It should be no surprise to Kings' followers that Ethan Cox is having a successful rookie season with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.
Back in the 2004-05 with rookie linemates Adam Presizniuk and Brandon Cummings, the threesome shone brightly to lead the Kings in an otherwise lacklustre year.
2005-06 wasn't a heck of a lot better but for Cox, who was the Kings' top point getter to finish 17 in league scoring with 74 points, his production and team recognition earned him a scholarship with Colgate University.
His tour at the Div 1 school was highlighted with his NCAA hockey Humanitarian Award for his dedication to raising funds for cancer research and of course his degree, but he graduated wanting more from hockey.
He found his way to the Aces via a couple of connections through his assistant coach at Colgate and was subsequently offered a contract.
Cox and his agent didn't just accept the first offer as he had a number of priorities on his mind at the time.
“I wanted an AHL tryout, not in terms of thinking I would make it at that level,” he said, “but just for the experience as a starting off point.”
“I got that with Peoria Rivermen,” he said, then added, “and I needed a place where I could grow as a player with incoming vets and a chance to actually play consistently, so those were two big things that were met.”
Cox has been making smart moves all through his young career and he points to the Kings as one of the key ones.
“Definitely, in terms of coaching, especially with Kent (Lewis) when he came in and showed how you approach the game in terms of developing well rounded players.”
“That helped me get a scholarship,” he said, and also helped me to understand the awareness of the different styles of play and the ability to play in different situations early on.”
“I learned that quite a bit in my second year with Powell River on the powerplay and penalty kill,” he said of his opportunities with the Kings.
“Kent really helped me be a well rounded player and take in all the information on the game of hockey.”
Despite his young age, Kings needed a leader at the time and Cox was more than willing to take on the role.
“I feel that's where I'm at my best,” he said quite succinctly.
“I like taking over leadership roles and I like taking on a lot of responsibility,” he said as a matter of fact, not bragging.
“I enjoy that side of the game.”
Kings' Lewis understands that and added, “When I came in that year he was one of a couple of key guys and he was the reason we got to 500 and get back some respectability.”
“He just led with his heart,” said Lewis, “and he worked very hard.”
“He got his degree and he'll be a very succesful kid – comes from good stock and he's made of the right stuff.”
His next team, Colgate Raiders, prepared him in other ways to further his career.
“University taught me, especially where I was at,” he explained, “the defensive style of hockey and that's where I focused on defense and learned how to be a shut-down player.”
“That propelled me into the role I'm in now,” he said with the Aces.
“Once you find yourself a niche with a team,” he said, “professionally, that kind of helps you keep your job and stuff like that.”
Cox started the year chipping in where he could but of late has been one of the top scorers for the Aces.
“My hockey career, so far, has kind of taken me to different styles at different points,” he said.
“It changes every game,” said the left winger, “but I usually find myself playing center so that always helps.”
Cox started out with the Aces at a .05 PPG pace but in March has stepped it up to over 1.00 PPG and is among the leaders in plus/minus.
In fact, when we caught up to Ethan in his three game set in Victoria, he collected three goals against the Salmon Kings and was awarded the ECHL'S player of the month for his stellar play.
Cox had two goals in their final game, a win at Save On Arena, which coincidently clinched the league championship for the Aces.
“Like you said, in the month of March I'm starting to get the confidence back and put the puck in the back of the net or get points but at the same time I try to keep my defensive awareness and defensive ability first.
Cox and the Aces play on an Olympic size surface at home and he remarked on that.
“It's an advantage, that's for sure.”
“It's not so much that visitors struggle,” he explained, “it's just that we're really good.”
“It's just knowing that you have more time,” he said, “and you don't get chasing as much because if you do you're going to get caught out of position.”
You'd think conditioning would be a factor but Cox says numbers dictate that more than anything.
“The funny thing about the East Coast is that you only have 10 forwards,” he said, “and you only ever play with three lines so if you're in the lineup you're going to play.”
“That fourth line is non existant so it's hard not to be in shape.”
Asked about his expectations of his first pro year Cox said, “you know what, I didn't really know what to expect.”
“But I'm like a sponge actually and just trying to absorb as much information as possible.”
Pressed for a more definitive answer he thoughtfully replied, “I really wanted to come in and earn every opportunity I got so I came in with a clean slate, went with the flow right away and took care of the things that I could control then the rest of it would take care of itself.”
Aces have clinched first place in their division which has added to the enjoyment of Cox's rookie season so far. It's all new and exciting for him – even the extensive travel.
“I prefer flying than sitting on a bus for six hours before a game,” he said.
“I like playing games more than I like practicing and I've been excited in almost everything that' s happened so far this year.”
As busy as he is Cox has an eye on the Kings saying, “you guys are hot right now.”
“My mom (Louise) does a good job of keeping me informed,” he laughed, “and she is my link to the Kings.”
His advice to the Kings is simple and proven.
“You've got to approach one game at a time,” he said, “and the biggest thing I've learned this year is each game is a new slate.”
“I remember in college we'd lose a game and I'd be so mad it would filter to the next game for no reason and you've just got to have a short memory and move on.”
“I know it's easier said than done but you can't control it so just get ready for the next game.”
“Now that it's a job for me,” he stated, “I t
