Allen eager for OHL draft
Dryden Allen is pumped for the upcoming Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.
“I’m really looking forward to the draft,” the 15-year-old defenceman for the Southern Tier Admirals said. “It’s something I’ve worked a long time for and seeing what will come from it.
“It’s an exciting time.”
The 2023 draft begins Friday, April 21 with rounds 1-3 starting at 7 p.m. and continuing Saturday, April 22 beginning at 9 a.m. with rounds 4-15.
Allen, a smooth-skating rearguard who attends Saint Michael Catholic High School in Niagara Falls, has enjoyed the process.
“I’ve talked to almost all teams and I have a couple more scheduled this week,” he said. “I really enjoy those calls. It’s a place where they can ask you questions about you and your family life, your life away from the rink and get to know you a little better, and it’s a time where I can questions to the organization about what they have to offer and what they expect from me.”
Allen, son of Seattle Kraken scout Andrew Allen, has been invited to the OHL combine this weekend and is preparing for that experience.
“I think both routes (OHL, NCAA) are really good options but right now I’m focused on the OHL draft,” he said. “I’ve had good conversations with the GMs and scouts during the interviews.”
He feels his skill set will translate to the junior game.
“I think I’ve been working the last couple of years to put myself in the best situation possible to be able to make that transition, whether it’s OHL or a junior level. I have goals set for myself this summer to be able to come into whatever situation I find myself in and be confident I can succeed in any role or opportunity I’m given.”
Allen collected 24 points in 36 regular season games for the Admirals this season and made an impression on Southern Tier coach Kevin Rosebrugh.
“Dryden Allen is one of those kids who just absolutely loves the game,” Rosebrugh said. “He was one of our leaders this year on and off the ice. He is a 200-foot defenceman with elite level skating abilities. He has a tremendous future moving forward.”
Allen loved his season with the Admirals and attempted to keep the team as his top priority.
“I tried to keep it (draft) out of my mind and focus daily game to game and play confident hockey and be consistent throughout the year and I think a lot of great things will come from that,” he said. “Really proud of what our team accomplished this year. A really tight group of boys who worked hard and really enjoyed being together. It was such a great experience.”
Allen also helped Team Ontario win gold at the Canada Winter Games in Prince Edward Island earlier this year.
“The experience was just unbelievable to play with and be around such high level athletes,” he said. “It was something I will never forget. The bonds I made with the guys on that team, I will always stay in touch with them.
“The exposure that gives you obviously helps but the experience in total was unbelievable. I went in there as a 200-foot defenceman and took any role they gave me. I was playing on the power play and did as much as I could to help the team. I was really proud of my team and my team’s effort. We went there to win gold and that’s what we did.”
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