Canadian Press
October 13, 2002
By Grant Kerr

The Vancouver Canucks continue to show patience with defenceman Bryan Allen as the former first-round draft pick tries to show he belongs in the NHL.

Allen, 22, has played just 17 games with the Canucks the last two years. He showed enough in training camp to start the year again in Vancouver, and he responded with his first NHL goal in the Canucks 3- 0 season-opening win over Calgary Thursday.

Still, Allen knows this could be a make-or-break season for his career.

"I realize, especially with what I went through last year, nothing is guaranteed here," Allen said Friday, a day before the Canucks hosted the San Jose Sharks at GM Place.

"I have to work hard every day, not only in games but in practices, to try and prove I want to be here all year."

Coach Marc Crawford said Allen has grown into his 6-foot-4 frame. And the 220-pound former junior star with the Oshawa Generals is more comfortable on the ice.

"In junior hockey, [and] probably in the American League, he relied on his reach," said Crawford.

"Now he's understanding more about balance and controlled play, closing on people, so he uses his size to his advantage. He's a very good passing defenceman and we saw he's got a decent shot."

After spending most of the last two seasons in the minors, Allen must now demonstrate he has the skill to compete in the NHL, Crawford said.

"We think the challenge he needs now is NHL forwards and the ability they have," he said. "Now he's getting a great opportunity here to see how he's going to play against this talent level. We can pick and chose our spots when to use him. He's got to play well and continue to show steady improvement."

Allen was picked fourth overall by Vancouver in the 1998 draft, behind Vincent Lecavalier, David Legwand and Brad Stuart. He didn't sign with the Canucks and returned to junior because of a contract dispute. He also missed parts of two seasons with shoulder, knee and ankle injuries.

He started last season with the Canucks and played in 11 games before finishing the year in Manitoba.

One of the criticisms of the Kingston, Ont., native is he lacks foot speed and isn't as strong as his body size.

Allen has been paired with Murray Baron this year and the veteran said he's seen an improvement in the youngster's game.

"He's gained some confidence and is making good first passes," said Baron. "That's what the coaches are looking for."

Allen said scoring his first goal was a dream come true.

"That's meant a lot," he said. "It's one of those things you dream about as a kid."



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