Dec 12, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames head coach Bob Hartley can smile knowing 20 year old defensive prospect Patrick Sieloff is healthy and eager to work his way to the NHL. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Here is the “talent analysis” from HockeyFutures.com:
"Sieloff is tough, stay-at-home defenseman with a bit of offensive upside to his game. He is solidly built and isn’t afraid to make use of his size or drop the gloves on occasion. But Sieloff is not just a goon as he is already a very good defender in his own zone and has the ability to at least get plays started from his own end of the ice. He is an effective penalty killer and has some leadership skills to go along with his grit."
Reading updates on Patrick Sieloff through Rotoworld.com it becomes obvious the 20 year old has the attitude that can carry him to success! The question is whether or not his body will let him achieve the success.
"Wed, Dec 5, 2012 08:39:00 AM Source: Calgary Herald"
"“If you come watch Patty play three or four games in a row, his compete level is through the roof,” says Spitfires president and coach Bob Boughner. “I’ve never seen a guy compete this hard. (The U.S. team) needs that kind of an edge. The team can’t be all finesse. I hope he makes the team, and I think he will make the team.”"
"Thu, Aug 29, 2013 10:17:00 AM Source: Calgary Herald“Spending time with the Flames at the end of last year, just seeing the maturity level and what it takes to get there, then being able to bring that back here, it just carries over,” said Sieloff, who was rehabbing a groin injury at the time. “I was around pros this summer training and just watching the way they go about things and skating with them, it helped my confidence a lot.”"
"Wed, Sep 18, 2013 11:17:00 AM Source: Calgary HeraldPatrick Sieloff suffered a broken cheekbone during a fight in Monday’s preseason game."
"“That’s sad because here’s a young man who put in his time, showed up to camp in great shape,” Flames coach Bob Hartley. Sieloff is expected to start the 2013-14 campaign with the OHL Windsor Spitfires."
"Sat, Sep 21, 2013 12:28:00 PM Source: Calgary Herald"
"Wearing a full cage to protect his freshly broken cheekbone — but cleared for action — enforcer Patrick Sieloff doesn’t plan to change his tactics. It’s common knowledge that nothing enrages the enemy more than an agitator with extra protection. “Opponents won’t appreciate it so much, but it doesn’t matter to me,” said Sieloff, with a black eye and a wee scab on his left cheek — courtesy of a punch absorbed Friday in Saskatoon. “That feeds into my game anyway. I like to get them out of their game as much as I can. Let them say whatever they want. I’ll deal with it. It’s not like I have a choice (about the headgear). Full cage or nothing, I’d play the same way.”"
Patrick Sieloff had a 2013-14 season to forget enduring a staph infection that limited him to only two appearances for the AHL Abbottsford Heat. The Calgary Flames had the option to send Sieloff back to the OHL Windsor Spitfires but opted to keep in the AHL. According to an article from abbeynews.com:
"And Sieloff, a rambunctious 19-year-old rookie defenceman with loads of upside, happens to be the youngest player in the entire American Hockey League."
During the prospects camp the Calgary Flames put on early in July, Patrick Sieloff was limited to no contact drills. By all accounts it was simply a pre-cautionary move by the Flames organization. Here’s hoping Mr. Sieloff’s health allows him to reach the potential his hardworking positive attitude exudes.