Karri Ramo, Re-Introducing Your Calgary Flames
By Len Nunes
Mar 22, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goaltender Karri Ramo (31) makes a save against the Edmonton Oilers during the third period at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports
The best way to start a conversation about Calgary Flames goaltender Karri Ramo is his humble beginnings with our favourite team (thanks Wikipedia).
"On January 12, 2012, along with Michael Cammalleri and a 5th-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, he was traded to the Calgary Flames for René Bourque, Patrick Holland and a 2nd-round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. On July 5th, 2013, Rämö was signed to a two year deal worth $5.8 million by the Calgary Flames. In the 2013 preseason, he won the job to replace Miikka Kiprusoff as Calgary’s starter, over Joey MacDonald and Reto Berra."
Karri Ramo may have “won” the starting job going into last season but after a 5-4 shootout loss to the Washington Capitals in the season opener, Ramo did not see the net again for two weeks. 14 games into the 2013-14 season and the Calgary Flames took the reins away from Ramo and handed them to Reto Berra. That’s not good.
January 2014 featured Karri Ramo’s first shutout of the season versus the Carolina Hurricanes. February 2014 featured a knee injury that sidelined him until Saturday March 22nd. To refresh your memory, that March 22nd game was the 8-1 absolute pasting the Calgary Flames put on the Edmonton Oilers.
From the Wes Gilbertson Calgary Sun article introducing the free agent signing of goaltender Jonas Hiller:
"Karri Ramo…had an impressive finish to his first season at the Saddledome, but he’s not going to be gifted the starting gig…Enter Hiller, who has plenty of experience as a main man but was also praised for his professionalism and team-first approach after losing the top job in Anaheim late last season.“Our goaltending got better today,” said Flames GM Brad Treliving on Tuesday afternoon. “…I think, partnered with Karri, it gives us a great combination. And competition is a good thing…I don’t want to leave Karri Ramo out of the conversation here,” Treliving continued. “To us, we’ve added a good goaltender. We’ve made ourselves deeper at the position. I think, what it’s done is it’s made the Calgary Flames better.”"
Ramo becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season. With Joni Ortio signed to a contract that becomes one-way after this season, the writing is on the wall folks. Here’s hoping Ramo is able to play well enough to secure himself a new contract next season with a new team.