Calgary Flames Re-Assign Ortio To Stockton Heat
By Luke Ryan
In an unsurprising move, Calgary Flames goaltender Joni Ortio has been re-assigned to the organization’s AHL affiliate, Stockton Heat.
The move could finally answer the goaltending dilemma that has been the topic of many Calgary Flames discussions.
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The first time a goalie was re-assigned, it was Ortio that survived the cut; second time out though, Karri Ramo has laid claim to the spot between the pipes and Jonas Hiller wasn’t about to be floated, with the risk of losing him on waivers.
For Joni Ortio, this should be the chance to get some ice time and re-establish his game and just generally get his confidence back.
He will likely step straight in as the Stockton Heat’s first choice with Calgary Flames hot prospect, Jon Gillies out injured. Once Gillies returns from injury, it’s anyone’s guess how the goaltending game plays out in Stockton.
Ortio, likely disappointed to be dropped from the Calgary Flames roster didn’t show it too much, saying on the Flames official website that ‘the key is to play some games’.
The key right now is to play some games. You’re not going to get any better sitting on the bench. – Joni Ortio (flames.NHL.com)
In clearing waivers, he also allows the Calgary Flames to continue their three goaltender scenario, which essentially limits the risk should Hiller go down injured again.
He’ll be looking to find some rhythm and form, the Finn’s save percentage of 0.868 and goals against average of 4.28 in his four games this year with the Calgary Flames not exactly the sort of numbers any tender wants to put up.
Last year with then AHL affiliate, the Adirondack Flames; Ortio was given 37 games in the net and showed his ability with a 2.69 goals against average and 0.912 save percentage.
Clearly the talent is there, but it remains to be seen whether Ortio will forever be American Hockey League level or can push his way back into the Calgary Flames goaltending conversation.
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