Winnipeg Sun
Monday, February 4, 2002
By Ken Wiebe -- Winnipeg Sun

As far as Bryan Allen is concerned, this is the best time of year to be a hockey player.

Regardless of what your place is in the standings, there is almost certainly going to be a race of some sort to contend with.

SUMMONED

After spending the past 46 games anchoring the blue-line of the Manitoba Moose, Allen is heading to Vancouver to bolster the Canucks defence corps.

With veteran defenceman Murray Baron out a month with a broken knuckle in his right hand, Allen has been summoned back to where he played the first seven games of the season.

One difference he'll see immediately is a major change in attitude, with the Canucks riding a seven-game unbeaten streak after limping out of the gate at the start of the season.

"It'll be fun. They're on a high right now and, hopefully, I can come in and contribute something," said Allen, the fourth overall pick in the 1998 entry draft. "This time of year is always exciting, whether it be battling for first place or for a playoff spot."

Following his early season demotion, Allen has shown a dramatic improvement in his all-around game, earning a ton of ice time -- he works on the power play and penalty killing unit in addition to his regular shift.

With defence partner Zenith Komarniski, Allen routinely played against the opposition's top scorers, something that should benefit him a great deal in his return to the big club.

"You know what, Bryan has been a leader right from Day One. He came down here with the right attitude and showed what he can do," said Moose head coach Stan Smyl. "He showed tremendous leadership on the ice and off. I've seen him do it before where he keeps it simple, makes the first pass and tries not to do too much more than what he's capable of doing. That's what he has to do. He's intelligent and understands that part of it."

Smyl believes Allen is more prepared for this current stint.

"When you're challenged against a lot of the top guys down here, all you need is an opportunity to play up there," said Smyl. "It will really help him."

Prior to his departure, Allen spent some quality time in the hallway near the dressing room speaking with Moose President and GM Randy Carlyle and taking some pointers about what he needs to do up top.

"He just told me to keep it simple and play the game I've always played," said Allen, who had 17 points and 85 penalty minutes in 46 games with the Moose.

And probably the biggest adaptation for Allen will be to make the most of his minutes, since he won't likely be used as much as he's been down on the farm.

"For sure, it's going to be an adjustment. Randy told me to stay focused and be ready for my chance," said Allen. "With any chance that you have, you've got to show (the skills) you have."



BACK