Logan Stankoven on the ice at Madison Square Gardens on Feb. 20, 2024. (Screengrab via Bally Sports Southwest)
The Dallas Stars have recalled Kamloops native Logan Stankoven from their AHL affiliate for the second time this week.
The 20-year-old Stankoven – who turns 21 on Monday – will make his long awaited NHL debut at the PNC Arena on Saturday as the Stars conclude a four-game road trip against the Carolina Hurricanes.
“It’s been a whirlwind of a week, I guess, and I’m just really, really, really happy to be here and grateful for this opportunity, Stankoven said after this morning skate.
“For me, it’s just going to be the same. Go out there, do my thing, and try to help the team win.”
From a hometown kid with a dream to playing in the show. Congrats to @LoganStankoven on making his highly anticipated NHL debut tonight! 🤩👏 pic.twitter.com/pov7hn6Pm1
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) February 24, 2024
Welcome to the @NHL, @LoganStankoven 👏 pic.twitter.com/CeL8oly6cM
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 25, 2024
Stankoven was in line to make his NHL debut at Madison Square Gardens when he was called up by Dallas as injury cover on Tuesday. It wasn’t to be as the Stars were able to ice a full lineup of forwards that night.
The AHL’s points leader was on the ice for warmup Tuesday, before he was reassigned to Texas. He sat out the Texas Stars’ Friday night game in Rockford.
“Lots of travel the past couple of days, obviously, but it’s all worth it,” Stankoven added.
Stankoven is set to become the fourth Blazer to make his NHL debut this season joining former teammates Fraser Minten in Toronto, Connor Zary in Calgary, and Olen Zellweger in Anaheim.
“It’s exciting for the whole organization,” Kamlops Blazers Head Coach and GM, Shaun Clouston said of Stankoven’s NHL debut. “You want players to have an opportunity to reach their goals, to live their dream.”
“It’s extremely competitive and for Logan to have gone through his junior career here with the Blazers and now advance and lead the American league is scoring and have an opportunity to hopefully get in some NHL games before the end of the season is great.”
Big night for 11. 🌟@PNCBank | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/mPYYlrxQ93
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) February 24, 2024
It only happens once! 🔥 https://t.co/ri4sKvEg2p
— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) February 24, 2024
