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Calgary Flames News: Penticton Young Stars Studs and Duds

By Darcy Hume

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Over the weekend, Flames prospects took to the ice in Penticton, British Columbia to showcase their talents in hopes of fast-tracking their career to the NHL. Now that we are a few games in, we can dissect the quality of play, given what they’ve shown us.

With the inclusion of recent draft picks, the Calgary Flames have a new look for this tournament. Looking at the lineup, there is a fair mix of new names, and old. Leading off our Studs list is 2015 draft pick, Rasmus Andersson.

STUD: Rasmus Andersson

Andersson came into this tournament being overlooked by most in the wake of the draft pick Oliver Kylington. With Kylington making an early exit in the first game due to injury, we were given an extended look at the young Swede.

The 18-year-old right handed shot, came into this tournament with high hopes, and he has delivered. Showcasing his puck handling ability, and skating prowess. Andersson’s game-sense affords him the ability to spread the game out, and control the pace. Something that can’t really be taught, but is a highly sought after ability. Sometimes shirking defensive responsibilities in order to jump into the play,  Andersson plays the game like you would expect a talented young defenseman to. Although this could be seen as a potential issue, this is not the end of the world. Andersson will learn as time goes on to be a responsible 2-way player, as time goes on. Strong showing for his first young stars tournament.

Andersson’s performance turned heads in a good way. Signing an ELC with the Calgary Flames ahead of Monday’s game against the Canucks prospects.

STUD: Andrew Mangiapane

Questions swirled around Mangiapane’s ability to play with the big boys, as he was passed on by many teams due to his size. This would not be the first time Mangiapane would be doubted for his size. For the late round draft pick, this is his proving ground. Showing what he is able to do. His offensive upside is reminiscent of Gaudreau’s performance last year.

Mangiapane was selected with a fabled draft pick, funnily enough, the exact same one that the Flames used to select Thereon Fleury way back in 1987. Fleury was also passed on for his size, and we know how that turned out.

Mangiapane has shown that he is not afraid to go into the tough areas of the game. Fighting hard for the puck, like he has something to prove, and setting up goals with great vision and touch. Posting 2 assists in game one of the tournament. I am pleasently surprised with Mangiapane’s performance. Very intriguing.

STUD: Jon Gillies

Jon Gillies is coming off of an impressive year in Providence and is looking to carry that over to his first professional year in the AHL. Gillies’ first game was very impressive. His lateral movement, as showcased by a highlight reel save in the second period to keep the game 2-1 for the Flames.

Aside from a rather small sample size, I am excited to see what Gillies can do in this year in Stockton. Time is on our side with the 2012 – 3rd round pick.

Coming off of a championship season with Providence, Gillies can now move into the AHL with his confidence at a high.

DUD: Keegan Kanzig

Kanzig looked confused, slow and lost. Something that isn’t all that surprising, unfortunately. The 6’6″ defender from Athabasca, ALTA. was seemingly a solid pick back in 2013, but his game’s development has haulted. His foot speed is slow, he has a massive wing span, which seems to hamper his ability to a point, and he is unable to play sound defence in his own end.

Kanzig was fighting the puck, as it seemed most of the offense generated by the opposing team, came when he was on the ice. This reminds me of Chris Breen, a tall d-man with virtually no offensive upside, as well as diminishing skating ability. Kanzig let me down, as I secretly hoped he’d be a diamond in the rough and become a force, similar to Zdeno Chara. This weekend made me remove those rose colored glasses and see Kanzig for what he really is.

Slow.

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Honorable Mentions

Honorable mentions I extend in this are to, Ryan Lomberg – a player who is slated to play in the AHL this year. I was very impressed with his compete level, he showed that has offensive ability, potting a nice short-side goal against Winnipeg. I look forward to seeing what he can accomplish in Stockton.

Bill Arnold, Sam Bennett, Kenny Agostino – what can be said about these three that hasn’t been already. They showed up, played their game and were very effective. I’m happy that they were able to play to the level that they have displayed. With some very impressive improvement from Agostino.

Emilie Poirier – This guy is good. Very good. I expect this year to be a breakout year for Poirier. Coming in to this year with a full camp under his belt will be very helpful for the young winger. I expect great things.

Morgan Klimchuk, Hunter Smith – These two are very impressive. Smith, just coming off of a championship winning season in junior, winning the memorial cup, came in to this tournament with some lofty expectations. He delivered. Playing physical, but not being a liability. Smith was able to play his game, he even potted a goal against the Oilers to open the scoring on Saturday. Klimchuk came in as a player who is now done at the junior level. It’s time to move on to bigger and subsequently, better things. Klimchuk is set to start the year in the AHL, and I see this as a very good thing, given what I have seen. He’s smart with the puck, not rushing opportunities. While still being defensivley minded. Good stuff.

What have we learned about Calgary Flames’ prospects this weekend? There are a hand-full of play players ready for bigger and better things immediately. While some still need to put in some work before they make the leap to professional hockey. For certain people this was a great tournament, relatively no-name prospect Julien Proulx, showed that he is not afraid to go to the hard areas – while still maintaining his composure. But, it’s hard to say what comes next for him. As well as Tyson Baillie. They all had decent tournaments, but nothing revolutionary that requires immediate action.

Next: Calgary Flames Prospect Watch

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