Drake or Kanye? Tex-Mex and Italian? Learn more about Logan Stankoven

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FRISCO, Texas – You hear about it all the time, a “Welcome to the NHL” moment for young hockey players who are just starting their professional careers in the game. For some, it’s their debut in the NHL – like a hockey player. solo ride before everyone else – or maybe get hit with a hard blow from a hardened veteran.

But for others, the moment is happening far from the bright lights. Take for example Logan stankoven, Dallas second-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. The cheerful 18-year-old from Kamloops, BC, has been in town for three weeks, going through a development camp and hopeful tournament in Traverse City, Mich., With players of the same age.

But now, at the main camp, the quality of the competition has increased tenfold.

It could be an overwhelming experience for prospects. Not only is the pace faster than anything they have experienced before, but the strength and size of those around them is reaching another level as well. As Stankoven did his best to follow along and prove he belonged, a veteran presence called his name. This player was Joe pavelski.

“A guy like that is pretty cool to admire,†Stankoven said with a smile. “He even recognized me a few times by calling me by my nickname ‘Stanky.’ It was really cool. It was just a good eye-opener to think, ‘Hey, I’m pretty close to being at this level. “He’s a veteran. He’s played in almost every key moment you can think of, whether it’s the Olympics or the Stanley Cup Finals, and even the IIHF tournaments.

Having a guy like Pavelski make him feel like part of the group meant the world to Stankoven, who does his best to make a difference while gaining as much knowledge as possible.

“You want to try to keep up, play with the big guys and make a good impression,†he said. “There is a lot of work to be done to get to that level and stay with the big guys, but it’s just a good learning experience. It’s something I’m going to bring back to my club team and work on from. of the.”

As a smaller player (5ft 7in, 170lb), Stankoven says he is most successful when he moves his feet and makes quick plays. That’s what made him an outstanding player at the 2021 IIHF World Under-18 Championship (held in Frisco and Plano, Texas) where he scored four goals and eight points, including the game-winning goal in of the gold medal game for Team Canada. Prior to that, Stankoven had 10 points (seven goals, three assists) in just six games for the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers in the 2020-21 campaign.

Stankoven says the recent tournament in Traverse City was a good learning experience even if the results weren’t there.

“I didn’t produce and accumulate the points I wanted, but as a first chance to experience what it’s like to play a game like this, it was quick,” he said. “The guys were bigger and stronger. It gives me a good way to look at it and get back into my club team and work on some things that will give me that extra step when I come back here next year for hopefully him, look for a place in the team. “

Being alone at his first NHL camp gave Stankoven the opportunity to sample some of the city’s delicious local cuisine. The first favorites emerged.

“I really like the tacos here,†he said. “There have also been a few Italian restaurants that I have been to. Me and a few of the guys ate chicken parmesan with pasta, and it was unreal. Probably one of the best meals I have had since “I’ve been here. There’s so much for us to do, so it’s about enjoying your time away from the rink. But when you’re at the rink you’re focused and ready to work.”

Stankoven admits he’s a “pretty straightforward guy” off the ice.

“I don’t spend too much time playing video games, but if I had to pick one it would be NHL 21,†he said. “I love playing in the NHL with a few of my buddies. We’ll be playing different game modes, but it’s not something where I sit on the couch for hours.

“Sometimes I like to spend my time on the golf course. It was my second summer of golf so I’m slowly starting to improve. I have a pool in my backyard, so I’m going for a swim. During the offseason, in early spring, there is a men’s ball hockey league, so I play too. It keeps me in shape.

He’s a great music guy too, ready for just about anything.

“I like a mix of everything, but I’m definitely more of a hip-hop guy,†he said. “Maybe even retro rock like Metallica and AC / DC. Right now it’s Drake and The Kid LAROI. There are a few different artists that I really like.”

When asked which new album he likes best – Drake’s or Kanye’s – the answer was simple. “Definitely Drake’s new album,†Stankoven said. “There are three or four songs that I really like on Drake’s album and maybe only one on Kanye’s. In order for me to like a song, it has to have a good rhythm, so I thinks Drake incorporates good rhythm into his songs. ton of his songs on my playlists. It’s definitely one of my favorites. “

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This story has not been submitted to the National Hockey League or the Dallas Stars Hockey Club for approval.

Kyle shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars / NHL. Follow him on twitter @kyleshohara.


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