Carolina Hurricanes Training Camp Begins
The Carolina Hurricanes kicked off their training camp with on-ice activities commencing Thursday morning, and one of the highlights was the positioning of forward Logan Stankoven at center, flanked by teammates Andrei Svechnikov and Jackson Blake. Stankoven, who turned 22 recently, joined the Hurricanes last season in a trade that saw Mikko Rantanen leave the team. Upon his arrival, he quickly acclimated to the roster, even securing an eight-year contract extension shortly thereafter.
Stankoven’s Transition to Center
Traditionally, Stankoven has predominantly played on the wings in his professional career; however, he grew up playing as a center.
“I’m excited about this opportunity,” Stankoven shared with The Hockey News. “That’s where I played throughout my youth, and it really feels like my natural position.”
This shift to center was initially proposed by head coach Rod Brind’Amour during their year-end discussions, making it an anticipated development for both Stankoven and the coaching staff as camp commenced. Brind’Amour expressed confidence in Stankoven’s willingness to take on the challenges associated with playing center, stating,
“You have to be ready to embrace the hard work that comes with this position, as well as the physicality involved. Stankoven has experience in this role, and we believe he possesses the right attitude to excel.”
Proving Himself in the NHL
Stankoven is keen to maximize his chance to prove himself, noting the opportunity to learn from seasoned players like Jordan Staal and Sebastian Aho. Despite standing at just 5-foot-8 and weighing 165 pounds, Stankoven has demonstrated that he can compete effectively at the NHL level, yet the transition to center still raises questions about how he will fare.
“It’s uncommon to see smaller guys at center, but I’m committed to giving it my all,” Stankoven remarked. “If it works out, that’s fantastic; if not, I’ll accept that. I’m determined to put in the effort and see where that takes me.”
Looking Ahead
In addition to Stankoven’s positioning, the Hurricanes made headlines by revealing their training camp roster a day before activities began, setting the stage for an eventful season ahead. Fans can stay connected to the latest developments surrounding the Carolina Hurricanes by following the team’s news updates on Google News.
