The big man, 6’2, 205 pound, from Myrtle, MB, CAN, Wade Allison has finally made the NHL, and boy has he opened some eyes. In just a short time he unleashed some fury on his opponents, and has become somewhat of a fan favorite. Finally right, after he faced adversity after adversity with injuries during the last three years of his collegiate hockey career. Allison is physical, good along the boards, has Ann absolute blast, and creates a net front presence that the Flyers could use in the future.
The young 23-year-old in Allison just wants to show people that the Flyers did not make a mistake by drafting him, and that he is healthy. If a person has seen Allison play in prior years, then he or she would notice his gifted hands. He can shoot and pass on top of being a physical guy. Allison has enjoyed a great season for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms thus far by registering four goals, and five assists for a total of 9 points in eight games played. He has really enjoyed the pressure of his first year as a professional, after recovering from ankle surgery that kept him out through Flyers camp, and the first part of the AHL season.
Hopefully, all can now see the light at the end of the tunnel with Allison’s injuries finally in the rear view mirror. Allison is more than experienced enough to handle the rigors of a full AHL season, and a sustainable future in the NHL. He’s a power forward, and that is quite evident by what Alain Vigneault says about him, “He’s a Power Forward, he can shoot, and is physical.”
Allison has become a fan favorite in his short stint with the orange and black. Kids alike, look up to him and maybe some have dealt with an injury or injuries and have become down on themselves. Well, Wade has a message to those that may be struggling with overcoming some type of adversity with an injury. I asked him on Friday before the game if he had a message for those that look up to him, “Yea keep pushing, do today and do yourself tomorrow,” Wade said.
“Not everyone makes it at 18, sometimes it takes longer. Enjoy the process, there is a lot of down moments, just keep a level head. It’s all part of the journey.”– Wade Allison
People have to remember that Allison is a man at the age of 23, he’s not a kid at the age of 18. He played against men in the NCAA, so he is farther ahead in his development, as opposed to an 18-year-old. The sky is the limit for Allison, “It’s been a long road,” Wade said following his NHL debut, ” A lot of ups and a lot of downs. I did it. It’s pretty cool. Something I’ll remember forever. Something that no one can ever take from me. It’s pretty special.” “I called my parents,” when asked if he talked to anyone after he found out he was going to make his NHL debut. “They said they were proud of me.”
This is a great day for the proud orange clad fans, as they will see the big man in Allison, a 2016 second round draft pick, donning a Flyers sweater for years to come (Hopefully). The Flyers could really use his net front presence, and the physicality he brings on a nightly basis. Again kudos to former General Manager Ron Hextall on finding yet another stud at the 2016 draft.