Flames rookies put through paces
New bench boss Peters brings extra intensity to practice as ‘exciting prospects’ hit the ice
Unable to skate, officially, with his veteran National Hockey League group, Bill Peters hit the Stampede Corral on Friday and did the next best thing.
Barked at the rookies. Whistleinhand—and,atone point, reminding the impressionable Flames hopefuls of its purpose (‘When you hear it, you go’) — the new Calgary Flames coach and his high-tempo, intense, crisp method of running a practice were on display for the first time since he was hired in June.
At one point, Peters stopped a drill, explained it again, and singled out one particular player to confirm, “You good? You got that? No? Figure it out.”
This is the new way of life at 555 Saddledome Rise SE.
“I like being able to talk to them, watch them do a drill and make corrections as we go, right?” Peters said afterwards.
“We had a drill out there that (players were passing) across the O -zone that we didn’t handle the way we’d like to defensively. So, we straightened it out. They played it perfectly.
“And we moved on. That’s what it’s all about. It’s about the interaction out there in practice and making the time count.”
And, for Peters, there isn’t a lot of time to waste, especially with the rookie group whom he’ll see for the next three days prior to the team’s departure to China for the (early) start of main training camp.
It’s a different year for everyone in that regard, and especially for Peters who has spent all summer analyzing video and now, finally, gets to lay his eyes on his team’s prospects for the first time.
“I’m excited to see all of them,” Peters said.
“They’re all different players. A few of them already have a few games in the National Hockey League, so you have an idea of how they play at the NHL level.
“A lot of guys haven’t played at this level yet. So, until you see them in the NHL pre-season, we’re not going to know for sure. But there are some exciting prospects, for sure.”
And his expectations — this weekend and into next week — are the same.
“They’re going to play the same way we are,” Peters said.
“Here or Stockton or some guys back to junior. Whatever it may be. Youwantthemtotakeawaythe way we’re going to play and the way we’re going to practice and the tempo you practice at. I think there’s good intensity.
“Not a lot of battle, but good intensity from the young guys.”
Peters intends on hitting the ice Saturday to work on specialty teams with the rookies and then taking a seat in the Dome’s press box to watch Sunday’s first rookie pre-season game against the Edmonton Oilers (2 p.m.).
The first game of the season is always exciting, whether it’s exhibition or not. I think everybody is really pumped up.
New Stockton head coach Cail MacLean will operate the bench.
With the veteran-laden roster set for China — with rookie goalie Nick Schneider on the list — that means bubble forwards like Spencer Foo, Andrew Mangiapane and Dillon Dube along with defencemen Juuso Valimaki and Oliver Kylington will be on display in Calgary.
“It’s going to be a blast,” Foo said. “The first game of the season is always exciting, whether it’s exhibition or not. I think everybody is really pumped up.”
Meanwhile, Valimaki’s intentions are clear, despite being left behind with the other rookies.
“Steal a spot — simple as that,” said the 19-year-old who was drafted 16th overall in 2017 and is set to turn professional this year.
“That’s my mindset — that’s me the whole summer … it’s a little different this year.
“Staying here, there’s a lot of games here and a lot of ice time here so that wouldn’t be too bad of a thing. Any way, it’s good for me.”