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There is little doubt that Justin Maylan will be counted on to produce offensively for the Prince George Cougars during the upcoming 2008-2009 WHL season. Maylan was a the centerpiece coming back from the Moose Jaw Warriors in the deadline deal that saw Ty Wishart and Evan Fuller go the other way to the Warriors.

Maylan wanted a more prominent roll, and coming to the Cougars provided that exact opportunity. With 20 points in rookie campaign, Maylan knows there is room to improve and some good old fashioned hard work over the summer hopes to provide him with some extra jump come the start of training camp on August 24^th. Maylan has been working out in Calgary with teammates Corey and Dana Tyrell six days a week and feels he may be in his best shape ever. “I’ve always loved the gym and I’ve been going really hard this summer.  Working out with Cory and Dana has been fantastic. Dana is so great on the ice, but he maybe even better off. His head is in the right place and he knows what he wants to accomplish. He sets a great example.”  Maylan would love to follow in the footsteps of Dana Tyrell when it comes to a leadership role. “It would be an honor” said Maylan. “I think I’m a good mix of a guy who wants to lead by example, but I’ll also speak up in the room. I want guy’s to count on me in all situations.”

The 2008-2009 season may hold some extra significance for Maylan considering it’s his draft year. “To be honest, I’m not really focusing on it. That stuff will all take care of itself. I know I have lots of room for improvement and I know if I put the work in, the results will be there.”

For Maylan, playing under Drew Schoneck has been a real treat. “Coach Schoneck gave me lots of ice time and that equals lots of opportunities. The best part about playing under Coach Schoneck is the fact that hard play and hard work equals rewards in the form of ice time. That, as a player is all you can really ask for from a coach.”

With the calendar turning to July, Maylan hit the ice. “I think it was important to take some time off, away from the rink. The season is so long and such a grind, it was good to just let my body rest up. Now that I’m back on the ice I feel great.”

For Maylan and the rest of the young Cougars returning from a year ago, there is a real sense of optimism heading into the new season. “I think it really started the final game of the season when we beat Kamloops. There were some tough times last year, but finishing the season on a winning note really had the guy’s excited on that bus ride home from Kamloops. The chatter about getting back to the rink and getting it started again was there on the bus that night. I just can’t wait to get back to Prince George and hit the ice there, it’s been too long!”