The Calgary Flames have re-assigned huge defenceman Keegan Kanzig from the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat to the Western Hockey League’s Calgary Hitmen.
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The 67th overall draft pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft had only appeared in one AHL game prior to the Calgary Flames’ decision. It’ll mark a fifth season for the Alberta-born player in the WHL, having previously suited up for the Calgary Hitmen and Victoria Royals.
The decision to me is a bit curious; here’s a 6’7″ guy that could definitely handle the physicality of NHL level hockey. Surely, it makes most sense to give him a full season with the Stockton Heat, let him mature into his game a little more at a strong level and go from there. Sending him back to the Calgary Hitmen almost feels like a backwards step.
On the flip of that though, the Calgary Flames have great depth in defense and the Stockton Heat aren’t much different – both are rather full talent pools. Keegan can’t quite be called a lost cause yet, but he’s going to really need to perform for the Hitmen to get the attention of either the AHL or NHL club.
Here’s hoping being sent to the WHL lights a fire in him and we see Kanzig come tearing back through the ranks; the challenge though isn’t to be underestimated. The line of people wanting into the Calgary Flames defense is rather long. In fact, even the queue within the Calgary Hitmen organization means he’ll be waiting for a start, as reported in the Calgary Herald.
Former Calgary Flames CEO Recognized By Hockey Hall Of Fame
Bill Hay, the former part-owner and CEO of the Calgary Flames was recognized prior to face-off of the Toronto Maple Leafs recent game against Detroit.
Though he did compete as a player in the NHL in the late 50s and early 60s, it was as a ‘builder’ that Hay has been recognized. This is the way many Calgary Flames fans will see fit; given he played a role in bringing the then Atlanta Flames north of the border to Calgary.
For that, we are grateful and I’d say in itself, it’s a good reason to have him in the Hall Of Fame!
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That’s a wrap on the latest news for the Calgary Flames. As always, if you have an opinion on anything we post, drop a message in the comments section below.