Calgary Flames: Let’s Look at Goaltending Prospect Tyler Parsons
By Ramina Shlah
There isn’t a whole lot to talk about right now for the Calgary Flames. But no need to fret! We still got some fun content. Let’s look at a goaltending prospect.
Well, aside from two players in Europe for the World Championship, there isn’t a whole lot of news surrounding this Calgary Flames team right now. But we’ll still be here all summer, don’t you worry! We can always find things to talk about with this team.
For today, let’s talk about the Flames 54th overall pick at the 2016 draft, Tyler Parsons. In the 2015-2016 season, his OHL team, the London Knights, won the Memorial Cup. That season, Parsons also won the award for most outstanding goaltender in the CHL and the team won the Dave Pinkney Trophy, which is awarded to the OHL team with the lowest GAA.
This season, the London Knights unfortunately lost to the Erie Otters in the second round of the playoffs. But Parsons was still phenomenal. He helped his team to a 2-0 shutout win in game 1 while making 46 saves.
Via Global News:
"“I think it is safe to say, as well as he always plays, I have never seen him play as well as that. I don’t think I’ve ever played with any goalie who has played like that.” Said captain J.J. Piccinich.“(Parsons) stood on his head for 17 games straight last year, but I don’t think I can remember a performance quite like we saw tonight.” The longest-serving member of the Knights, Owen MacDonald, echoed."
In January, he helped Team USA win a World Junior gold medal. During the tournament, he had five wins with a 2.18 GAA and 0.917 sv%. In the gold medal game, he made 46 saves, including every shot in the shootout, to beat Canada 5-4 in the shootout. He in fact made 17 saves in overtime alone.
And about two months ago, the Calgary Flames signed Tyler Parsons to a three-year two-way deal. He was called up to the Flames AHL affiliate, the Stockton Heat, after his season with the London Knights ended for their playoff run, but unfortunately he never got to see the crease.
But even though he never saw the crease, he still got a taste of that pro life.
Related Story: Flames Future Goaltending Looks Promising
Via Calgaryflames.com:
"“You know, it’s something I want to do … I’d love to play pro hockey,” said Parsons, who finished with 58 saves in what could be his final junior game.“I’m still eligible for another year in the OHL, but I would love to play my first year pro next year. Whatever happens, happens. Whatever way I go it’s the way I go. But I’m hoping to play in Stockton next year and try to make the pro team.”“It’s my first time actually being up with the pro hockey team,” he said. “It’s a whole ‘nother level.“I think it was good for me to get out here and meet the guys and be on the ice with them and see the difference in speed and difference between switching leagues. It’s a little faster. Guys shoot the puck harder. They’re bigger.“It’s good for me to get out here now and recognize that stuff and get a feel for it all moving into the summer and into next season.”"
Next: Monday Rountable: Goaltending Edition
Parsons has been exceeding expectations for a couple of seasons now. The Flames will most likely want to go with two NHL goaltenders to start the season off next season. However, if an injury were to happen and Parsons is playing with Stockton, there could be a chance for him to come up.
And he can really get a taste of that pro life.