Faces That Shape The Calgary Flames, Part Two

Yesterday was Part One of this three part series in which I discussed Calgary Flames players who were of black and mulatto culture.  Today’s post will be on those who are a minority in hockey, but not necessarily outside of the sport.  When looking at the the numbers from last year, out of the 978 players in the NHL, the vast majority of them were Canadians or Americans.  However, these are not the only ones that helped shape the face of the sport.  With representation from over 18 different countries the NHL is far from strictly a Canadian-American sport.  The Calgary Flames have had their fair share of representation, here’s a look at some of the players who have spent their formative years in a less represented country:

Player: Anton Babchuk
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Seasons With Flames: 2010- Present

Arriving in 2010 with fellow Flame Tom Kostopoulos was a towering 6’5″ defenceman from Kiev, Ukraine.  Meant to perk up the Flames power play, Babchuk hasn’t done much in the way of helping.  His numbers are depressing to look at, even more so is his contract.  With another year still left on the books, he’ll be a $2.5 million hit on the cap next season too.

(Photo: Timothy T. Ludwig-US PRESSWIRE)

Player: Krzysztof Oliwa
Country of Origin: Poland
Seasons With Flames:  2002-2003

At 6’5″ Krzysztof Oliwa was a rock em sock em robot from Poland who dominated as a fighting left wing.  In his one season with the Flames, Oliwa racked up 247 PIM and a grand total of 5 points. Before the Flames, Oliwa terrorized the ice as a New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jacket, Pittsburgh Penguin, New York Ranger, and Boston Bruin.  His final count of PIM?  1,447 over 11 seasons.  Much like Sandy McCarthy, video is much better than words to describe his impact.

Player: Sergei Varlamov
Country of Origin: Ukraine
Games With Flames: 8

With only 8 games with the Flames, spaced out over the 1997-1998 season and the 1999-2000, Sergei Varlamov was not a massive body to contend with.  At 5’11″ he wasn’t as massive left winger like Oliwa, however in his 8 short games, he was effective.  He managed to get 3 points, all 3 being goals.  Varlamov is not related to the current Colorado Avalanche, former Washington Capitals‘ goaltender.

Tomorrow night will be the final segment of this series.  Meanwhile, check out Dave Church’s preview of the Flames vs Chicago Blackhawks

Go Flames Go!

Tags: Anton Babchuk, Flames, Krzysztof Oliwa, Sergei Varlamov