Hanowski To Debut For Flames Tonight

Ben Hanowski during Calgary’s morning skate. (Photo via @NHLFlames)

Ben Hanowski will make his NHL debut tonight as the Calgary Flames are prepared to take on the Minnesota Wild. The 22-year-old Minnesota-native was acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh earlier in the season. Hanowski was drafted in the 3rd round in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft by the Penguins.

In his first game, he will wear the number 58. Since Hanowski will be suiting up for an NHL game this season, it will count against his contract and he will become a restricted free-agent at the conclusion of the season.

“We think it is really important for his development to get a little taste of pro hockey life and our organization, what it’s like,” Flames Assistant GM John Weisbrod said. “It’s my experience that it makes first year players summers a lot more productive.”

In his senior-year at St. Cloud State University, Hanowski recorded 31 points in 37 games and lead his Huskies to the first Frozen Four appearance in the school’s history.