Dennis Cholowski took the long route to Prince George.
The 19-year old defenseman is enjoying a solid start to his WHL career with nine points in his first eight games since returning from the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings.
His effort has been recognized by the league who have selected him to play in the CIBC Canada/Russia Series November 6th and 7th in Moose Jaw and Swift Current.
NEWS: @dcholowski27 named to Team WHL roster for @cibc #CANvsRUS Series.
? https://t.co/T3hAsodiIe #WHL #CityofPG pic.twitter.com/R9AfV2EdFI
— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) October 17, 2017
Cholowski’s journey through junior hockey began with two rock-solid seasons with the BCHL’s Chilliwack Chiefs, which included 67 points in 105 regular season games also adding 15 more points in 20 playoff games in 2016.
From there, he suited for the St. Cloud State Huskies in the NCAA ranks collecting just 12 points in the 36 games.
His decision to leave was mostly influenced by the Red Wings, who selected him 20th overall in the 2016 NHL Draft.
“The Red Wings offered the contract at the end of the season and wanted me to play more hockey and develop a little faster. The WHL plays 72 games and is as close to the NHL as you’re going to get, Detroit just wanted me to play more hockey and improve my game.”
He was returned to the Cougars following a pair of season-opening losses to the Spokane Chiefs.
It’s been a meteoric rise for Cholowski who has kept adding layers to his game over the past four seasons.
However, his defensive zone play has been his biggest improvement.
“Defensively, it is just about being bigger and stronger now as I am up to 200 pounds. It really helps a lot in the zone – also trying to evolve my offensive game and try and get more points.”
The Red Wings also provided some valuable insight on how to take over a game at a moment’s notice.
“Just being aggressive and assertive on the ice, taking control and pushing the offence a lot and making sure I get the team lots of points and generate scoring chances,” added Cholowski.
The Cougars sit at 3-5-2 after the 10-game mark and embark on a seven-game road swing beginning Friday in Edmonton against the Oil Kings.
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