By Chad Klassen

Kamloops native Stankoven soaking in early experience with WHL Blazers

Aug 30, 2018 | 1:46 PM

KAMLOOPS — Logan Stankoven stands out every time he’s on the ice — a quick, flashy player that’s everywhere at both ends of the rink. It’s what got the 15-year-old Kamloops native drafted by the Blazers fifth overall in this year’s WHL Bantam Draft.

As he prepares to sport the Blazers crest for the first time on Friday, he’s still mesmerized at the opportunity to play for his hometown team. 

“It was a real honour getting drafted, even into the WHL, never mind your hometown team,” said Stankoven before Thursday’s practice. “I’ve just taken it all in and listened to what everyone’s said. Just different tips. I’m excited.”

Stankoven will suit up against the Prince George Cougars, who visit Kamloops on Friday night for the first preseason game for both teams. He’s taking advantage of all the opportunities with the big club, hoping to make a big impression. 

Boogie The Bridge

Boogie The Bridge Event Information

Apr 19, 2024

Question of the Week

Is 'Canada's Tournament Capital' an accurate description of Kamloops?

Apr 22, 2024

1000 Ways to Heal

1000 Ways to Heal: Vulnerability

Apr 22, 2024

“I know it’s going to be fast-paced and physical and I just got to play my game and keep my head up,” he noted. “I’m not the biggest guy, but I’ve got to use my speed and my skill and make plays. Just be a team guy and do everything right.”

Stankoven has felt right at home during training camp, not only practicing at Sandman Centre where he’s played a few times but also with new head coach Serge Lajoie. The 15 year old, who played last year with the Yale Hockey Academy, has played against Lajoie’s son Mark, a defenseman, during spring hockey during the last couple seasons.

“It was fun playing against him three or four times. It was fun playing against him. He’s a really good D-man. He’s smart, makes the right plays.”

Lajoie says he noticed Stankoven right away as the opposition coach with the North Alberta Xtreme. 

“What I was pleased with is he’s able to play the game at a high pace and still let his offensive side of the game really shine through,” said Lajoie. “What stuck out for me most was his play away from the puck. Sometimes these players growing up, ones that are identified early and are chosen high in the draft, they’re used to playing with the puck on their stick and sometimes they’re a little lost. They don’t know what to do when they don’t have it. I think he adopted and bought into having to work hard away from the puck.”

The 47-year-old coach feels Stankoven’s drive and work ethic will help him get better this season and set himself up nicely to crack the full-time line-up as a 16 year old next year. 

“He hasn’t given up any reason to think that he won’t be ready next year,” noted Lajoie. “I think the biggest thing with training camp and him still sticking around here and potentially getting some games throughout the year, that will be a purposeful decision with the intention of making sure that he understands exactly what he needs to do with his Midget team to get himself ready for next year. But he’s shown in a short time that he’s got the make-up to be able to come in and contribute for us as a 16 year old.”

For his part, Stankoven, who is eligible to play five games with the WHL Blazers this season, says he’s inspired by teammate Connor Zary, who made the team last year as a 16 year old and contributed with 11 goals and 18 assists. 

“That’s my goal, to play as a 16 year old here,” he said. “Like Zary did last year. He made that jump and he did really well in that, so yeah that’s my end goal for sure.”