Drake or Kanye? Tex-Mex and Italian? Get to know more of Logan Stankoven

FRISCO, Texas -- You hear about it all the time, a 'Welcome to the NHL' moment for young hockey players just starting their professional careers in the game. For some, it's their NHL debut -- like a solo lap before everyone else -- or perhaps being on the receiving end of a crunching hit from a hardened veteran.

But for others, the moment occurs away from the bright lights. Take for example Logan Stankoven, Dallas' second-round pick from the 2021 NHL Draft. The cheerful 18-year-old from Kamloops, British Columbia has been in town for the past three weeks, going through development camp and a prospect tournament in Traverse City, Michigan with players of similar age.
But now, at main camp, the quality of competition has increased tenfold.
It could be an overwhelming experience for prospects. Not only is the pace quicker than anything they've experienced before, but the strength and size of those around them also reaches another level. As Stankoven did his best to keep up and prove he belonged, a veteran presence called out his name. That player was Joe Pavelski.
"A guy like that is pretty cool to look up to," Stankoven said with a smile. "He even acknowledged me a few times calling me by my nickname 'Stanky.' That was really cool. It was just a good eye opener to think, 'Hey, I'm pretty close to being at this level.' He's a veteran guy. He's played in almost every key moment you can think of, whether it was the Olympics or Stanley Cup Final, and even IIHF tournaments."
To have a guy like Pavelski make him feel like part of the group meant the world to Stankoven, who is trying his best to make a difference while also gaining as much knowledge as he can.
"You want to try and keep up, play with the big boys and make a good impression," he said. "There's a lot of work that'll have to be done to make it at that level and stick with the big boys, but it's just a good learning experience. It's something I'm going to take back to my club team and work from there."

As a smaller guy (5-foot-7, 170 pounds), Stankoven says he's most successful when he's moving his feet and making fast plays. It's what made him a standout player at the 2021 IIHF Under-18 World Championship (held in Frisco and Plano, Texas) where he posted four goals and eight points including the game-winning goal in the gold medal game for Team Canada. Prior to that, Stankoven recorded 10 points (seven goals, three assists) in just six games with the WHL's Kamloops Blazers during the 2020-21 campaign.
Stankoven says the recent tournament in Traverse City was a good learning experience even if the results weren't there.
"I didn't produce and put up the points I wanted to, but as a first opportunity to experience what it's like to play a game like that, it was quick," he said. "The guys were bigger and stronger. It gives me a good way to look at things and go back to my club team and work on those certain things that'll give me that extra step coming back here next year to hopefully push for a spot on the team."
Being on his own at his first NHL camp has given Stankoven the opportunity to sample the city's delicious local cuisine. Early favorites have emerged.
"I really like the tacos here," he said. "There's also been a few Italian restaurants I've been to, as well. Me and a few of the guys had some chicken parmesan with some pasta, and it was unreal. Probably one of the best meals I've had since I've been here. There is so much for us to do, so it's about enjoying your time away from the rink. But when you're at the rink, you're focused and ready to put the work in."
Stankoven admits he's a "pretty simple guy" off the ice.
"I don't spend too much time playing video games, but if I had to choose one, it would be NHL 21," he said. "I love playing NHL with a few of my buddies. We'll play different game modes, but it's not something where I'm sitting on the couch for hours.
"I like to spend my time out on the golf course sometimes. This was my second summer of golfing, so I'm slowly starting to get better at that. I've got a pool in my backyard, so I'll swim. In the offseason, early spring, there's a men's ball hockey league, so I play that as well. It keeps me in good shape."
He's also a big music guy, down for just about anything.
"I like a mix of everything, but I'm definitely more of a hip-hop guy," he said. "Maybe even some throwback rock like Metallica and AC/DC. Right now, it's Drake and The Kid LAROI. There are a few different artists I really like."
When asked which new album he likes better - Drake's or Kanye's - the answer was easy. "Definitely the new Drake album," Stankoven said. "There are three or four songs I really like from Drake's album and maybe only one on Kanye's. For me to like a song, it has to have a good beat, so I think Drake incorporates a good beat in his songs. I have a ton of his songs on my playlists. He's definitely one of my favorites."
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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.
Kyle Shohara is the Digital Manager for DallasStars.com and writes about the Stars/NHL. Follow him on Twitter @kyleshohara.