WOTHERSPOON WATCHES AND WAITS FOR NEXT SHOT
Flames defenceman on ‘roller-coaster’ between NHL, minors
If you thought your holiday travel plans were hectic, consider Tyler Wotherspoon’s schedule.
The 23-year-old blue-liner was recalled from the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat Dec. 8 to replace Brett Kulak, who desperately needed to get into game action. He arrived just in time for the Calgary Flames’ game against the Arizona Coyotes in Glendale, Ariz.
After watching a 2-1 overtime win from the Gila River Arena press box, he heads to Calgary later that night and enjoys a day off with the big club in preparation for a three-game stint at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
But the homestand comes and goes and still Wotherspoon has yet to make an appearance in the lineup.
So on Saturday, he is dispatched back to the Flames’ AHL affiliate. Wotherspoon plays in a 3-1 win over the San Diego Gulls (a road game). Wait, there’s more. The Flames, facing the NHL’s holiday roster freeze (Monday until Dec. 28), find themselves in need of a seventh defenceman should injury occur in that time. So who gets the call again? Yup, you guessed it. “It’s weird,” Wotherspoon said. “A roller-coaster the past couple of days not knowing what’s happening. But I’ve got a lot of support to just stick with it.
“I just have to be ready every day and ready every night until I get my chance.”
Easier said than done.
Humans are creatures of habit and professional athletes are usually worse.
So considering Wotherspoon has more trips to Arizona this month than some Albertan Snowbirds, it’s easy to understand why a guy would be frustrated with the process.
But chasing your NHL dream comes at a cost.
“It’s a lot emotionally, I’m sure,” said Flames forward Garnet Hathaway, who was recalled by the Flames Nov. 12 from Stockton. “He’s got family and I’m sure he’s got people around and he’s trying to plan for the holiday and figure out where people are going. Physically, there’s a lot of flights here and there. There’s a lot going on, I’m sure. But also it’s exciting to be called up.
“Kind of a roller-coaster … but you have to try and stay as evenkeeled as you can and stay positive.”
Flames coach Glen Gulutzan, busy with Monday’s game-day tasks, wasn’t able to speak to Wotherspoon, but Flames assistant coach Paul Jerrard had words with the defenceman following his skate at Gila River Arena with fellow healthy scratches Lance Bouma and Freddie Hamilton.
Gulutzan indicated he’d like to get Wotherspoon into the lineup soon.
“You want him to play … you don’t want these young guys sitting around,” said Gulutzan. “The schedule worked with us being out here (in Glendale) and for him to go in and play a game and stay sharp, so there’s a chance we can put him in.
“That’s why we brought him back up.”
So with two more games before the Christmas break (Tuesday at San Jose and Friday at home versus the Vancouver Canucks), Wotherspoon is back with the Flames.
“I think every player likes to be comfortable and have a set schedule,” he admitted. “But at this stage, you just have to roll with the punches. For me, it’s day by day and that’s all I can focus on.
“I haven’t been able to make any plans yet. So I’ve just been waiting and we’ll see. It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the job. But once I get my opportunity, I’m going to take advantage of it.”