No. 1 overall pick Jared Cowen said he’s keeping an “open mind” about playing for the Western Hockey League’s Spokane Chiefs down the line.

Cowen, 15, has had a solid camp – often paired with veteran Evan Haw. He said he’s noticed the WHL’s more up-tempo style of play and realizes, “You’ve got to keep working hard, because there’s always somebody better.”

Cowen said that he’s enjoyed the city and the hospitality of the organization, but reiterated that he and his family will still take their time in deciding his future plans.

“I don’t have any ideas exactly what I want to do right now,” said Cowen. “I’m just going to worry about next year and doing the best I can do. When I get closer to next year’s training camp, I’ll start thinking about it hard again.”

Jeff Bunch