Frolik enjoying latest bite out of Big Apple
Central Park practice will bring back fond memories of 2013 experience
NEWARK, N. J. The Calgary Flames are switching things up Saturday and have scheduled a practice on Lasker Rink, situated on the north end of idyllic Central Park.
It will likely resemble a scene out of a postcard or movie, which up until Michael Frolik began his NHL career, were the only ways he knew about New York City.
“For me, being from Czech (Republic), I was just able to watch it on TV, like the movie Home Alone (2): Lost in New York and (Kevin) was in Central Park,” said the Flames forward following Friday's morning skate at Prudential Center in nearby Newark. “It's kind of nice we'll be there and skate there. It's pretty cool.”
In November 2013, when he was with the Winnipeg Jets, the team practised there, which was a nice change from their day-to-day routine on the road — rink, hotel, plane, repeat.
“It'll be the similar thing (Saturday)," Frolik said with a grin. "I remember it was pretty cool. It brings back memories tomorrow of when you were a little kid and you're skating outside.
“It'll be freezing, but hopefully it's not raining.”
The logistics of the practice are similar to their minor hockey days, too. The Flames will gear up at their hotel in downtown Manhattan and then take a bus to the outdoor rink. Then put their skate guards on and take the bus back when practice is over.
Yes, Saturday will likely be a little different than skating at the Scotia- bank Saddledome or Corral.
“New York is probably one of the best cities in the world,” said Flames centre Sam Bennett. “It's pretty cool to be here and see how big it is and how much is going on.”
It's an idea that was brought up to the coaching staff by Sean O'Brien, the Flames manager of team services, because their condensed day on Super Bowl Sunday — a noon (MT) puck drop at Madison Square Garden versus the New York Rangers — means no time for a morning skate.
“It's great,” said Flames captain Mark Giordano. “I'm sure it'll be a little different atmosphere. We'll get the legs going because we have a 2 p.m. (ET) game in New York and it's important to get on the ice. “We'll have fun with it.” In addition to the Jets skating at Central Park in 2013, the Philadelphia Flyers and Florida Panthers (in 2011) have also held practises at the rink.
“We thought it would be fitting to go to Central Park,” said Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan. “I'm big on experiences. We rode the train in Ottawa to Montreal. It seemed to do us well. It's just a change-up. It breaks it up practising outside and going back to when you were a kid.
“I don't know if a lot of those kids grew up in Saskatchewan, but we went outside and played. It's just a change. It's something different.”
I remember it was pretty cool. It brings back memories tomorrow of when you were a little kid and you’re skating outside.