For many young hockey players across the country, getting the chance to be drafted into the Canadian Hockey League is a dream.
And for many that dream is never realized.
Nolan Allan is not one of those players.
Allan, a 6’1” 170lb defenceman, was excited to be selected with the third overall pick in the Western Hockey League’s Bantam Draft by the Prince Albert Raiders.
“I didn’t really know for sure where I was going to get drafted or when so I was really happy to go there.”
In his second season with the Bantam AA Broncos, Allan enjoyed an excellent season posting 12 goals, 32 assists and 44 points in just 26 regular season contests.
In four playoff games, the Davidson native posted two goals and two assists.
While Allan was busy posting excellent numbers offensively, Raiders Director of Player Personnel Ron Gunville says it was his skating ability that stood out the most.
“He’s a very good skater who can jump in the offence. (He has) a big time shot.”
With Allan having just turned 15 on April 28, the Davidson native is ineligible to play in the WHL for a full season.
In the meantime, the defenceman will move to Saskatoon next season to play with the Blazers.
While Allan already possesses a strong toolbox of skills, Gunville says he hopes to see the 15-year-old continue to work on his overall game next season with the Blazers.
“Coming from bantam to Midget AAA, it’s a good jump for these kids. There’s not a lot of easy games.”
Of course, Allan’s development will start over the summer and into the fall, with his plan being to attend camp with the Raiders in the fall.
