The Vancouver Sun
February 7, 2001
By Elliott Pap

The Vancouver Canucks will likely be uprooting their IHL farm team after only one season in Kansas City and heading to Winnipeg. All along, they have been trying to plant their No. 1 affiliate in a Canadian city and the Winnipeg-based Manitoba Moose is apparently strongly in the picture once again.

A year ago, the deal breaker was the Moose's insistence on retaining head coach Randy Carlyle while the Canucks were insisting Stan Smyl be the man behind the bench. Presumably, this has been resolved.

Smyl's contract expires at the conclusion of this season but he will be offered an extension. The Canucks have also declined to exercise their option for a second season in Kansas City.

"We feel our long-term interests are best served by having our farm team in Canada,'' GM Brian Burke said Tuesday. "We were unable to do that last year so we went to Kansas City and it has been a joy working with Doug Soetaert [Blades' GM]. However, we have not ruled out making other arrangements for next year. But have we reached an agreement with Winnipeg? No.''

Said Soetaert: "I know their goal prior to this year was to try and get into Canada. It makes economic sense. At this point, we have an agreement with the Vancouver Canucks and it will be adjusted at the appropriate time should there be an adjustment.''

ALLEN'S TOWN: Injury-prone no more, Canuck prospect Bryan Allen is having a healthy rookie pro season in Kansas City. His mended body has allowed him to appear in 51 games this season, which is more pleasing to him than his four goals and 14 assists.

"My health has been good,'' Allen said from Houston where the Blades played Tuesday night. "I've been able to get in a few games and it's been on a consistent basis. So that's probably the best part so far. Everything feels really good and that's a real turn of things for me. Confidence-wise, it's been nice to be able to play without being sore or thinking something will happen or that I might get hurt.''

Allen, the Canucks' first pick in the 1998 entry draft (and fourth over-all), had both knee and shoulder surgery last season and barely saw any action. He also had knee problems the year before. He hasn't played 60 games in a season since 1996-97 when he was with the junior Oshawa Generals.

"It's hard to even remember when I've felt this good,'' continued the 6'5'' defenceman. "It definitely wasn't last year, I know that.''

Allen has been playing the left side with Greg Hawgood, the cagey veteran who was sent down two months ago by the Canucks. According to Blades' captain Josh Holden, himself currently up with Vancouver, Allen's performance took a quantum leap when he was partnered with Hawgood.

"It's good to finally have a regular partner, especially someone of Greg Hawgood's calibre,'' said Allen, 20. "One of the biggest things is just how he communicates. He helps you a lot.''

Blades' GM Soetaert had qualified praise for Allen.

"He's definitely getting stronger as the year goes along,'' said Soetaert. "This is a great learning year for him because he's not ready to play in the NHL now, not with the injuries he's had over the last few years. He needs to play. He's making great strides.''

Burke, needless to say, seems relieved that Allen is enjoying a successful season. Allen was the first ever pick of Burke's regime.

"I'm pleased with the fact Bryan's injury situation appears resolved but I'm also pleased with his progress,'' Burke said. "Based on the reports I'm receiving, I think he's going to be a player.''



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