Toronto Star
December 5, 1998
By Josh Rubin

In a year when Canada's national junior hockey team is focusing on 19-year-old talent, some observers were a little surprised when 18-year-old Oshawa Generals defenceman Bryan Allen was included in the team's training camp roster.

Midway through the first period of last night's 3-2 loss to the St. Michael's Majors, Allen showed why he should be there.

With St. Michael's attackers charging into the Generals zone, Allen dropped his shoulder, leaned forward and hammered Majors forward Kenny Corupe. Just as important, Allen stayed on his feet, rather than taking himself out of the play.

It was the type of play that's made believers not only out of national team coaches and scouts, but also of the Vancouver Canucks. The Canucks made Allen their first-round pick in last June's NHL draft.

Steve Tambellini, the Canucks' vice-president of player personnel, says Allen displays a hockey wisdom far beyond his age.

"What I've seen with Bryan is his maturity and his poise. He's a very, very level-headed kid,'' said Tambellini, who took in last night's game at Maple Leaf Gardens.

Along with that maturity comes a solid 6-foot-5, 217-pound frame.

However, Allen separated his shoulder in Canucks' training camp this year and after he and the Canucks couldn't agree on a contract, the promising youngster was sent back for another year of junior.

Allen is philosophical about the twist of fate.

"You never know what would have happened. Sometimes you get injured, sometimes there are other things,'' he said.

"You just have to deal with them.''

As to whether his leadership and maturity could translate into a position on the national team, Tambellini has no doubt.

He'll be there. I'm sure of it.''



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