Blazers forward Logan Stankoven will play his final two games of the season for Kamloops before quarantining and heading to Texas for the 2021 U-18 World Hockey Championship (Image Credit: Evan Fitzer)

By Chad Klassen

LOGAN STANKOVEN

Stankoven’s gritty offseason paying off with quick start, Team Canada nod

Apr 9, 2021 | 6:00 PM

KAMLOOPS — Logan Stankoven, despite not playing for a year, has picked up right where he left off in his shortened rookie season.

He’s averaging two points a game (five goals, three assists in four games) in the B.C. Division hub and he credits the work he put in during the COVID-19 delays to bring him to the next level.

“Just my foot speed and my quickness. It’s something I really wanted to improve upon last season,” said Stankoven. “I thought at the end there [of last year] that my foot speed wasn’t quick enough compared to some of the other guys in the league.”

His head coach Shaun Clouston says Stankoven worked hard during the lengthy offseason to get better, and it’s showed early on.

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“I don’t think there’s one thing. I think just overall improvement. I think he’s just gotten better,” said the second-year Blazers coach. “He’s a good player working on becoming a great player. He always tries to find ways to improve his game. It was a long winter and he worked incredibly hard the whole time.”

The 18 year old was already on Hockey Canada’s radar, representing the country at the U-17 worlds two years ago. The improvements he’s made — along with the hot start — have earned him a spot with Canada for the upcoming U-18 World Hockey Championship, starting April 26 in Texas.

“It’s pretty humbling. There are so many other amazing players out there, and to be chosen as one of the top 25 players on the team is definitely exciting,” he said. “But at the same time, I need to go there and earn my ice time, and obviously whatever role I’m given I’m going to accept that. It’s Team Canada. Whatever the coach has, you listen.”

Stankoven is joined by the likes of 15-year-old phenom Connor Bedard, who’s second in the WHL with 26 points in 14 games with the Regina Pats. However, Clouston feels he’ll fit in just fine.

“I talked to Dave Barr, their coach, and he was asking me about Logan. He said, “There’s some pretty good centremen from Ontario.’ I said, “I’m sure there is, but I would be shocked if he doesn’t figure out a way to get into the top group there.'”

Clouston feels Stankoven is part of what could be Canada’s best under-18 team ever.

“Because of this year, the three leagues [WHL, OHL and QMJHL] are letting their best players go, and usually you get half of your top guys. This will be Canada’s best against the rest of the world’s best, so it’ll be a great opportunity for him.”

Stankoven will play two more games for the Blazers — Friday night and Sunday afternoon against Victoria — before a 14-day quarantine prior to travelling to Texas with Team Canada.