Calgary Flames Development camp took place from July 6-8. 39 players took part in camp including three of the Flames six 2023 draft picks; 16th pick forward Samuel Honzek, 48th pick defenceman Etienne Morin and 112th pick forward Jaden Lipinski. The players were split up into two groups team Kiprusoff and team Vernon. Thursday and Friday were training days filled with on ice work, off ice workouts and even a nice Banff hike. Saturday was a skills and scrimmage day.
After Thursday's ice time, media met with Morin, Matt Coronato, Lipinski, Honzek and assistant coach Ray Edwards. When asked about how general manager Craig Conroy’s statement about injecting youth into the lineup, Coronato said this, “It’s exciting to hear for sure- there's a lot of great young players in the organization so for me it's all about working hard and putting myself in a good spot but it's definitely exciting.” The 20-year-old forward signed with the Flames at the end of last season when his year playing at Harvard came to an end. He made his NHL debut on April 12 against the San Jose Sharks.
A few standout players from camp were Lucas Ciona, Matt Coronato, Samuel Honzek, Etienne Morin, Rory Kernins, Matt Radomsky, Chad Hillebrand and William Stromgren. Ciona is looking to play with the Flames this upcoming season after having a very successful season with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL.
Fans showed up to watch the sessions and the big 3v3 scrimmage tournament. Speaking to some of the young Flames fans at the camp many of them said that they are really excited to see Matt Coronato and Samuel Honzek.
Adam Klapka, a Calgary Wranglers player, attended camp and looked really happy and excited to be back. The forward played 60 games with the Wranglers last season recording 13 goals and 12 assists. Two Calgary Hitmen were also in attendance on an invitation, Tyson Galloway and Oliver Tulk.
Assistant Coach Ray Edwards spoke about the importance of having development camp so quickly after the draft. He said, “We don’t have that much time, our guys who are under contract–have been going for two months so we’ve already dug in with those guys. With these guys it's a little more expedited so we’ll work hard to get that plan formulated. The plan is one thing, it's executing it.”
I was in attendance for the development camp, watching sessions and helping out with some behind the scenes things. This opportunity gave me the chance to meet some of the Flames staff, some players and I learned a lot. What I can say personally about this group of players is that they all carry a level of talent that is needed in the organization and that is wanted by Calgary Flames fans. Not only are these guys good at hockey and are playing at the level that they are because of their talent, they are good human beings and that is just as important to get to where they want to be.
All photos are my own.
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