Logan Stankoven is tied for first in the WHL for goals (14) among 2003-born players. His 20 points in 34 games puts him in the top five among 16 years olds in the league (Image Credit: Allen Douglas / Kamloops Blazers)

By Chad Klassen

LOGAN STANKOVEN

‘I’m not satisfied’: Blazers Stankoven looking for even greater things in second half of rookie season

Jan 7, 2020 | 5:25 PM

KAMLOOPS — It didn’t take Logan Stankoven long to make an impact for his hometown Kamloops Blazers.

The 16 year old scored the team’s first goal of the season, his first regular-season WHL goal, in the season-opener against Spokane. The opening goal was just a sneek peak to what has been a great first half of his rookie year.

“It’s been good so far,” said the Kamloops native. “It’s been an experience, that’s for sure. It’s been challenging being a younger guy and trying to produce and help the team in a positive way. But it’s been a great learning experience. Just the things I’ve taken away from the first half that I can apply to the second half.”

His scoring punch should only get stronger as the Blazers push to the playoffs. Stankoven is eighth in team scoring with 14 goals and six assists, but top five in scoring among 16 year olds. His 14 goals is tied for the league lead among 2003-born players.

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“It’s obviously pretty cool to have that,” said Stankoven. “[But] it’s a long season. There’s still lots of work to be put in and I’m not satisfied with where I am right now. I want to be able to hopefully be at the top by the end of the season.”

His coach Shaun Clouston raved about him in training camp, saying Stankoven was among the best 16 year olds he’s seen. He feels he’s been even better to start the second half.

“One thing I’ve noticed his he’s really come back after the break energized and seems to have found another gear,” noted Clouston. “He’s a little more confident. He’s been great since the break. He had a great first half, but he’s come back even stronger.”

Clouston, however, is most impressed with how he’s come along defensively as a centreman.

Offensively, to put his rookie season in perspective, Stankoven’s 20 points is seven more than Connor Zary through their first 34 games.

Logan Stankoven is slightly ahead of Connor Zary’s pace as a 16 year old (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

“He’s been great for us,” said Zary, who finished his 16-year-old season with 11 goals and 18 assists. “He’s got a wicked shot, something he’s obviously works on very hard. It’s great to see him succeeding and it’s special for him being at home.”

Stankoven added, “It’s pretty cool. I know him really well. I’ve watched him in practice and games and you just have to learn from guys like that. They’re obviously spectacular players. They get recognized. Zary playing in the U18s and getting invited to play in the Top Prospects game.”

Stankoven hopes those honours come his way one day.