Stoneham Patch Whiz Kid of the Week

• Ben Allen, 16
• Stoneham High School
• Accomplishment: Allen has led the Spartans offensively this year, netting six goals while adding seven assists (13 points) for the 5-6-2 Spartans.

Key to Awesomeness: Allen has adapted nicely to the changes that took place in 2012 for the Stoneham High hockey team, turning in a very productive year thus far.

“We got new coaches and they are really pushing our team to be better through hard work both on and off the ice,” Allen said. “I do my best to listen to everything they say and every time I step on the ice, I have to give it 100 percent.”

Allen points out that his success could not be possible without the help of his team and line mates.

“I have to give credit to Brendan Regan and Dalton Cox because this year we are really gelling and working well together,” Allen said. “I know that they have my back on the ice and they know that I have their back which is very comforting in game situations. Without them, I would not have nearly as many points as I do.”

Allen attributes his fast start to winning face-offs and his speed on the ice.

“As a center, it is very important to win face-offs because they lead to scoring chances in the offensive zone and help tremendously in the defensive zone,” Allen said. “Also, my speed has really helped me become more successful this year because it allows me to have more options on the rush and gives me more scoring opportunities.”

While Allen is contributing nicely for the Spartans this year, he still wants to improve the amount of shots he takes in games.

“Every shot has the chance to be a goal,” Allen said. “I also need to work on my urgency on the ice. Every second of every shift I need to battle and fight hard for the puck.”

Allen has his sights set on making the State tournament this year and he thinks the team has a realistic shot.

“As of now, all we have to do is win four more games and in order to do that we have to play a complete game,” Allen said. “In most games this year there is one period where our team just doesn’t play as hard as we can and if we can play a full 45-minute game to our full potential, we are hard to beat.”

Allen also plays varsity golf and baseball for the Spartans.