Allen lands with Firebirds
It was a memorable moment Friday night when Dryden Allen was selected in the second round, 32nd overall by the Flint Firebirds in the 2023 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.
“It has been a dream of mine for a while now. A lot of kids from a very young age dream of being drafted into the OHL,” the Southern Tier Admirals defenceman said. “Once it finally happens, it takes a bit to sink in, to be honest. I feel it still hasn’t hit me yet but I am really excited and really honoured to be drafted by such an amazing organization.”
The Grade 10 student at Saint Michael Catholic High School watched the draft in the living room TV in his family’s house in Niagara Falls. On hand were his parents, grandparents and an aunt.
“It was fun to have them there supporting me and watching it. It was awesome.”
After he was drafted, several Flint players called Allen and welcomed him to the team.
“That was cool. I got to talking with them and I got to see a bit what it was like. The team also called me and let me know that there is a rookie camp next week and I am really looking forward to that.”
He also spoke to the team’s general manager and head coach.
Once that was done, the rejoicing began.
“We celebrated after that and tonight (Saturday night) we are going to go for dinner with a bunch of my family.”
He can’t wait to get started on the next chapter of his hockey career.
“I am going to have a chance to go into training camp and try and make the Flint Firebirds,” the 15-year-old said. “I think that is really exciting.”
The son of Seattle Kraken scout Andrew Allen realized his OHL dream could become a reality at the end of last season.
“I finished the end of my year at the OMHAs (Ontario Minor Hockey Association championships) really well,” he said. “I kept that confidence and I brought it into the start of this year. I stayed consistent throughout the year and I was really happy for my game.”
He would end up being part of Team Ontario that won gold at the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island earlier this year.
“Being selected for Team Ontario was a moment that brought it to my attention but I tried to keep it out of my mind during the season,” Allen said. “Once the season was over, I was looking forward to the draft and looking back I was so thankful for everyone who helped me along the way and gave me the opportunity to do what I did.”
The six-foot, 158-pound right defenceman, who collected 24 points in 36 regular season games for the Admirals this season, is starting to prepare for his first OHL training camp.
“I have goals set for myself this summer, on and off the ice, to get heavier, more powerful, stronger and more skilled on the ice. I have tools set in stone to help me do that and I am looking forward to getting started on it.”
His goal is to make the Firebirds roster this fall.
“That would be awesome for me to be put into a spot to develop and play some minutes. I believe the best way to develop and reach you next goals are to play hockey. Anywhere next year where I can develop and chase my NHL dreams, that is what I will do.”
