As Espen Escasa boarded the team bus bound for Sarnia, Ontario, preparing for the 2025 Silverstick Tournament over the November 28th weekend, the Soo U18 Greyhounds forward took a moment to sit down with Saultsports. With fifteen goals and twenty-two assists through his first fourteen games—an impressive 2.64 points per game average—Escasa enters the showcase as the top scorer in the GNU18HL, a position he’s earned through resilience, commitment, and a renewed confidence in his game.

For those who have watched Espen grow through the system, his success comes as no surprise. Here at Saultsports, with over forty years of experience covering hockey, we firmly believe that had Espen not suffered a devastating ankle injury on January 5th, 2024, he would have heard his name called in the 2025 OHL Priority Draft. The break—two fractures including a medial malleolus break—sidelined him as a 16-year-old, and ultimately cost him what could have been draft day glory. Unfortunately, the Sault Ste. Marie product did not hear his name announced this past spring.

Soo U18 Greyhound coach Jeremy Stevenson told Saultsports that “coming off a big injury I saw the development start right away. It took him a little while to get into his groove on almost every week in every game he’s finding more confidence playing at a quicker pace, holding onto the puck, using his linemates, making proper decisions and he’s as I said the last question he’s a great leader, which helps him on the ice. I believe his injury was a factor in the draft for him. Last year was last year. He was very aggressive, showing the same qualities as he is now and unfortunately, you can’t predict injuries, but he overcame that. He came out this year full of fire and love and passion for the game, which is making a tall player in this league.”

Yet, instead of dwelling on what could have been, Escasa’s focus shifted toward what matters most: family.

Brotherhood on the Ice
One of the strongest influences pulling Espen back into the lineup this season was the opportunity to play alongside his younger brother, Finlay Escasa. Sharing the ice with Finlay is something Espen describes as both special and motivating—an experience rooted in years of development together.

When asked about their connection, Espen shared, “Obviously we have chemistry because we just know each other’s tendencies and we know each other’s games. Therefore, we are capable of finding where we will be on the ice. This all started on the outdoor rink.”

Finlay echoed the same sentiment, adding, “I would describe our connection on the ice as if we are connected—we always know where each other are or where we are going to be. Playing with my brother is different from playing with other teammates mainly because of our chemistry but also because of how he motivates me and pushes me at home and at the rink.”

Espen and Finlay Escasa also share the ice this season with their cousin, Makks Demidovich, adding a meaningful family connection to the U18 Greyhounds roster. The trio’s chemistry and shared competitiveness bring an added spark to the team both on and off the ice.

Eyes on the Present, Not the Draft
While many around the league wonder if 2026 might finally be the year Espen’s name is called at the U18 OHL Draft, the seventeen-year-old isn’t letting the future distract from the present.

“Right now, I am focused on having a great season and developing with my teammates, coaches, trainers. And for that reason, things will fall into place how they are supposed to come about,” Escasa stated.

Growth, Confidence, and Leadership
One of the biggest strides in Escasa’s game this season has been his improved shot and skating, two elements that have transformed him into one of the league’s most dangerous forwards. His confidence has grown alongside his production, and he continues to rely on those strengths in key moments.

Now in his third season in the GNU18HL and his eighth year wearing the Red and White, Escasa cherishes the identity and recognition that comes with being a Greyhound. Whether at tournaments, league games, or in the community, the emblem carries pride—and responsibility.

As an assistant captain, Espen has embraced the leadership role, describing himself as a player with strong hockey IQ who strives to elevate those around him.

Guided by Coach Stevenson
Much of Escasa’s development can be credited to Greyhounds head coach Jeremy Stevenson, who has been instrumental in refining both Espen’s skill set and mindset.

Stevenson’s attention to detail—even in small areas such as catching a rimmed puck on the wall—has helped Escasa grow year over year. “Coach has helped me grow these past three years by maximizing my potential and achieving specific personal goals,” Espen shared.

A Player Built for Any Style
Escasa’s versatility has become a hallmark of his game. Whether the situation calls for finesse, physicality, or composure, Espen feels comfortable adapting.

“Esp brings several different qualities to our team. He is patient with the puck, very smart offensively, defensively he can pass, he can shoot, he’s physical when he wants to be. He’s also a great leader who enjoys the game and always has a positive attitude,” said coach Stevenson.

“When the game gets physical, staying composed is very crucial,” he said. “I enjoy playing a physical style and also a mix of a skilled style, so I’m comfortable in any situation that arises.”

The Greyhounds’ Mission
For Escasa and the Soo U18 Greyhounds, the team’s objectives this season remain crystal clear:

• Win the GNU18HL outright
• Advance to the OHFs
• Earn the opportunity to represent Ontario at the Telus Cup

As Espen Escasa heads to Sarnia for the Silverstick Tournament, he brings with him not only elite offensive production, but also leadership, perseverance, and a story defined by determination. If his early season performance is any indication, the narrative that began with hardship in 2024 may still be leading him toward a triumphant chapter in 2026.