Greyhounds’ Allard healthy and ready to contribute to start new season
A seventh-round pick of the Soo Greyhounds in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection, Owen Allard has displayed an undeniable work ethic, and shown signs of blossoming into a regular contributor for the Soo Greyhounds.
Closing out the 2023-24 preseason as one of the League’s top scorers (2-6-8), the Ottawa, Ont. native plans to step into a bigger role for the Hounds this year, after missing most of the 2022-23 season due to a shoulder injury suffered attending Ottawa Senators development camp last July.
“Owen is physically very strong, has explosive speed, and an elite shot”, said Greyhounds head coach John Dean. “We consider Owen a driver of play whose tenacity with and without the puck helps create offence for himself but also for his teammates. In my opinion he is one of the most underrated players in the league but I suspect he won’t be by seasons end.”
Determined to be a difference-maker this season, the 6-foot-2, 200lb. forward has continued to develop over the off-season, attending Colorado’s rookie camp as a free agent invite.
“Owen’s determination and work ethic have always defined him as a person and a player,” Dean added. “it is really nice to see him being paid off for his effort over the course of the exhibition season.”
“He is clearly driven to play at the next level and is lucky enough to be around a hockey family that understands how valuable compete level and work ethic are to that process. His experience at the Avalanche’s camp only makes him a better player and as an organization we are looking forward to seeing him over a full season.”
Things we love to see ⬇️
WATCH: https://t.co/JzTSOeiJau#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/eZMXbTnJPF
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 17, 2023
After missing the playoffs last season, the Greyhounds return with a different mindset as they gear up to prove their worth in the Western Conference.
“We’re all looking forward to competing every night,” said Allard. “We’re angry and we’re hungry, I’m excited about that mentality. It’s fun coming to the rink with a little chip on your shoulder. Having fun and being ready to go at the same time, it’s our recipe for some success this season.”
The Greyhounds open the 2023-24 regular season at home, as they host the Flint Firebirds at the GFL Memorial Gardens at 7:07pm on Friday night.
