CALGARY – Imagine the Calgary Flames deploying their three most formidable enforcers on a single line! Ryan Lomberg wholeheartedly embraces this powerful combination, which generated considerable excitement online right from the first day of training camp.
“Honestly, I was just as thrilled, if not more so, when I saw that line posted in the locker room,” Lomberg commented, referring to his initial linemates, Adam Klapka and Martin Pospisil.
He added, “Both are outstanding players and clearly enjoy a physical style of play, so I anticipate this line will create significant challenges for opponents.”
Lomberg is renowned for his boundless energy, Klapka`s imposing 6-foot-8 stature allows him to aggressively maneuver around the ice, reminiscent of an airport baggage handler, while Pospisil consistently disrupts plays with an intensity comparable to the aftermath of a late-night poutine binge.
Although it might be premature to dub them the “Legion of Boom” (a nickname too tempting to pass up), the initial practice sessions offer valuable insights into the coaching staff`s summer deliberations, where line combinations are often sketched out on anything from whiteboards to cocktail napkins. Thursday`s three practice groups at the Saddledome revealed several initial thoughts from head coach Ryan Huska on how the team`s roster, largely similar to last season, is beginning to take form.
Current Line Combinations
- Huberdeau – Kadri – Coronato
- Zary – Backlund – Coleman
- Farabee – Frost – Sharangovich
- Lomberg – Pospisil – Klapka
- Bahl – Andersson
- Hanley – Weegar
- Bean – Parekh
- Wolf
- Cooley
The coveted spot on the top line has been given to Matt Coronato, a decision Huska described as a straightforward initial choice.
Huska elaborated on the 24-year-old forward, stating, “Matt is our quintessential goal scorer,” noting Coronato`s 24 goals in his inaugural full NHL season, which led to a substantial seven-year, $45.5 million contract this summer.
“Therefore, you pair your primary goal-scorer with one of your top playmakers and your leading center to begin,” Huska explained, simplifying the strategy.
Following a season marred by injuries, Connor Zary has been given every opportunity to thrive, finding himself back alongside Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman – a duo consistently successful at elevating their third linemate`s performance.
Huska further detailed his defensive strategy, aiming to maintain last season`s top two pairings, while assigning Zayne Parekh to play on the right side alongside Jake Bean.
Huska`s direct advice to the 19-year-old first-round draft pick, whose primary goal this camp is to secure a permanent NHL roster spot, was to “concentrate solely on making the team.”
“Zayne shouldn`t feel any excessive pressure to be the team`s savior or to instantly transform our squad,” Huska emphasized. “He is an exceptionally talented hockey player, and we are incredibly optimistic about his future. Our role as coaches is to guide him through this process.”
Parekh, who had to sit out prospects camp due to a lower-body injury, confirmed it is now approximately 90 percent healed and that he expects to be cleared to play in Sunday`s game against Edmonton.
“A lot is definitely expected of me,” acknowledged Parekh, who recently completed two consecutive 30-goal seasons in the OHL.
He reflected, “Last year, I felt more at ease, knowing the likely outcome was a return to junior hockey, and I was simply absorbing the experience. This year, my strong desire is not to go back, so the pressure is significant.”
Given his age, Parekh is ineligible for the AHL, making it highly probable he will remain with the NHL team, provided his training camp performance surpasses last year`s more average showing.
Naturally, these initial line configurations do not account for potential standout performances from prospects like Matvei Gridin, Aydar Suniev, or Sam Honzek, which could earn them a spot on the opening night roster.
Setting the Pace
The striking intensity of Thursday`s inaugural practice sessions was a dominant feature, a suitable approach for a team that narrowly missed the playoffs last season, primarily on the strength of its exceptional work ethic.
“It`s about rolling up your sleeves and relentlessly working up and down the ice,” commented Kadri, whose team is keenly aware that their early season schedule is packed with formidable opponents.
He emphasized, “Your mindset should be that the season effectively begins today, ensuring that by the time opening night arrives, you`ve already been in a competitive state for two or three weeks.”
The visible perspiration on MacKenzie Weegar`s forehead long after practice concluded served as a clear indicator of the high tempo.
“Absolutely, it commenced today,” he affirmed.
He further explained, “The coach is underscoring that we face a demanding and fast-paced schedule from the outset this season, and unlike last year, teams won`t underestimate us. This season will be more challenging, hence the more rigorous practices.”
Huska conveyed that his message is unequivocal.
“While we achieved many commendable things last year, I don`t want the players entering this season with the assumption that success will automatically repeat – that`s simply not how it works,” Huska stated, noting that his team remained largely unchanged after a 96-point season that concluded with an impressive 11-2-3 record.
He continued, “My objective is for them to move past last season and forge a new path that will lead us to our goals this year. We can`t expect any easy games; we must elevate our performance to a higher standard.”
Team Canada`s Scrutiny
With Olympic aspirations, Weegar confessed he feels an additional surge of motivation for the season`s start, a sentiment shared by Kadri, who publicly expressed his disappointment this summer about not being among the 42 players initially invited to last month`s orientation camp.
“Absolutely, I would obviously relish the opportunity to be part of that team,” stated Kadri, who recorded a career-best 35 goals last season.
“I`m certain many players feel the same. The reality is, Canada boasts an abundance of exceptional hockey talent, so even being considered is a great honor.”
Kadri confirmed he recently received communication indicating he is now among 50 additional players under consideration by the Canadian national team coaches.
“Yes, the `long list` – I`m not entirely sure what that signifies,” he remarked with a smile.
“I suppose it means I have a chance, and that`s ultimately what you strive for.”
