Already listed as an NHL blue-chip blueline prospect the 6” 2′. 195 pound Calgary native says he appreciates the attention and always welcomes the kudos but he also realizes he’s under the proverbial microscope – a situation he is ready to accept. “It’s really not that much pressure you just have to remain focused and work hard every night,” he said prior to a Saturday night contest in Grande Prairie – one in which arguably the league’s most successful franchise was seeking its first win of the 2008-9 campaign.
That’s where the leadership comes in. And it’s a role Olsen has willingly even if quietly has accepted with the club says assistant coach Miles Walsh. “We have a lot of young guys back on the blueline – 16-year-old-guys – and Dylan really blossomed in that role last year – he got tons of ice time,” says Walsh who adds while Olsen may seem shy and quite he lets his skill set and example do the talking most nights.
As a “listed” player something the Kodiaks are more than familiar with. Walsh says Olsen knows he is now foisted into new role one in the spotlight. “Having gone through this with guys like Dan Bertram. Mason Raymond (Canucks second round 2005) and last year with Joe Colborne (Bruins first round 2008) we help these guys understand there are going to be more situations like this one (media request) and I really believe it helps that player grow as an individual,” says Walsh. “You really might worry about what they’ll say from time to time but you want them to speak from the heart and certainly Dylan is a player we never worry about that way,” he added.
Olsen has already had experience under the spotlight of the hockey elite. As a member of Team Pacific at the U-17 championships over the summer in London. Ont.. (fourth place finish) he says he learned to be more flexible and appreciate differing styles of play. “It was a great experience,” says Olsen. “It’s too bad we didn’t bring home gold but I got a chance to play with lots of great guys – a lot of them had different styles, so I think it really helped me,” said Olsen.
On the blueline. Olsen brings the consummate total package to Head Coach/GM Boris Rybalka’s hand of cards. He can move the puck well has a very hard and accurate point shot makes the right first touch almost without exception and he loves to play the body.“I’m told my style is like Dion Phaneuf’s,” he says when asked what NHL blueliner he might emulate. “But I’ve always been more of a Scott Stevens fan,” he says of the now-retired hall-of-fame defender.
So with Olsen and d-partner Andrew MacWilliam (Leafs seventh rounder in 2008) logging 30-minutes plus a game. Walsh says the Kodiaks are hoping to turn the proverbial problem into the attractive opportunity. “Championships are not won in September we know that and hopefully all of this extra ice time and experience will pay dividends down the line,” he says.
Having said that one wonders how much more ice time Olsen can grab. At press time he was his team’s leading scorer in addition to all the other intangibles he brings to the equation. And on this night he sets up the game winner with a nifty behind-the- back pass and is named the game’s first star. Just another night’s work for the workmanlike Olsen who has become the model of blueline consistency. It’s all about the focus he says. “When you’re at the rink you focus on hockey; when you are in school you focus on that,” he says matter-of-factly acknowledging he is currently entertaining “a lot” of NCAA scholarship interest.
Coming to a classy and successful organization such as the Koidaks. Olsen knew he would have the opportunity to excel. “Family is huge for me and I had family members recommend I come here (Camrose) and it was the best choice I could make,” said Olsen. “Boris and Doug – all the coaches and staff have been great – and they’ve given me the opportunity,” he says. Judging by the pedigree of the Kodiaks in developing NCAA and pro hockey players one thing seems certain for Dylan Olsen: The opportunities are only just beginning.
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Related article:
http://ajhl.ca/news/2008/10/02/olsen-focused-on-excellence/
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