Free Article: NZ scouts have described Logan Stankoven as “small but ferocious,” his 5’6” frame does not stop him from being an elite playmaker. He has been noted for his speed and skating ability, stick handling skills, hockey IQ, passing, and scoring ability. With an impressive 5 star rating, Logan was Neutral Zone’s #3 ranked WHL Draft prospect last season after a highly successful season with Yale Hockey Academy, one of the leading hockey academies in Western Canada.
We talked to Logan about the day he was drafted, “For me, WHL draft day was a very exciting and busy day. On May 3rd, I was in Philadelphia for the World Selects Invitational Tournament and I was in the middle of playing a [game when] afterwards I found out the awesome news! I was very lucky and thankful to have the Blazers choose me on draft day, especially being a hometown kid.”
Logan laced up his skates for the first time at the age of 3 in his hometown of Kamloops and just over a decade later he would be wearing a Kamloops Blazers jersey. He describes the experience, “Putting on the Blazers jersey for the first time was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. I put a lot of time and effort into pursuing my goals in hockey and it was so awesome to see it pay off. I know there is still lots of work to be done to make it to the next level and there is always things to improve on.” Logan made his debut in a preseason game against the Prince George Cougars and notched his first point. “It was a 3-on-2 rush for my line, we came across the blueline and my linemate made a great pass onto my tape in the high slot. Luckily it found its way into the back of the net.”
Playing in the WHL at age 15 is unique to the rest of the CHL, but Logan showed a rare ability to make an immediate impace. “There are always adjustments to me made when you are new to the league and team, but I thought I have handled situations well. As you move up, you have to recognize that the play is getting faster and you have to make smart plays at top speed while keeping your head up.”
Logan is not known to give up when things get hard, “I broke my collar bone a few years back in 2013. Then having to come straight into game action playing for Team BC in the Brick Tournament.” He describes his support system that allows him to overcome any challenge he faces. “My parents played a big role in getting me to where I am today. They have always supported me through the good and bad times, and have taught me both how to act on and off the ice.”
Because Logan has signed with the Blazers he is no longer eligible to play in the NCAA, we asked him about his decision making process, “Both routes I believe have their pros and cons but I felt having the chance to play for the Blazers and in the WHL was the best fit possible [for me]. . . My main focus right now is playing the game I love everyday and getting better each and every day. I try and take as much information and listen to people that are trying to help me improve and apply it to my game.”
Logan is off to an impressive start this season in the British Columbia Midget league where he has notched 24 goals and 40 points in only 15 games, but the fans of Kamloops should be overjoyed to cheer on their own a few games this season and for several years ahead. One of the most polished, skilled, creative forwards in his age group across North America.
