Friday marks the first on-ice session for players participating in the Calgary Flames’ 2019 prospects’ training camp.
A total of 25 prospects – three goalies, eight defencemen and 14 forwards – are participating in the camp, which kicked off Thursday with fitness testing and medicals.
Notable names taking part in the camp include 2019 draft pick Jakob Pelletier and forward Dillon Dube.
“Dillon played 25 games with the NHL Flames and had one of the best point-per-games in the American Hockey League for a young player, so he’s one of our top prospects here,” Calgary Flames assistant general manager Brad Pascall told Global News.
As for Pelletier, Pascall said the camp will give him an opportunity to “show what he can do, and show Flames fans, our coaches what he can do.”
“We had four players that were at our prospect camp last year that played at the Flames,” he added. “We’ve had some great success with players like Andrew Mangiapane, (Juuso) Välimäki, (Oliver) Kylington, (Rasmus) Andersson – players that have played here at the prospect camp and have then worked their way up to the NHL roster. The players here are looking to make that jump.”
“These players are here to make a team – and ultimately, hopefully, it’s the Calgary Flames.”
“For some of these guys, this is their first kick at the can, or first time at an NHL camp. Guys like (Andrew) Nielsen and Glen Gawdin and Matthew Philips and others have been to one or two camps, so you’re looking for then to step up and provide a bit of leadership and direct our young players and ensure that they have the work ethic every day when they hit the ice and when they’re doing their off-ice workout… You’re looking for that extra leadership from the players,” Pascall added.
Rookies hit the ice on Friday at 10 a.m.
They’ll then participate in a pre-game skate at 10 a.m. on Saturday before travelling to Red Deer to take on the Edmonton Oilers’ prospects at the Enmax Centrium at 7 p.m.
Following the game, prospects take part in on-ice sessions at Winsport at 11 a.m. on Sunday and Monday.
A second game will then be played against the Oilers’ prospects on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at the Saddledome at 7 p.m.
“It’ll be a great opportunity for Flames fans to come out and see some of our young top prospects,” Pascall said.
Both games will be streamed live on CalgaryFlames.com as well as the Flames’ Twitter, Facebook and YouTube channel.
BELOW: The 2019 Calgary Flames rookie player roster
– With files from Matthew Conrod