After playing in 93 games combined in the NHL’s regular season and playoffs, Logan Stankoven is back in Kamloops for the summer.

“It’s nice to be back. I love the beach and the water and was able to get to Aruba with my girlfriend (at the end of the NHL season). I just kind of relax and eat whatever at the All Inclusive, so that was nice,” commented Stankoven after a morning workout.

The 22 year-old’s season was split between the Dallas Stars and Carolina Hurricanes after a blockbuster trade deadline deal saw him moved to Raleigh, North Carolina.

“The fans (in Carolina), they bring it.  The guys there…easy to see why they make it far each year. A really great group that was welcoming and made me feel part of it,” continued Stankoven on his three months in Raleigh, NC.

He called his game four goal against the Florida Panthers to open the scoring his favourite goal of the season. He came down the left wing and snapped a puck top corner on Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

“That one felt good. It was nice to see it go in. I work a lot on my shot and nice to see it pay off. I want to do that more… I used to do it Junior with the Blazers but it’s harder at the NHL level (to score).”

In 93 games in the regular season and playoffs, he put up 19 goals and 27 assists for 46 points.  He wouldn’t mind finding a long term home with the Hurricanes.

“Personally I’d love to (sign long term). It seems they want to sign younger guys to long term deals.  That would be a dream come true.  We’ll wait and see. July 1st is when they can start talking an extension,” said Stankoven excitedly.

As for being back in Kamloops, he knows he can’t go too far without stopping for a picture or talking hockey.

“It’s a nice feeling, I’m really lucky.  I don’t mind going out of my way to stop and talk. That’s just part of it and I appreciate all of that.”