Strat Allen Awarded AIHL Player of the Week

Strat Allen has been awarded Player of the Week by the AIHL for his outstanding play. Allen's five points (3G, 2A) across two games powered the Ice Dogs' offense against the Melbourne Ice and the Melbourne Mustangs.

The top line of Cameron Todd, Jeremy Vasquez and Strat Allen has exceptional chemistry, and Allen credits his line-mates for his current seven-game point streak (9G, 4A).

"Playing with Cam the Man [Cameron Todd], and young JV [Jeremy Vasquez] has been great," Allen said.

Ice Dogs' fans will know that Cameron Todd is an unmissable figure on the ice. With his bushy moustache and bold mullet flowing behind at full-speed, he is a terrifying sight for opposition defenders and goalies. Allen agrees.

"Cam's really the driver on our line and he's a beast on the forecheck which opens up a lot of chances for us. We're in a good rhythm right now and looking to keep it going," he said.

Jeremy Vasquez is the playmaking specialist on the line and had a four-point weekend, including a three-point effort against the Mustangs where he scored his first goal of the season. With Allen as the trigger man, the top line is well-balanced.

The towering forward has scored goals in a variety of ways - on the powerplay, off one-timers, deflections, from the slot, from sharp angles, and even a penalty shot goal on Sunday.

"I'm just trying to finish all the chances to put us in a position to win," Allen said modestly. "A lot of them are coming off the rush connecting with my line-mates but also crashing the net and being opportunistic when we have the puck."

Allen and his teammates have put the Ice Dogs within touching distance of the final playoff spot, they are just three points behind the fourth-placed Mustangs. It's an exciting opportunity for the team and for Allen, "We're a young team," he said, "but seem to be finding momentum at the right time."

The Ice Dogs will be looking to keep up their good form against the Sydney Bears at home on Saturday. Make sure you get your tickets at icedogsshop.com.au and come to the rink to congratulate Strat Allen on his achievement this Saturday!

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