The Manitoba U-18 AAA Hockey League's 'CCM Player of the Week' has been awarded to goaltender Dawson Cowan of the Interlake Lightning. Cowan played in his first game this season on Saturday against the Central Plains Capitals where he helped lead the Lightning to a 4-3 victory in a shootout. He outlines how he feels about receiving this award.

"It's definitely an amazing privilege to have for my first game in Provincial Midget (U-18)," says Cowan. "It was definitely a really cool experience."

Cowan stopped 53 of the 56 shots he faced in the outing and also denied six of the eight Capitals shooters in the shootout.

Despite being a rookie getting his first start, Cowan says he wasn't nervous as he knew whatever was supposed to happen was going to happen. He says the game was very intense the entire way through but notes his teammates gave him a lot of help.

"It said I faced about 55 shots or so but it honestly felt like 30, due to the fact that my defencemen just made it easy for me," says Cowan. "Making me make the easy saves and letting me see the released helped a lot. All of the shots came from the outside. So, it was a pretty good game."

Cowan says the team hasn't yet decided on who will be the full-time starter in goal (if they choose one), but no matter what, he says he will be ready to help Interlake win in whatever way he can.

Cowan and the Lightning will be back on the ice tomorrow as they host the Capitals for their home-opener. Puck drop is set for 8:00 in Teulon.