Calgary Flames, Ranking My Current Top 5 Players
Oct 23, 2014; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Mark Giordano (5) steps on to the ice during the warmup period against the Carolina Hurricanes at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
My profile on FanSided reads as follows: “Years of blogging for different sports and have culminated in this opportunity as an Independent Editor running Flame For Thought. Looking forward to watching the Calgary Flames ascend the ladder in the NHL.”
It was an admission that being a Calgary Flames fan is a new thing for me. The”re-introducing your Calgary Flames” articles of the summer, in many cases, were introducing to the players to myself. About 15 weeks into my Calgary Flames fandom I think it is fair to create a Top 5 list.
Here are the Top 5 current Calgary Flames players. As in the beginning, I will be using some ISEE (Iggy Smalls Excellent Edits) to illustrate my players.
5. TJ Brodie
When I was on Montreal Hockey Talk radio doing a pre-game show for the Flames and Habs, I described TJ Brodie as an 80’s throwback defenseman because of his willingness and ability to skate the puck up the ice and create offensive opportunities. The only reason Mr. Brodie is not higher on the list is because there are some nights he rivals Dennis Wideman for giveaways. I am ecstatic that Brodie recently signed a 5 year contract and believe he will be worth every dollar.
4. Johnny Gaudreau
The great debate during the preseason was if Johnny Hockey should start the season in the AHL. I firmly stood in the corner that Mr. Gaudreau was ready for the NHL and like many others thought he could play well enough to have his name in the rookie of the year discussion. When Johnny Hockey was benched in the Flames Game 6 of the season, I kept telling myself that all the kid needed was a day away. Glad to say that assumption was correct. His ability to create space on the ice for himself and his teammates is second to none.
3. Josh Jooris
Jooris has already locked up my November Man Crush of the month award. The 24 year old rookie plays the game like a 24 year old that has been in the league for 5 years already. Jooris kills penalties, can win defensive zone faceoffs, and has shown nice touch on the offensive side of centre as well.
2. Jonas Hiller
My first article was about Hiller. A YouTube video was made to honor my October Man Crush of the month award winner. His play has tailed off a bit recently but he is still the undisputed #1 goalie in Calgary. I have no doubt Mr. Hiller will carry our Flames to many more victories this month and beyond!
1. Mark Giordano
I knew coming in that the Captain of the Flames was a hard-nosed, hardworking individual. I also knew coming in that the work habits and work ethic of the Flames Captain naturally raised the bar for any Flames player donning the Flaming C. I never figured that almost 6 weeks into the season, Giordano would sit 6th overall in NHL scoring and would have as many points credited to him as the ENTIRE Edmonton Oilers defensive squad.
What would your top 5 current Calgary Flames players list look like?