Feature photo: Getty Images
Just over a week after recording his 200th NHL win, Jake Allen is reflecting on his own NHL career while helping make sure future players from his province can also thrive.
Allen, who was born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, had his mother, Susan, in attendance for the milestone moment, as part of the New Jersey Devil’s mom’s trip.
It made the win that much more special for Allen, who won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019.
“That was pretty cool, the coincidence of the timing working out. It was a great trip for the moms – we won both games – and to have that luck of her being there for what ended up being my 200th win was great.”
“It’s not something I had in the back of my mind, but a couple people brought it up earlier in the year that I was getting close,” said the 34-year-old of the milestone he reached after turning aside 23 shots on Nov. 23 against the Washington Capitals.
“It’s been a long last four years trying to get those 50 wins. To have this under your belt is very special. When my career is over, I can look back on it and be proud of it.”
His father, Kurt, who is a beloved physical education teacher in Fredericton, is also planning a trip of his own. Perhaps the elder Allen can bring some more good family fortune when he heads to New Jersey.
“Dad hasn’t come down yet to see a game this year, but he is coming down soon, so I know he’s looking forward to that.”
When Allen isn’t stopping pucks, the affable backstopper is sharing his love of the game through his own nonprofit, Program 34.
Launched in 2016, the initiative helps disadvantaged youth in his home province.
“When you start something like this, especially as a 26-year-old kid, you need to surround yourself with good people. We did that and we started out strong. It’s only grown each year and we’ve been able to raise a lot of money and support so many worthy causes.”
In addition to raising money through his yearly charitable golf tournament, the organization has come together with NHLPA Goals & Dreams on numerous occasions to help youth in Fredericton.
Since 2016, the players’ charitable initiative, which assists grassroots hockey programs globally, has donated more than $25,000 worth of equipment to Program 34.
The most recent partnership between Allen and NHLPA Goals & Dreams will see a donation of goalie equipment go to kids playing minor hockey in Allen’s hometown.
“What the NHLPA does through its Goals & Dreams fund is incredible,” said Allen. “They make it so convenient and so easy for players to make an impact in areas that they had a connection to growing up, or places they have played in throughout their career or the community that they are currently playing in – Goals & Dreams is committed to making a difference and that is what it is all about.
“They have supported me through goalie gear, sets of gear for minor hockey programs – whatever I need to help make the community a better place.
“We want to see boys and girls get involved in the game we all love. What the NHLPA does to inspire that is amazing.”
Just like Allen, who remains a popular figure in his native Fredericton.
Whether it’s mentoring young goalies through his Jake Allen Fantasy Goalie Camp for Bantam AAA youth across the province or through Program 34, encouraging others to chase their dreams, hockey or otherwise, continues to be an important part of the netminder’s life.
“Being from New Brunswick and being a player from the province in the NHL means a lot to me. Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of players in the league, but I want to be someone who kids can look up to and I want to inspire them to chase their dreams, whatever those happen to be.
“I would love to see a kid from New Brunswick playing in the NHL when I’m sitting on the couch as a fan. For me, you are not only a player, but you are a role model, and I want to set the right example every day. When I go back home, I want to be that person.”
For now, Allen’s focus is on helping New Jersey chase Stanley Cup success.
He’s grateful to be in such a position.
“My career has by far exceeded what I hoped it would be.
“One, just to make the NHL was a goal. But to have played for as long as I have had, to have enjoyed some success, and made some great friendships along the way – I am super fortunate.
“I am so grateful and I am so lucky.”
