Former Raiders captain Allan makes emotional return to Prince Albert

“Definitely some heartstrings for sure, looking back on my days as a Raider,” Allan said. “All the memories coming back, looking across the red line and seeing some old pals and guys I used to play with, it’ll definitely be a different experience but one I’m looking forward to.”

It’s only been 58 days since Allan was traded, but a lot has happened in that time. The eyes of hockey fans everywhere were on him and the rest of team Canada at the recent World Junior Championship, and they delivered. Allan shared what was going through his mind when the golden goal went in.

“Just get off the bench as quick as I can,” said Allan. “We were all just super excited. I don’t know if you saw, but I took a tumble coming off the bench, it was a dogfight trying to get off. We were just going nuts.”

Adding the World Juniors to his already impressive resume, Allan has now played at the WJC, the World Under-18s, and gotten into NHL exhibition games in addition to his lengthy and successful WHL career.

“It was pretty good speed out there,” Allan said. “It’s the best junior hockey players in the world so it’s a little step up from the WHL. Definitely a little bit faster.”

During his time with the Raiders, Allan grew from a budding prospect to an NHL first-round pick by the Chicago Blackhawks, to a team captain and lynchpin on the blueline. It was off the ice, however, that he said he made some of his best memories.

“I’d just say the bond we had in that room,” said Allan. “That was something special. Everyone was tight-knit and it was a very close group. In Prince Albert, it’s not too hard because everyone lives five minutes away so there was a lot of hanging out after practice and being around the guys.”

A huge part of Allan’s game is his physical play, and when asked if there were any of his old teammates he might be lining up for a big hit tonight, Allan replied in a fashion that Raiders fans would appreciate.

“Whoever has the puck on their stick on my side,” Allan said with a grin.

The Thunderbirds and Raiders face off at 7:00 local time on Friday night. You can catch the game on 900 CKBI.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP

by Rob Mahon

Former Raiders captain Allan makes emotional return to Prince Albert

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