Blazers captain Logan Stankoven and Wheat Kings forward Jake Chiasson catch up in Kamloops after years apart (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

OLD HOCKEY BUDDIES

Best friends, NHL draft picks Stankoven, Chiasson reunite in Kamloops

Oct 18, 2022 | 3:48 PM

KAMLOOPS — Jake Chiasson is seeing his old friend, Blazers captain Logan Stankoven, for the first time since before the pandemic.

Chiasson is in Kamloops with his Brandon Wheat Kings as they take on the Blazers on Tuesday night (Oct. 18) for the first time at Sandman Centre since 2018.

It’s extra special catching up with and playing against Stankoven after years of facing off in minor hockey.

“Stank and I, we originally met up through spring hockey. Being two guys from B.C., we were always looking to put together teams to take back east to have some competition out there,” said Chiasson. “We became pretty close — family, friends, and Logan and I are best buddies as well.”

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The hockey stars got their starts in the game together. Stankoven played his minor hockey in Kamloops and Chiasson in his hometown Abbotsford, and the two faced off against each other many times.

“He played for a team called the Vancouver Selects and I played for just a local Kamloops spring team, and we would always go down to Vancouver for tournaments most weekends,” said Stankoven. “I remember playing against him lots and he was one of the best players for our age group back in the day.”

The boys also got the chance to play together on a few select teams, including a tournament in Winnipeg when the boys were nine years old.

Logan Stankoven (left) and Jake Chiasson on a spring select team together (Image Credit: Contributed)

“Once I was done with the Kamloops spring team, I was asked to play for the Vancouver Selects with him, so we went out to Winnipeg for a tournament. That’s where I first met him. I think our personalities just connected right away, and our love for the game.”

Their careers really got going when they teamed up for one season at the Yale Hockey Academy in Abbotsford, where 14-year-old Logan lived with the Chiasson family.

“That was a really fun year, definitely one of the funest years of hockey I’ve had to this point,” said Stankoven. “Even though I wasn’t living at home, I was living away. Usually it’s tough for most kids, but just with their family and how great of a guy he is, made it easy.”

Chiasson added, “Those are the days you always remember. It was a great time and I’m excited I get a chance to play him in his hometown.”

They are both at the top of their games in the WHL. From youngsters dreaming about playing in the NHL to being drafted last year, Chiasson (116th overall to EDM) and Stankoven (47th overall to DAL) admire each of their journeys.

“Logan’s a competitor. I think everyone here in Kamloops knows that. He wants the best for himself, he wants the best for his team, and I think that’s something that’s really special. The way he’s able to drive this team is pretty cool,” said Chiasson.

Stankoven added, “It’s pretty cool to now see that we’re both playing in the WHL. We’re both drafted into the NHL.”