Venom HC U18 AAA Program Signs Cowichan Defenseman Kohen Hartmann

The Venom HC U18 AAA program is excited to officially announce the signing of Kohen Hartmann, a hard-nosed, physical defenseman out of Cowichan Valley, British Columbia. At 6’1” and 205 lbs, Hartmann brings a powerful presence to our blue line and is set to be a cornerstone piece of our defensive unit heading into the 2025–26 season.

Kohen is the definition of a gritty, stay-at-home defenseman — a player who prides himself on the hard, unglamorous side of the game. Whether it’s battling in the corners, clearing the front of the net, laying out to block shots, or making strong first passes out of the zone, Kohen is all about structure, accountability, and defensive dominance. He’s not flashy, but he’s incredibly effective — and players like him are crucial to winning hockey games.

While his focus is on protecting his zone, Hartmann also carries a heavy, accurate shot from the blue line that makes him a quiet weapon on the powerplay or in set plays off the draw. His willingness to engage physically, win puck battles, and bring a veteran presence to the room make him a valuable addition to our roster both on and off the ice.

Kohen had already drawn offers from VIJHL programs, including the Kraken Junior Hockey Club, to attend Main Camps, a local option for the Cowichan native. But instead of jumping early, he’s made the mature decision to invest another year into his development. By choosing to play at the U18 AAA level with Venom HC, he’s prioritizing exposure, high-end competition, and long-term growth. This speaks volumes about his commitment, patience, and goals of moving on to Junior A or College hockey in the near future.

“We’re thrilled to have Kohen join the Venom family,” said the Venom HC President/GM Brady Douglas. “He’s a physical force, a team-first guy, and brings the kind of leadership we’re looking for. Players like him set the tone in practice and in games — he’ll make everyone around him better.”

With his size, strength, and work ethic, Hartmann is poised to make a major impact in the upcoming season, and his ceiling continues to rise with every game played. We’re excited to support his development journey and help him reach the next level of his hockey career.

Welcome to the team, Kohen!