205 lb Edmonton product had five goals, 50 points and 77 minutes in penalties. He also led the club - for the second straight season - with an impressive +23 ranking.

A former member of the Calgary Hitmen, Kohn finished his WHL career having played in 253 career games, scoring 20 goals and 131 points while accumulating 201 penalty minutes.

"Dustin has all the tools of an NHL-caliber defenseman," said Islanders general manager Garth Snow. "Now that Bruno Gervais and Chris Campoli have developed within our system to become effective players in the NHL, Dustin is one of our prospects on the blueline who could eventually be next."

Monday's signing comes four days before what would have been the deadline for New York to ink the 20-year old blueliner.

Kohn recorded a career high with 50 points this season surpassing his previous high of 43 set with Calgary back in 2004-05. He finished ninth in scoring among WHL defensemen during the regular season and fifth among defensemen in assists with 45. Kohn was awarded the Wheat Kings' Executive Trophy as the team's best defenseman.

islesinfo.com comment: Glad he was signed. I want to say good job on the Islanders part but in all honesty these are things they should be doing. By that I mean signing their top prospects. Anyway, hopefully they will get Wes O'Neill under contract soon as well. As far as Kohn, I think he will most likely benefit from a year in Bridgeport just like Andrew MacDonald. Some people may not like this comparison, but I compare Kohn alot to Tom Poti. He doesn't like to shoot the puck as evidenced by his 5 goals last season and 20 on 253 career WHL games. But he has great vision and ability to set up other players. He may do well on the power play if he is teamed up with a shooter like perhaps Marc-Andre Bergeron. There was a game earlier this season in which Kohn recorded 5 assists just to further demonstrate that he's a pass first type of player.

2006-07 Update: May 1, 2007 Playoff Update: The Brandon Wheat Kings advanced to the WHL Division Semifinals vs. the Calgary Hitmen, Dustin Kohn's former team. After winning the first two games in Brandon, the Wheat Kings let Calgary storm back and win the series 4 games to 2. Kohn went 1-1-2 in 6 games played during the series. His assist came in game 2, a 3-2 win on Apr. 7th. Kohn scored his goal on the power play in game 5, a 5-4 overtime loss in Brandon. It was his first career playoff goal. In the playoffs, Kohn went 1-8-9 in 11 games played. Seven of his points came in the first round. Kohn led the team in the playoffs with 8 assists and finished third on the team in scoring as Brandon's leading defenseman. Look for Dustin to be signed by the Islanders before June 1st.

April 1, 2007: Dustin Kohn recorded 5 assists in 6 games played with the Brandon Wheat Kings during the month of March. All five assists came on the power play. Kohn had a 3 game assist streak (3 assists) from Mar. 3rd to 9th. He recorded 2 assists in a 9-5 win vs. the Regina Pats Mar. 16th. Kohn sat out Brandon's final game of the regular season Mar. 17th at Regina. Brandon posted a 5-1-1 record in March to close the season with a overall record of 41-20-11. Kohn recorded a career high with 50 points this season surpassing his previous high of 43 set with Calgary back in 2004-05. He finished ninth in scoring among WHL defensemen during the regular season and fifth among defensemen in assists with 45. Kohn was awarded the Wheat Kings' Executive Trophy as the team's best defenseman. Playoffs: Brandon opened up their WHL playoffs with a first round best of seven series vs. the Prince Albert Raiders. The Wheat Kings went on to win the series 4 games to 1. Kohn recorded a league leading 7 assists in the 5 games. Three of the assists came on the power play and one came while shorthanded. Kohn recorded 2 assists in game 1, a 4-3 overtime win on Mar. 23rd in Brandon. In game 4, he recorded 3 assists in a 7-3 win at Prince Albert Mar. 29th. Kohn currently is tied for the team lead in scoring with 7 points.

March 1, 2007: Dustin Kohn went 3-3-6 in 12 games played with the Brandon Wheat Kings during the month of February. He was a +7 on the month and on the season he's a +21. Kohn scored the first goal of the game on Feb. 10th in a 4-2 win vs. the Calgary Hitmen. It was his first goal since Oct. 4th, 41 games. He assisted on the game winner in a 2-1 win vs. the Swift Current Broncos on Feb. 23rd. The next night, Feb. 24th vs. the Regina Pats, Kohn scored the game tying goal with 2 seconds remaining in the game, and then assisted on the game winner in OT in a 6-5 win. He also recorded a goal on Feb. 16th in a 4-3 shootout loss at the Moose Jaw Warriors. Kohn recorded his career high 36th assist of the season on Feb. 2nd vs. Swift Current. He notched his 43rd point of the season on Feb. 24th, tying his career high previously set during the 2004-05 season with Calgary. This year he reached the mark in 16 less games played. Brandon posted a record of 9-2-1 in the month of February and are 36-19-10 overall.

February 1, 2007: Dustin Kohn recorded 6 assists in 12 games played with the Brandon Wheat Kings during the month of January. 4 of his assists came on the power play. Kohn recorded 3 assists, all on the power play, in a 6-4 loss at the Prince Albert Raiders on Jan. 12th. He also was a -4 in that game but on the month he was only a -1 and overall he leads Brandon with a +14. On Jan. 26th Kohn assisted on the game-winning goal in a 4-2 win at the Calgary Hitmen. He missed one game on Jan. 31st vs. Lethbridge. Kohn's 35 assists on the season ties his career high which he previously set with the Hitmen during the 2004-05 season. He is second among WHL defensemen in assists. Kohn's gone 39 games without scoring a goal. He last scored on October 4th. Brandon posted a record of 7-4-2 in the month of January and they are 27-17-9 overall.

January 1, 2007: Dustin Kohn recorded 5 assists in 7 games played with the Brandon Wheat Kings during the month of December. Two of his assists came on the power play and one came while shorthanded. In early December, Kohn left Brandon and joined Canada's selection camp in an attempt to make the Canadian National Junior Team. This was the second year in a row he was invited to the selection camp, and it was the second time he did not make the team. While away, Kohn missed 5 games with the Wheat Kings: 12/3 at Medicine Hat, 12/5 at Moose Jaw, 12/9 vs. Swift Current, 12/10 vs. Moose Jaw and 12/13 at Prince Albert. He returned to Brandon's lineup on Dec. 15th vs. the Regina Pats. Brandon went 0-2-3 in Kohn's absence. On the month of December they posted a record of 4-3-5 and are 20-13-7 overall. Kohn already has more assists and points than he did in 2005-06. He is 6 assists away from his career high of 35, and 12 points off his career high of 43 points, both set with the Calgary Hitmen in 2004-05. Kohn is five assists shy of 100 in his WHL career. For the second straight month, he was a +8. Kohn has gone 27 games without scoring a goal. He last scored on October 4th.

December 1, 2006: Dustin Kohn recorded 11 assists in 11 games played with the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings during the month of November. He had a career high 5 assist game vs. Prince George on 11/1. Seven of Kohn's 11 assists during the month of November came on the power play. 2 of his assists came on game winner's. Kohn also played well defensively as he was a +8 in November. On November 25th Kohn fought Saskatoon defenseman Ryan Funk. He recorded a 4 game assist scoring streak from November 1st to 10th in which he recorded 8 assists. Kohn's 24 assists is one assist off his entire 2005-06 output. He is only three points off last year's pace just a third through the 2006-07 season. He's 10 assists shy of 100 in his WHL career. Brandon went 7-4-0 during the month of November. They are 16-10-2 overall on the season. Kohn played in Game 1 of the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge for Team WHL on November 29, 2006. Team WHL won the game 5-3 and Kohn was a +1 in the game with 2 shots on goal. The win helped Canada go 5-0 in the 6 game series against Russia, as Team WHL would also go on to win Game 2 the following night. Russia was swept by Team QMJHL and Team OHL earlier in the week. Kohn was recently named to Canada's National Junior Selection Camp and hopes to make the team after he was a final cut last year.

November 1, 2006: Dustin Kohn went 1-10-11 in 11 games played for the WHL's Brandon Wheat Kings during the month of October. He recorded a 4 point game at the Prince Albert Raiders on October 4th. Kohn recorded 3 assists vs. the Lethbridge Hurricanes in a 9-5 win on October 20th. He tallied 2 more assists the next night for a total of 5 assists in 2 games. Kohn did not play in Brandon's games on October 28th & 29th. He played in his 200th career WHL game on October 14th in Saskatoon. Kohn enters the month of November with 96 career WHL points, four points shy of 100. Brandon posted a record of 7-4-2 during the month of October. Kohn has been named to the WHL all star team that will face the Russians in the 2006 ADT Canada Russia Challenge, to be played later this month in Kamloops and Chilliwack.

October 1, 2006: Dustin Kohn was returned to the Brandon Wheat Kings from the New York Islanders training camp on September 25th. He made his season debut with Brandon vs. Red Deer September 29th and scored his first goal of the season, first as a member of Brandon, in a 3-0 win. Recorded back to back multiple assist nights in his first two games of the season. Kohn, for the second straight summer, was invited to Team Canada's National Junior Evaluation Camp in Calgary.

Highlights

* Named second star with 2 assists in a 3-0 win vs. Red Deer Rebels September 29, 2006.
* Named third star with 1 goal(PP) & 3 assists in a 7-5 loss at Prince Albert Raiders October 4, 2006.
* Named first star with 5 assists in 9-2 win at Prince George Cougars November 1, 2006.
* Named third star with an assist in 4-1 win vs. Saskatoon Blades November 25, 2006.
* Named third star with an assist in 3-0 win at Kootenay Ice January 28, 2007.
* Named third star as a +2 in a 4-0 win at the Saskatoon Blades March 2, 2007.
* Named third star with an assist in 4-3 win vs. Prince Albert Raiders March 9, 2007.

Final WHL Defenseman Scoring Leaders 2006-07
as of Mar. 18, 2006

CANADA'S FINAL ROSTER SET
wheatkings.com, Dec. 15, 2006

Calgary, Alberta -- Hockey Canada has unveiled the 22-man roster that will try to chase down a third straight gold medal at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Six players were released Friday including Brandon Wheat Kings' defenceman Dustin Kohn as the team's selection camp wrapped up in Calgary.

Also let go were defenceman Brendan Mikkelson of the Vancouver Giants, Cody Bass of the Mississauga IceDogs, Jonathan Bernier of the Lewiston Maineiacs, Claude Giroux of the Gatineau Olympiques and Steve Mason of the London Knights.

A second round draft choice of the National Hockey League's New York Islaners, Kohn is currently among the league's top scoring defencemen with two goals and 28 points in 26 games. His +13 ranking leads the Western Hockey League's Eastern Division leading Wheat Kings.

Kohn's departure on Friday comes on the heels of Wheat Kings teammate Codey Burki's on Thursday.

BURKI, KOHN INVITED TO JUNIOR CAMP
wheatkings.com, Dec. 4, 2006

CALGARY, AB – Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), announced on Monday that 38 of Canada’s best junior-aged hockey players including two members of the Western Hocke League's Brandon Wheat Kings have been invited to take part in Canada’s National Junior Selection Camp from December 10-15, 2006 at the Father David Bauer Olympic Arena in Calgary, AB.

Of the 38 players invited, 11 are returning players, having won gold at last year’s 2006 IIHF World Junior Championship in Vancouver. Twenty-nine (29) of the 38 named today attended Canada’s August National Junior Team Development Camp in Calgary in August 2006. Among them - 19-year old defenceman Dustin Kohn and 19-year old center Codey Burki of the WHL's Eastern Division leading Wheat Kings.

This marks the second tme in three years that Brandon will send two of its players to the National Camp. Two years ago, center Ryan Stone and right-winger Eric Fehr were among the final cuts from Brent Sutter's squad. Jordin Tootoo was the last Brandon player to represent Canada at the World Juniors.

A former member of the Calgary Hitmen, Kohn is currently fifth in league scoring among blueliners with two goals and 28 points in 26 games. A second round draft choice of the NHL's New York Islanders, the Edmonton product will be hoping to crack Canada's lineup after being one of the final cuts last winter. In 218 career WHL games, Kohn has scored 17 goals and 109 points. He enters Tuesday's game against the Warriors in Moose Jaw, having scored points in the last six games that he has played.

Team Canada’s Head Scout Jim Hammett traveled coast to coast during the first part of the 2006-07 hockey season assessing, evaluating and selecting players for this December Selection Camp in Calgary. Hammett also oversaw player evaluations at Canada’s August National Junior Team Development Camp in Calgary.

“The quality and skill of the 38 players named today, is a testament of the hard work, commitment and development of all those involved in the Canadian minor hockey and junior hockey system,” said Jim Hammett, Head Scout, Hockey Canada. “Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence, including our Under-17 and Under-18 Programs, has provided many of these players with the preparation and experience to deal with the rigors of the upcoming World Juniors and the high paced international competition. We are looking forward to a very competitive camp next week in Calgary.”

“Hockey Canada would like to congratulate all the players named today that will attend our camp, as well as their club teams, the coaches, the volunteers and the parents that have helped them from minor hockey through to now and finally their parents,” said Brad Pascall, Senior Director, Men’s National Teams. “It is a difficult task each and every year to assemble this list due to the depth of such skilled Canadian players across Canada. Jim Hammett has done an excellent job of evaluating and naming these players that will compete for a spot on our team.”

Burki and Kohn represent two of 13 WHLers invited to this year's camp. They join goalkeeper Carey Price of the Tri-City Americans, Everett netminder Leland Irving, Medicine Hat's Darren Helm and Kris Russell, Devin Setoguchi of the Prince George Cougars, Kootenay's Ben Maxwell, Karl Alzner of the Calgary Hitmen, Kamloops' defenceman Keaton Ellerby as well as three members of the defending champion Vancouver Giants - Kenndal McArdle, Brendan Mikkelson and Cody Franson.

WHEATIES SET TO FACE RUSSIANS
wheatkings.com, Nov. 29, 2006

Chilliwack, B.C. -- The latest chapter of the Canadian Hockey League's ADT Canada Russia Challenge begins in Chilliwack, B.C. tonight with Team Western Hockey League looking to continue its dominance of this International series.

Entering the 2-game series against the WHL, which concludes Thursday night with a game in Kamloops, the Russians have dropped ten straight games to their CHL counterparts, compiling a 4-18 record during the first four years of this event.

After failing to end a representative to last year's 2-game series, the Weat Kings will be well represented this season, sending three players to B.C. Defenceman Dustin Kohn and centers Andrew Clark and Codey Burki will be in the lineup for Wednesday's series opener, however, with the Wheat Kings scheduled to play three games in three nights and four in five, beginning on Friday night against Red Deer, they won't be in the lineup on Thursday.

For Kohn, a second round draft choice of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders, he knows that he won't lock up a spot on the Canadian junior team this week, but a strong performance on Wednesday certainly can't hurt his cause.

“It's obviously just a one-game thing, but it's very important to put a good foot forward there and leave a good impression with the Hockey Canada scouts, because they are all going to be there watching,” the former Calgary Hitmen told James Shewaga of the Brandon Sun earlier this week. “So it's definitely not going to hurt to have a good game there.”

Kohn is a strong candidate to crack head coach Craig Hartsburg's National team lineup after being invited to the final selection camp as an 18-year old last winter. Entering this week's play, the 19-year old Edmonton product was sitting in fifth place in scoring among WHL defencemen with two goals and 26 points in 24 games with a team leading +11 plus / minus ranking.

2006 ADT Canada/Russia Challenge Bio

Dustin Kohn - Brandon Wheat Kings

Hometown: Edmonton, AB
D.O.B: February 2, 1987
Ht: 6'2
Wt: 192
Shoots: L
Draft Status: New York Islanders - 2nd rd, 46th overall (2005)

Dustin is in his fourth WHL season, having spent his first two full seasons with the Calgary Hitmen until being traded to Brandon in January 2006. He was selected 46th overall by the New York Islanders at the 2005 NHL entry draft. In 2005-06, Dustin scored four goals and 29 points in 69 games split between the Wheat Kings and Hitmen, and also played for Team WHL at the 2005 Canada-Russia Challenge. In 2004-05, Dustin set career marks with eight goals and 35 assists in 71 games for the Hitmen, and suited up for Team Cherry at the 2005 CHL/NHL Top Prospects game. In 2004, Dustin helped Team Pacific to a Silver medal at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge in Newfoundland. He attended Hockey Canada's National Junior team Summer development camp in July 2006.

excerpt from Patience pays off for Islanders
by Shane Malloy, foxsports.com, Oct. 18, 2006

Dustin Kohn, Defense, 19 (second round, 46th overall pick in 2005) currently with Moose Jaw (WHL)

Kohn is another smaller, skilled blueliner with the potential to become a fixture on the power play. His defensive awareness is improving and his overall smarts in understanding that sacrificing offensive numbers for winning is crucial. He will need some time in the AHL before he will be ready to make the jump.

Wheat Kings Blank Rebels
September 29, 2006

Dustin Kohn had two assists and Juraj Simek had a goal and an assist to lead the Brandon Wheat Kings to a 3-0 shutout of the Red Deer Rebels Friday night.
Kohn looked at ease jumping into the play offensively for the Wheat Kings and the 19-year old Edmonton product hopes its a sign of things to come.
'I'm going to be doing that every game, at least a little bit,' says Kohn, who had 29 points in 69 games last season, 'It's key to take advantage of the nights where you're feeling good, where you're skating good and I just hope I can do that as much as I can this year.'

Wheaties welcome back Kohn
by James Shewaga - Sept. 26, 2006 - BrandonSun.com

The welcome wagon was out in full force as Dustin Kohn returned to the Brandon Wheat Kings on Monday.

The 19-year-old defenceman was reassigned by the NHL’s New York Islanders on the weekend and Kohn rejoined his Wheat King teammates for the first time at practice yesterday at the Keystone Centre. Whatever disappointment he felt about not sticking around longer with the Islanders was quickly tempered by the reception he received back in Brandon where Kohn is expected to play a pivotal part in the Wheat Kings’ success this season.

“It’s really exciting to think about it,” said Kohn, following practice. “I keep reiterating that we have a lot of good players in the dressing room and we have an attitude of wanting to win.

“So it’s nice to come back and feel wanted by your team and all the guys were pretty excited when they found out I’m coming back and the coaching staff and it’s good. It’s a good feeling to have that feeling and to have that confidence bestowed upon yourself.”

ISLES REASSIGN KOHN
wheatkings.com, Sept. 24, 2006

Brandon, Manitoba -- Fresh off a split of their season opening home and home weekend series with the defending Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Champion Moose Jaw Warriors, the Wheat Kings have received some welcome news from the National Hockey League's New York Islanders.

The Islanders have announced that 19-year old defenceman Dustin Kohn has been reassigned to the WHL club after spending the past ten days skating with the NHL club at their Nova Scotia training camp.

A second round draft choice of the Islanders, Kohn will be back in Brandon on Monday and is expected to be in the lineup this coming weekend when the Wheat Kings host Red Deer on Friday and his former club, the Calgary Hitmen on Saturday.

One of three Wheat Kings invited to attend this past summer's National Junior Evaluation Camp in Calgary, the 6'2“ 200 lb Edmonton product was obtained by the Wheat Kings at last January's WHL Trade Deadline in exchange for left-winger Derek LeBlanc. Following his acquisition, the Wheat Kings went on to post a 16-9-1-3 record with him in the lineup.

In 69 games during the 2005-06 campaign, Kohn had four goals and 29 points and in 192 career WHL games, he has fifteen goals and 81 points.

Kohn was one of four Wheat Kings to attend NHL camps this fall and the final one to be returned. Brandon currently has 28 players on its roster including nine defenceman.

Wheat Kings off to NHL camps
by James Shewaga - Sept. 7, 2006 - BrandonSun.com

With all due respect to the Brandon Wheat Kings, Dustin Kohn isn’t going to New York for just a little sightseeing trip.

The 19-year-old defenceman, a second-round pick (46th overall) of the New York Islanders in the 2005 NHL draft, is one of four Wheat Kings and 132 WHLers in all heading to NHL training camps this month.

Kohn, who was acquired from the Calgary Hitmen at last year’s trade deadline, is most likely destined for another season in the WHL with a Wheat Kings squad that could be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference this season. But he is also hoping to turn a few heads at Islanders camp, sign his first contract and possibly open the season in the NHL.

“That’s my goal for sure is to go there and make the team and I’ve had a year of experience and I know what to expect,” said Kohn, who may suit up in the Wheat Kings’ exhibition season opener on Friday at the Keystone Centre versus the Swift Current Broncos as a last tune-up before NHL camp. “It’s a good confidence boost to stick around for awhile up there, so I will go there and try to put my best foot forward and go from there.”

2005-06 Update: May 1, 2006 Update: Playoffs: Dustin Kohn and the Brandon Wheat Kings lost their first round WHL playoff series to the Moose Jaw Warriors 4 games to 2. Brandon was shutout in each of the last two games of the series 1-0 and 5-0. Kohn recorded 4 assists in the 6 game series and led Brandon in scoring. Brandon led their series 2 games to 1 but lost the last 3 games of the series to Moose Jaw, who then went all the way to the WHL Finals. On April 12th Kohn was signed by the Bridgeport Sound Tigers to an ATO (amateur tryout contract). He saw action in the Sound Tigers final 2 games of the regular season. Kohn was a -1 in a 3-0 loss at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on April 14th and even in a 5-1 loss at the Hartford Wolf Pack on April 15th. He wore #4 with the Sound Tigers. Kohn did not see any action with the Sound Tigers in their 7 game playoff series loss to the WBS Penguins.

April 1, 2006 Update: Dustin Kohn went 1-3-4 in 8 games played during the month of March with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Kohn missed the March 1st game with a hip flexor injury, a 4-3 overtime loss vs. Prince Albert. Kohn returned to the lineup on March 3rd and Brandon went 7-1-0 to finish the season, winning seven straight before losing the final game of the season. He led the team on the season with a +13 plus/minus rating.

Playoffs: Brandon is pitted against the Moose Jaw Warriors in the first round of the WHL Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, best of seven series. Moose Jaw enters with home ice advantage. As of April 1st, the series is tied 2-2 with both team's splitting wins on the other team's home ice. Kohn started the playoffs with a three game assist streak in which he recorded 4 assists from March 24th to the 27th (Games 1 through 3). Kohn leads Brandon in playoff scoring with 4 points through 4 games. Here is a quote by Kohn following Game 3 and heading into Game 4 with the Wheat Kings up 2 games to 1:

“It was a big game for us and it was huge to get those two goals early,” said Wheat King defenceman Dustin Kohn, who picked up two assists Monday. “We sat back a bit in the second period, but we came out on top in the end.”

“It’s a huge game and it does completely shift the series either in our advantage or back to even, so we have to make sure we’re ready,” said Brandon blueliner Dustin Kohn, who leads the club in playoff scoring with four assists in three games.

“For them it’s a huge game as well, it’s just as important for them as it is for us. So we have to expect that they are going to come out real hard and we just have to be ready to be willing to match their work ethic and compete every bit as hard as them.”

"I think for us it’s just worrying about playing our game and not thinking about the offensive players they have on their team or the game that they like to play,” said Kohn. “We have to keep making sure we play good defensively and not get ourselves in a situation where we’re playing a free-for-all-type of game with lots of scoring chances. That’s not what we want to do against a team like that.”

March 1, 2006 Update: Dustin Kohn went 1-4-5 in 13 games played during the month of February with the Brandon Wheat Kings. He was a +6 on the month. Named a three star of the game three times during the month including twice and the #1 star on back to back nights of February 15th & 17th. Scored his first goal as a member of the Wheat Kings in a 3-2 win vs. Prince George on February 15th. The Wheat Kings went 6-6-1 during the month of February. They were 4-0-1 in games in which Kohn recorded a point. The Wheat Kings are 11-8-1-3 since acquiring Kohn at the WHL trade deadline.

February 1, 2005 Update: Dustin Kohn was traded by the Calgary Hitmen to the Brandon Wheat Kings at the WHL trade deadline on January 10, 2006. He played 4 scoreless games for the Hitmen to start the month of January. His first game with Brandon was on January 11th, a 6-3 win vs. the Red Deer Rebels. In his second game as a member of the Wheat Kings, Kohn recorded a 3 assist game. In his first 10 games with Brandon, Kohn recorded 6 assists. The Wheat Kings are 5-2-1-2 since acquiring Kohn. On January 27th, Dustin returned to Calgary with the Wheat Kings to take on the Hitmen for the first time since he was traded. In the game, a 5-4 Calgary win, Kohn recorded an assist and was a +2.

January 1, 2005 Update: Dustin Kohn's drop in offensive production to start the 2005-06 season may have cost him an invite to Canada's final selection camp in early December thus leaving him off the team for the 2006 World Junior Championship's in British Columbia. Kohn has a history of getting left out by Canada as he was invited to their selection camp but was not selected to make the Under-18 team in 2004. With the Calgary Hitmen, Kohn had a 3 games scoring streak during the month of December from the 11th to the 17th that saw him record a goal and 5 assists. He also earned selections as a star of the game in all three games. On the month he record 6 points in 9 games played.

Dustin Kohn has been selected to take part in the WHL's representation in the Canada/Russia Challenge. The Drummondville Voltigeurs will host the first game of the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge on November 21. The second game will be hosted by the Moncton Wildcats on November 23. The Kitchener Rangers will host the first OHL-based game on November 24 followed by the Peterborough Petes on November 28. The series will conclude in the WHL with the Saskatoon Blades hosting on November 30 and the Regina Pats hosting the finale on December 1.

Head Coach for Team WHL will be Brent Sutter of the Red Deer Rebels, while Cory Clouston of the Kootenay Ice and Lorne Molleken of the Saskatoon Blades will serve as Assistant Coaches.

December 1, 2005 Update: Dustin Kohn recorded two assists in Team WHL's 9-2 victory over Team Russia in Game 5 of the ADT Canada-Russia Challenge on November 30, 2005. He was held without a point in Team Canada's 3-1 win in Game 6 December 1, 2005.

- As some of the recent articles have pointed out, Kohn has struggled a bit offensively this season following a 43 point output a year ago. But he is also focusing more on his defensive game and hasn't played all that bad. He will continue to develop and the Islanders have another good prospect on the blue line. He's also a candidate to make the Canadian squad late in December 2005 for the 2006 WJC's.

Highlights:

* Named third star with 2 assists in a 5-3 win vs. the Seattle Thunderbirds December 11, 2005.

* Named third star with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win at the Prince Albert Raiders December 16, 2005.

* Named second star with 2 assists in 6-2 win at the Saskatoon Blades December 17, 2005.

* Named second star with 3 assists in 5-4 win vs. the Moose Jaw Warriors January 13, 2006.

* Named second star and was a +1 in a 2-1 win vs. Swift Current Broncos February 3, 2006.

* Named first star with game tying goal(PP) in 3-2 win vs. Prince George Cougars February 15, 2006.

* Named first star and was a +3 in 4-3 SO loss vs. Prince Albert Raiders February 17, 2006. 

* Named first star with a goal(PP) in 4-3 SO win vs. Saskatoon Blades March 10, 2006.

* Named third star with an assist in 4-2 win vs. Regina Pats March 17, 2006.

Playoffs:

* Named first star with an assist(on GW) in 2-1 win at Moose Jaw Warriors March 25, 2006. (Gm 2)

Dustin Kohn's Time in Bridgeport
by Michael Fornabaio - May 3, 2006 - Connpost.com Blog

Dustin Kohn might not dress in a playoff game for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, but he's already taking another step on his progression toward the pro game.

Though he has another year of junior eligibility remaining, and thus can't play for the Sound Tigers next season, Kohn, 19, joined Bridgeport earlier this month on an amateur tryout.

He played in Bridgeport's final two regular-season games, his first two professional games. He made his pro debut at Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on April 14.

"I felt like I was 16 years old, going back to my first game in the Western League," Kohn said.

Kohn has spent more time this week at Wachovia Arena with the rest of the Sound Tigers during the East Division semifinals. Game 6 was in Bridgeport on Friday night, with the Sound Tigers leading the best-of-7 series 3-2.

A victory would have sent Bridgeport to the division final against Hershey; a loss would have forced Game 7 tonight in Wilkes-Barre.

Kohn came into the playoffs as the eighth defenseman of an eight-man corps, but with Allan Rourke battling a groin pull, he was a heartbeat away from the lineup.

"If it comes to him playing in the playoffs," Bridgeport coach Dave Baseggio said, "I don't have a problem with it."

That's because Kohn, the New York Islanders' second-round pick in last summer's NHL Entry Draft, has been impressive from the time the team drafted him.

The Islanders kept the 6-foot-1, 195-pound defenseman around late into training camp.

"I got to stay around awhile, play a couple of exhibition games, get a little taste of things," Kohn said. "I want to be able to do the same thing next fall."

When he joined the Sound Tigers after his junior season, he was minus-1 in a pair of games in which Bridgeport was outscored 8-1.

"I thought he did really well," Baseggio said. "He's a great skater, he's got good poise and good vision. He's going to be a real good pro."

Kohn sees skating and offensive abilities as his biggest strengths. He had 72 points over the past two seasons in the WHL.

This year, Kohn's numbers were down, but he worked a lot harder on his defensive game. He felt that improved greatly.

In fact, playing against two of the AHL's Eastern Conference's best teams, he fit right in defensively against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Hartford.

"It's hard coming in and stepping into two pretty tough buildings to play in," Baseggio said."

Kohn played most of his time with veteran Tomi Pettinen, a pairing that made Kohn feel comfortable right away.

The rest of the corps has helped, too.

"Bruno (Gervais) has kind of taken me under his wing," Kohn said. " (Ryan) Caldwell, Pettinen, Rourkey -- they're all really good guys. They make this a very easy adjustment."

Kohn's adjustment has mirrored that of fellow juniors Ryan O'Marra, a centerman who scored four goals in his first three regular-season games, and Blake Comeau, who stepped in at second-line right wing to start the playoffs and has played like a veteran.

"It's great for the future," Baseggio said. "A young defenseman with that poise, that vision, they're tough to come by."

Sound Tigers Sign Dustin Kohn to ATO

April 12, 2006: The Bridgeport Sound Tigers have signed D Dustin Kohn to an amateur tryout contract. Kohn was the Islanders second round draft pick, 46th overall, in the 2005 Draft. At 19, he comes to the Sound Tigers from the Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings for whom he posted two goals, 13 assists, 15 points and 30 penalty minutes in 31 games this season. The Wheat Kings were eliminated last week from the WHL playoffs in 6 games by the Moose Jaw Warriors.

The 6'1'' 195-pounder from Edmonton, Alberta was acquired by Brandon in January from the WHL's Calgary Hitmen with whom he notched two goals, 12 assists, 14 points and 20 penalty minutes in 38 games giving him season totals of four goals, 25 assists, 29 points and 50 penalty minutes in 69 games. Kohn played for Calgary the previous two seasons (2003-05). He practiced with the Sound Tigers at Bridgeport's Arena at Harbor Yard Wednesday morning.

Coach Dave Baseggio stated that Kohn will probably see action in one of the Sound Tigers final two regular season games this weekend against the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

Kohn is the second pick from the Islanders 2005 draft to join the Sound Tigers. The Islanders last month signed their first round pick, 15th overall, Ryan O'Marra to a three year deal. Like O'Marra though, Kohn cannot play for the Sound Tigers in 2006-07 because he still has a year of junior eligibility remaining.

"He's a great-skating, two-way defenseman," coach Dave Baseggio said. "In training camp, he was really good." The Islanders kept him for most of training camp, in fact, giving him a couple of exhibition-game looks. If Kohn plays, he'll be the fourth to skate for the Sound Tigers out of the Islanders' seven 2005 draft picks, following Masi Marjamaki (fifth), Luch Aquino (seventh) and Ryan O'Marra (first).

SOUND TIGERS SIGN DUSTIN KOHN TO ATO
Islanders' top two picks from last summer's draft now on roster
April 12, 2006 - SoundTigers.com

BRIDGEPORT, CT - The American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers, top affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders, have signed defenseman Dustin Kohn to an amateur tryout contract. Kohn was the second selection, 46th overall, of the Islanders in last summer's NHL Entry Draft and joins center Ryan O'Marra, the big club's first pick last summer, on the Sound Tigers' roster.

Kohn, 19, comes to the Sound Tigers from the Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings for whom he posted two goals, 13 assists, 15 points and 30 penalty minutes in 31 games this season. The 6'1'' 195-pounder from Edmonton, Alberta was acquired by Brandon in January from the WHLís Calgary Hitmen with whom he notched two goals, 12 assists, 14 points and 20 penalty minutes in 38 games giving him season totals of four goals, 25 assists, 29 points and 50 penalty minutes in 69 games. Kohn played for Calgary the previous two seasons (2003-05). He practiced with the Sound Tigers at Bridgeport's Arena at Harbor Yard Wednesday morning.

Depth bodes well for Wheat Kings
by James Shewaga - Apr. 12, 2006 - BrandonSun.com

Comments by Brandon Wheat King's coach/General Manager Kelly McCrimmon in article focused on key Wheat King likely returnees for 2006-07.

Dustin Kohn (19 years old)

A shrewd pickup at the WHL trade deadline, this 2005 New York Islanders’ second-round draft pick (46th overall) should be one of the blue-chip blueliners in the WHL next season.

“I think he’s one of the premier defencemen in the league. I would expect that he will get world junior consideration and I talk about some of these defencemen being real good skaters, Dustin is a great skater as well. He’s just an intelligent player, good with the puck, sees the ice very well and I think will be a real top-end defenceman next year.”

Dustin Kohn Video (opens up in new window)
January 26, 2006 - about his trade to Brandon

Kohn right at home on Brandon blueline
by James Shewaga - Feb. 28, 2006 - BrandonSun.com

There may have been an adjustment period, but there was never any question of divided loyalties for Dustin Kohn.

So it was no surprise that the dynamic 18-year-old Brandon blueliner took Saturday night’s 4-1 loss to the Calgary Hitmen — his former club — as hard as anyone. If that game proved anything, it proved that Kohn is over any lingering feelings from the Jan. 10 trade deadline deal that sent him from Calgary to Brandon for left-winger Derek LeBlanc.

“The first time when I was in Calgary two weeks after the trade deadline, it felt really weird and this time I felt more like this is my home town, instead of going back to my home when we were in Calgary,” said Kohn, following practice on Monday afternoon at the Keystone Centre. “The first week or two weeks here was definitely an adjustment, but it feels like my home now. I don’t think of anywhere else but Brandon as being my home and it’s been an easy adjustment to make.”

Not that there was ever a doubt for Wheat Kings head coach/general manager Kelly McCrimmon.

“I think he’s really played well for us,” said McCrimmon. “He’s given us a real dimension on our blueline and I think he’s made Daryl Boyle a better player. They’ve teamed together real well and to be honest I don’t think there’s another team in the division that has a pair of ‘D’ quite like Kohn and Boyle. I think he’s settled in and is real comfortable and he’s played very well.”

In 22 games since joining the Wheat Kings, Kohn has a goal and 10 assists. His +7 rating is the second-best plus-minus rating on the club behind Boyle and rookie left-winger Tyler Dittmer, who have both posted impressive +10 marks since Kohn joined the Wheat Kings. While Kohn’s offensive abilities and slick skating — he was timed as the fastest skater in the Wheat Kings’ Skills Competition on Sunday — are obvious, the New York Islanders’ second-round draft pick has also been taking care of his own end for Brandon.

“He’s conscientious defensively,” said McCrimmon. “I think that even though you appreciate the offensive abilities that he has, his game starts with playing solid in his own end and I think that what he’s been doing more lately is becoming a part of the attack.” While he hasn’t single-handedly turned around Brandon’s league-worst power play, Kohn did score his first goal as a Wheat King on the power play two weeks ago in a 3-2 victory over the Prince George Cougars and added power-play and shorthanded assists in a 5-4 victory over the Lethbridge Hurricanes last Wednesday.

“There’s not going to be one guy that changes the power play and all of a sudden makes it run perfectly,” said Kohn. “It’s definitely a process and we have to continue to work as a unit of five guys.”

With four games over the next five nights, the Wheat Kings (24-29-5-4) will have plenty of time to put the power play to work this week, starting tonight in Regina against the Pats (32-24-1-4).

“It’s definitely going to be a lot of hockey for us over the next five nights and two big games with P.A. on Wednesday and Friday,” said Kohn. “It’s going to be a big week for sure.”

Kohn set to face old club
by James Shewaga - Jan. 24, 2006 - BrandonSun.com

Recently-acquired Brandon blueliner Dustin Kohn will take to the ice against his old Calgary clubmates on Friday in the first meeting between the two teams since the Wheat Kings swapped left-winger Derek LeBlanc, 19, for Kohn, 18, at this year’s WHL trade deadline on Jan. 10.

Kohn has plenty of friends on his former team and is anxiously awaiting his reunion with the Hitmen.

“It’s something that I’m looking forward to,” said Kohn, who has four assists in six games with Brandon for a total of two goals and 18 points in 44 games this season. “I had a good two-and-a-half years in Calgary and it will be fun to be in that building on the other side with a new group of guys.

“It’s obviously one of those situations where you want to go in there and play well and maybe rub it in their face a little bit and maybe make them think they made a bad decision or second-guess their decision ... I was the most expendable guy and that’s completely understandable, but like I said, I’m looking forward to getting in that building on the other side.”

Wheat Kings hope to keep home-ice win-streak alive
by James Shewaga - Jan. 13, 2006 - BrandonSun.com

The new-look Wheat Kings (14-22-4-1) — with slick defenceman Dustin Kohn slated to play his second game since being acquired at Tuesday’s WHL trade deadline — will put a four-game home winning streak on the line when they face the high-powered Moose Jaw Warriors (22-14-2-3) at the Keystone Centre tonight at 7:30.

For his part, Kohn expects to be much better prepared for tonight’s game after completing his first practice with his new teammates on Thursday.

“The first game I was just kind of thrown in there and playing a different system than we did in Calgary, so I was a little bit confused at times and I had the grinding travel day,” said Kohn, an 18-year-old 2005 second-round draft pick by the New York Islanders who was acquired in a swap with the Calgary Hitmen for 19-year-old left-winger Derek LeBlanc. “But it was real good to get in there and get that game out of the way and this weekend should be good ... I feel pretty comfortable right now.”

Wheaties, Kohn savour win
by James Shewaga - Jan. 12, 2006 - BrandonSun.com

Dustin Kohn may not have lit up the scoreboard in his Wheat Kings debut, but the two points he was most concerned with were the ones he helped Brandon earn on Wednesday night.

In the first game since Tuesday’s WHL trade deadline shakeup in which Brandon added Kohn and subtracted Derek LeBlanc and Mike Cann, the Wheat Kings welcomed their new defenceman to the lineup by earning a 6-3 victory over the Red Deer Rebels in front of a crowd of 2,410 at the Keystone Centre. While Kohn was held off the scoresheet, the 18-year-old second-round NHL draft pick put in a solid all-around performance despite joining his new teammates just two hours before game time.

“I wanted to play, I wanted to get the first one under my belt and get the nerves out of the system early,” said Kohn, who was acquired from the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for LeBlanc.

“We’ve got a big home-and-home series this weekend with Moose Jaw and I wanted to be sharp for those games, so I thought it was important that I get out here and get to meet the guys as quick as possible and get on the ice with them ... I battled hard out there and was very happy that we won, for sure.”

Interestingly, just about the time Kohn was celebrating the win in his debut with his new club, LeBlanc was scoring the game-winning goal with 6:09 remaining to help the Hitmen earn a 4-2 victory over Cann and the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Calgary last night.

Ticket to Brandon a 'shock' to blueliner Kohn
by John Down, Calgary Herald, January 11, 2006

It shouldn't have come as a surprise, but it did.

The Calgary Hitmen, waist deep in defencemen, dealt Dustin Kohn to the Brandon Wheat Kings in one of two transactions at Tuesday's trade deadline.

In landing power forward Derek LeBlanc and a conditional fifth-round pick in the 2007 bantam draft, the Hitmen opened the door for giant-sized forward Isaac Reid's departure to the Lethbridge Hurricanes for a fourth-round choice in the 2006 draft. Reid might dress tonight when the Hurricanes visit the Pengrowth Saddledome (7 p.m., Fan 960).

It figured the Hitmen would probably deal a rearguard inasmuch as they had nine. But the 18-year-old Kohn, a third-year member of the Hitmen, didn't see it coming.

"You can't prepare for something like this," said the New York Islanders' draft pick. "It's always in the back of your mind . . . the last couple years there's always been something on trade deadline day.

"But it's definitely a shock," he said.

Kohn had a career-high eight goals and 35 assists last season after a rookie campaign during which he posted three goals and three assists. He goes to Brandon with two goals and a dozen assists this season.

"We felt we needed an older forward who could score goals and play some quality minutes and Derek fit the bill," general manager and coach Kelly Kisio said of the 19-year-old LeBlanc, who brings 11 goals and 11 assists in 37 games to the Hitmen.

"To get a good player you have to give up a good player, " said Kisio. "Once we did that deal, we didn't feel there was enough room for Isaac Reid to get the quality minutes he needs to get better."

Kisio wouldn't tip his hand as to what other players he pursued, but made it perfectly clear he wasn't going to sacrifice his core of young players.

"We feel our team is going to be just as good next year as it is this year, so we decided to just tweak a little bit," said Kisio, who described the 19-year-old Leblanc as a candidate for the top two lines.

"He's a big strong, very fast forward who can score," said Kisio. "We watched him last year quite a bit, knew the damage he could do in the playoffs and that was one of the reasons we got him.

"He's going to play a lot of minutes for us."

Kohn also will play a great number of minutes for the East Division's Wheaties, who are scrapping for the last playoff berth.

"He'll probably be their No. 1 or No. 2 guy there and put up some real good numbers," mused Kiso. "I think he's going to have a great career still and with the increased ice time he'll get there, he'll get even better."

Kohn, nevertheless, was heart-broken.

"It's always a tough thing to leave your friends, but it's part of business,'' he said. "I'll try to look at it from a positive perspective and that's what I'm going to do.

"There's a lot of good memories here. I was fortunate enough to start my career in Calgary.

"It's definitely a special team, a tight group with everyone on the right page, so it's tough to leave in that sense and I can only wish everyone good luck and that I'll be rooting for them.

"But there's a new challenge and I look forward to helping Brandon make the playoffs."

Wheat Kings deal for Kohn
by James Shewaga - Jan. 11, 2006 - BrandonSun.com

Never one to shy away from a deadline deal, Kelly McCrimmon pulled the trigger twice at Tuesday’s WHL trade deadline.

The question is, are the Brandon Wheat Kings a better team today than they were yesterday? McCrimmon, the owner, general manager and head coach, believes they are after trading 19-year-old left-winger Derek LeBlanc to the Calgary Hitmen for 18-year-old defenceman Dustin Kohn and dealing 17-year-old defenceman Mike Cann to the Lethbridge Hurricanes for a second-round pick in the 2007 bantam draft.

While the Saskatoon Blades made the biggest splash at the trade deadline by loading up for a playoff run, the Wheat Kings also changed the complexion of their club, albeit to a far lesser extent. The jury is still out on what kind of player Cann will develop into after being selected in the first round (18th overall) of the 2003 WHL bantam draft. However, LeBlanc was a respected veteran on a Wheat Kings club that largely failed to live up to expectations over the first half of the season but has bounced back to go 8-6-2 over its last 16 games heading into tonight’s clash with the Red Deer Rebels at the Keystone Centre (7 o’clock).

“I guess with respect to why would we move (LeBlanc), I think we recognized that we needed to trade a real good player if we were going to acquire a real good player and I think in acquiring Dustin Kohn from Calgary we’ve added one of the premier defencemen in the league,” said McCrimmon, whose club currently sits one point out of playoff position in the WHL’s East Division with a 13-22-4-1 record. “He’s a second-round draft choice of the New York Islanders, he’s a guy that we had the benefit of playing against in the playoffs last year when you really get to know players and I thought he was a very important part of that team. And again, a real good defenceman on this year’s Calgary team.”

While they lose some scoring up front on a team that isn’t blessed with a lot of firepower, Kohn could be the answer to the Wheat Kings’ continuing power-play problems, a new quarterback for a team that currently sports the league’s worst power-play percentage (9.7 per cent). After shaking off the shock of being traded, Kohn was saying all the right things last night.

“I’m excited, for sure,” said Kohn, via telephone from Calgary. “It’s another opportunity to make myself a better player. I am going to get a lot of opportunities there ... and I already feel they have confidence in me to make a trade for me, so I’m excited and looking forward to getting there.”

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound native of Edmonton was picked by the Islanders in the second round (46th overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft after scoring eight goals and racking up 35 assists for 43 points, along with 61 penalty minutes in 71 games as a 17-year-old sophomore with the Hitmen. So far this season, Kohn has scored two goals and notched 14 points with 20 penalty minutes in 38 games for the Hitmen.

“I know (the Wheat Kings) want me to play on the power play and that’s something that I like to do and I’m excited about that,” said Kohn, who is expected to be in the lineup Friday when the Wheat Kings play host to the Moose Jaw Warriors. “I want to help out the team any way I can.”

The deal also helps alleviate what will be a 20-year-old logjam for the Wheat Kings next season, trimming one of the eight 19-year-olds from Brandon’s 24-player roster.

“We got a little bit younger adding Kohn,” said McCrimmon, who also gave up a conditional 2007 fifth-round pick in the trade. “I think we’ve got real good young depth on our blueline to make the move of Cann possible and I think we add a real dimension to our team with Dustin Kohn. He’s going to improve our ability to move the puck, he’s going to improve our special teams and I think gonna be a real solid contributor to our lineup.”

“I think adding Dustin into our lineup is setting ourselves up for a good playoff run this year,” said Wheat Kings captain Teegan Moore. “I think Dustin is a really good defenceman ... We are struggling a little on the power play and with him being a power-play specialist, he moves the puck real well, he can get pucks through to the net, so I think he will help our team a lot.”

Kohn Set to Make Debut
January 11, 2006

Brandon, Manitoba -- Western Manitoba hockey fans will have their first opportunity to watch highly touted defenceman Dustin Kohn Wednesday night when the Wheat Kings play host to the Red Deer Rebels at the Keystone Centre.

WHEATS ACQUIRE KOHN; DEAL LEBLANC, CANN
January 10, 2006 - wheatkings.com

Brandon, Manitoba – The Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings have announced the acquisition of 18-year old defenceman Dustin Kohn from the Calgary Hitmen as well as a second round draft choice in 2007 from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in two deals announced prior to this afternoon’s trade deadline of 4 p.m. CST.  
 
A second round draft choice of the New York Islanders (46th overall) in the 2005 National Hockey League entry draft, the 6’1” 195 lb. blueliner is in his third WHL season. In 38 games with the Hitmen this year, Kohn has two goals, 14 points and 20 minutes in penalties. During the 2004-05 campaign, he had eight goals, 43 points and 61 penalty minutes in 71 games. The Edmonton product has scored thirteen goals, 66 points and accumulated 94 penalty minutes in 161 career games.  
 
To make room for Brandon’s newest addition, general manager Kelly McCrimmon dealt 17-year old defenceman Mike Cann to Lethbridge. A former first round bantam draft pick of the Wheat Kings, he was in his second season with Brandon. In 24 games with this year, the Cochrane, Alberta native had one goal, three points and 27 penalty minutes.  
 
In exchange for Kohn, the Wheat Kings gave up 19-year old left-winger Derek LeBlanc and a fifth round pick in next year’s WHL bantam draft. In 37 games with the Wheat Kings this season, the former AAA midget Wheat King had eleven goals and 23 points. During his 3-years in Brandon, LeBlanc had scored twenty-six goals and 58 points in 161 games.  
 
As a result of today’s moves, the Wheat Kings have twenty-four players on their roster – two goalkeepers, eight defenceman and 14 forwards.

Points far from paramount for Kohn
By Cameron Maxwell -- Calgary Sun
Oct. 23, 2005

Looking at the Calgary Hitmen scoring leaders, the number alongside defenceman Dustin Kohn just doesn't seem right.

After all, how can a guy who was fourth on the club in scoring last year only have three points on the season so far?

So, has the fleet-footed blueliner turned into the second coming of Phil Russell?

No, insists Kohn, adding he's more like a certain San Jose Sharks rearguard.

"Maybe Scott Hannan. He's a guy who's good defensively and he's good offensively as well," said the 18-year-old from Edmonton.

"He's just a solid two-way player and I want to become a solid, two-way defenceman."

Hence the reason why Kohn has three assists through 10 games, including one in last night's 3-1 win over Red Deer at the 'Dome.

He made a conscientious decision to really bear down on his defensive responsibilities this season so he could become a more well-rounded player.

"I haven't got as many points at this time as I had last year but that doesn't matter to me at all. The most important thing is winning games as a team," said the New York Islanders second-round draft pick who had eight goals and 35 assists last year.

"I want to play the role of more of a gritty defenceman back there. Brett Carson and Jeff Schultz are doing well with the points, and Karl Alzner as well, so I think it's important that we have guys that are willing to do whatever it takes to help the team."

Kohn savours bite of Big Apple
By Cameron Maxwell -- Calgary Sun
Sept. 28, 2005

Making his first foray into the Big Apple for his NHL training camp debut, a wide-eyed Dustin Kohn made a good impression.

The Calgary Hitmen defenceman was returned to the WHL by the New York Islanders Monday but made sure the Isles' coaching staff put an asterisk beside his name.

Islanders head coach Steve Stirling said his club will keep a close eye on the Edmonton product.

"Dustin is definitely a kid we'll be working with," said Stirling in a statement. "He has the wheels and, better than that, he has the smarts."

Kohn returned to Hitmen practice yesterday and said he got some help from some of the Islanders veterans.

"It was an unreal experience. I got to play with Brent Sopel and he helped me out a lot," said the 18-year-old, who played in two NHL pre-season games. "The pace of the game is just so fast and the players are so smart. The forecheckers come right at you."

Before returning to Calgary, Islanders brass told Kohn the same thing he's been hearing for a while.

"For the last couple of years here, I've been working on getting stronger. I've been told, 'Get stronger, get stronger,' " said Kohn, who was fourth in Hitmen scoring last season with eight goals and 35 helpers.

As for life in the Big Apple, the 6-ft. 1-in., 190-pounder said it was quite a bit different from Calgary or Edmonton.

"I got to go to a Yankees game and got to see a little bit of the town. On our way to game against New Jersey in the Meadowlands, there was a Jets game. It was two and a half hours after the game and there were tens of thousands of fans tailgating in the parking lot.

"How many people are there is just insane. I don't know if it's the kind of lifestyle I want but I know a lot of the guys find ways around it."

More from WHL.ca: 

With two NHL exhibition contests under his belt, and having the opportunity to learn and rub elbows with NHL veteran's Brent Sopel and Brad Lukowich, Kohn is back in Calgary and ready to take his experiences and help the Hitmen in their quest for a Western Hockey League championship.

On the difference between the WHL and NHL...

"The pace of the game is so fast, and guys are so smart. There's a lot of little things like placement of your stick when you're penalty-killing...guys are so good with their sticks and taking away passing lanes. Communication is very important there, too, and guys are always talking, especially on the penalty kill."

On the feedback he got from Islanders management...

"I think they were impressed with my skating and puck movement, and they thought I was a smart player. They always tell you to get bigger and stronger, but now, with the new obstruction rules, they want to focus on foot speed, positioning, and being able to contain players rather than just being big and physical."

On this year's edition of the Hitmen...

"I don't want to say people are counting us out, but we might be considered somewhat of a dark horse. But, with (Justin) Pogge in net, the defence we have, and all the enthusiastic, young and hard-working forwards we have, we may take a few teams by surprise this season."

KOHN BACK FROM ISLANDER CAMP
Monday, September 26, 2005
KOHN RETURNS TO HITMEN BLUELINE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2005

Calgary, AB – Calgary Hitmen General Manager and Head Coach Kelly Kisio announced today the return of defenceman Dustin Kohn (pronounced Cone) from NHL camp.

Kohn, a 6’1” 190lbs. native of Edmonton, AB, attended New York Islanders camp. The 18 year-old was a 2nd round pick of the Islanders, 46th overall in 2005. He’s played 123 career regular season games in the WHL, all with the Hitmen (11G-41A-52Pts). Kohn is entering his 3rd WHL season.

September 25, 2005: The Islanders today continued to get their roster down near the 23 mark by first re-assigning 2005 second round pick D Dustin Kohn to the Calgary Hitmen (WHL). Kohn impressed the Islanders coaching staff with his speed. "Dustin is definitely a kid we'll be working with," said coach Steve Stirling. "He has the wheels, and better than that, he has the smarts."

Isles Select D Dustin Kohn 46th Overall

July 30, 2005: In the second round the Islanders looked to defense, a position they needed to add some more depth to, by selecting Calgary Hitman(WHL) D Dustin Kohn. He's described as an offensive minded defenseman that doesn't shy away from the physical game. Kohn is still growing and could improve on his foot speed. He will get a chance to show what he's got at this summer's evaluation camp with team Canada as he was invited to their session in preparation for the 2006 World Junior Championships.

From THN:

D Dustin Kohn
Born: February 2, 1987, Edmonton, Alta.
2004-05: Calgary (WHL)
Central Scouting: 69th among North Americans 

What Kohn has going for him is hockey sense and an innate ability to generate offense. He doesn't mind the nitty-gritty of being a bruising defenseman and he's still growing. Scouts would like to see his foot speed improve. With the puck, though, he's very patient.  Rank: 32nd by THN.

Redline Report, December 2004

Rising: Dustin Kohn — Tremendous improvement this season. Is now Calgary's best defenseman some nights on a team with four NHL drafted blue liners.

WHL Rating #3: Smooth skating defender has opened eyes this year thanks to improved defensive play and excellent puck skills. Was overmatched last year due to lack of size, but has grown and added some muscle, making him more effective in own zone. Is very confident with puck and has the ability to lead the rush or make long, crisp breakout passes. At his best when skating the puck out of his zone and hitting a teammate in full stride. Has a good shot which he gets on net and above average passing skills. Not a banger, but has improved his defensive zone coverage drastically.

May 19, 2005
Falling: Dustin Kohn, LD, Calgary: Struggled in the playoffs against Brandon and seemed unable to deal with his greatly increased role after injuries hit the Hitmen along the blue line.

Islanders Scouts:

Islanders' Head Amateur scout Tony Feltrin: "He's a strong skater with and without the puck. He saw lots of ice time with (WHL) Calgary this season as well as powerplay time. His offensive instincts are good at this point and he can see the ice well. We have a good young group of defensemen with Chris Campoli and Bruno Gervais pushing for jobs at the NHL level in the upcoming year. With some development, Dustin will have a chance to be in the same position."

Islanders' Amateur Scout Harkie Singh: "He's a puck-moving defenseman who makes the first pass well and doesn't hesitate to jump up into the play. He's a guy who has quality offensive skills and not afraid to compete. He also doesn't hesitate to play the body as well. In terms of his development, he's going to need to shore up his defensive zone play. We're really happy to have him available at this pick."

Ratings:

THN: 32
Redline Report: 32
Sportsnet.ca: 33

* Played for Don Cerry's Team Black in the 2005 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game Jan. 19, 2005 in Vancouver.

* Was awarded a team Scholastic Award by the Calgary Hitmen for the 2003-04 season on Feb. 28, 2004.

* Kohn was invited to the Canadian U-18 Summer Development Camp in 2004 but did not make the team.

* Was a member of Team Pacific in the 2003 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge. He was named the star of the game with an assist in a 6-1 win over Finland on December 30, 2003.

Young 'N' the restless
by Scott Fisher - Calgary Sun
April - 2005

Hitmen will lean on an inexperienced blueline in bid to beat Lethbridge (excerpt)

Sophomore Dustin Kohn, selected as the club's top defenceman during the regular season, can't get over how quickly he's gone from a fresh-faced freshman to a grizzled vet.

"I'm in my second year and I'm one of the older guys," says Kohn, shaking his head.

Not many WHL playoff teams will dress a 15-year-old and two 16-year-olds on the blueline.

But Kohn said all three have held their own in the limited action they've seen so far.

"I don't think it's a worry for us," Kohn says.

"In the games they've been up here, they've shown they can play at this level.

"We have three solid pairings we can throw out there against anyone.

"Lethbridge has fast, speedy guys so it's going to be a challenge but it'll be a welcomed one."

Kohn could play a major role in any success the Hitmen experience.

The smooth-skating 18-year-old was fourth on the club with 43 points, including a team-high 35 assists.

With goals expected to be at a premium, any offence Kohn can generate would be a huge bonus.

"I want to help out offensively by jumping into the play," he says.

"There are going to be some tight games so anything I can contribute will be appreciated by the forwards."

Hockey's Future: After playing a supporting role with the Calgary Hitmen in 2003-04, a season where he played both forward and defense, Dustin Kohn made a big impact from the blueline this season. On a defense that boasted a pair of first round selections from the 2004 NHL Entry Draft, Kohn quickly solidified his position on the club’s top pairing en route to tops amongst defensemen in scoring with 43 points in 71 games.

The improvement in Kohn’s game came at both ends of the ice. While the 6’1 defenseman saw his offensive output rise from just nine points one season ago, defensively Kohn became much more reliable as well. Involved in all special teams activity, Kohn saw a spike in confidence as the Hitmen coaching staff increased his ice time. Although the Edmonton, AB native finished just two points shy of finishing amongst the top ten defensemen in the league for total points, it was his top 50 finish in plus/minus that Kohn took even greater pride in.

It was both of these statistics that helped earn Kohn a position on Team Cherry in the CHL Top Prospects game, opening the eyes of many scouts. At the conclusion of the 2004-05 regular season, the Calgary Hitmen named Kohn the club’s top defenseman. His improvements didn’t go unnoticed by those outside of the organization either, as Kohn will get an opportunity to impress onlookers at the Canadian Junior Development Camp.

Scout #1: Kohn’s a really skilled offensive player, skates well. I think there are some holes in him. I don’t see him in the second round. I just don’t see a huge battle level in this guy.

Scout #2: He’s a hard guy to put a value on. He has great skills but he doesn’t play as tough as I’d like him to. He’s not that big but he’s a great skater and he’s an offensive threat. He’ll probably go fairly high in the draft I would think.

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The Kohn Chronicles Part 1 - November 14, 2004

Excerpt: It could be Kohn's desire that sets him apart from other defensemen in his draft class -- his desire for competition, always looking to improve, and always concerned about how he plays out on the ice. As he continues to play well, though, thoughts of player rankings going into the draft can't help but creep into Kohn's mind. Despite this, though, Kohn is trying to place all his focus on the task at hand, guiding the Calgary Hitmen through a successful 2004-05 season.

The Kohn Chronicles Part 2 - January 19, 2005

Excerpt: Putting up points isn’t something Kohn has had to worry about over his last few games. In fact, one would be hard pressed to find a defenseman as hot as Kohn is in calendar year 2005. Through eight games, Kohn has registered 9 points, including two multiple-point games. Needless to say, as much as the 2005 NHL Entry Draft is wearing on Dustin Kohn, the 2004-05 WHL season should have him holding his head high.

The Kohn Chronicles Part 3 - March 24, 2005

Excerpt: It’s ironic that in a year in which there will be no draft event, teams will be more prepared than ever, as executives have had more time to watch and interview draft-eligible prospects.

“I’ve had a couple of interviews,” Kohn cautiously revealed with a smile. “I’m not sure I should say who, though.”

The Kohn Chronicles Part 4 - Finale - November 19, 2005

Excerpt: “My numbers aren’t showing it as much this year as last year,” admitted Kohn. “(It’s) that draft jinx.”

Jinx or not, Kohn has struggled to duplicate his offensive statistics which, in part, earned him a selection in the second round from the New York Islanders. Instead of worrying about his offense, though, Kohn has made an effort to improve in areas he was criticized for in his draft year: his questionable defensive efforts and lack of physical play.

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