The Province
September 10, 2001
By Ben Kuzma

On Day 1 of the Vancouver Canucks prospects camp, Bryan Allen tried to do too much and made little progress.

On Sunday, Allen returned to the steady blueline form he showed in six regular-season and two playoff appearances with the Canucks last season. He made a big impression.

"He's headed in he right direction," said Canucks coach Marc Crawford of the fourth overall pick in the 1998 entry draft. "He's missed a lot of hockey in a prime development time. We're pleased where he's at and are looking for him to make another step this year. He's very determined."

That determination is finally paying off for the 21-year-old Allen who made the club at 18 but couldn't come to contract terms. After enduring left knee, foot and shoulder surgeries -- Allen has avoided the surgeon's blade for almost two years -- he earned rave reviews for his positioning and passing in the playoffs against Colorado.

"It makes you work that much harder and kind of believe in yourself," said Allen who's expected to challenge for an NHL roster spot this season.

However, Allen isn't resting on any laurels. The 6-foot-4, 228 pound Kingston, Ont. native knows he must play a strong defensive game to ensure he'll start the season here and not on the farm.

"That's my game and I can't change that," stressed Allen who had 25 points (5-20) last season in 75 games on the IHL farm in Kansas City. "It's a prospects camp and you're not going to go end to end and make too many moves.

"You just do the simple things and do the simple things well. If you play well you're going to stand out."

Stan Smyl believes that will be the case this season. Smyl, who guided Allen last season and will coach the Canucks' new AHL affiliate in Winnipeg, expects Allen to rise to the NHL challenge.

"He's very poised and mature for his age," said Smyl. "With where he was drafted and the pressures that come along with it, he's handled it very well.

"He has the mobility, size and presence on the ice that can be very intimidating."



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