The Calgary Flames have made some positive changes to their lineup and most has to do with size. The dealings on draft day 2008 sent away Alex Tanguay, sent the 6-foot-1 Tanguay to Montreal and the 5-foot-9 Mike Cammalleri was brought in.
Although there is a four inch difference between the two, Cammalleri plays with as much size. Since then, the team has added a certain type of player. Big Albertans who have played college hockey in the US.
The Flames added:
Kyle Greentree 6'3" 215—Played at the University Of Alaska-Fairbanks
Curtis Glencross 6'1" 200 lbs—Played at the University of Alaska-Anchorage
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Rene Bourque 6'2" 215 lbs—Played at University Of Wisconsin
That combined with the college players they already have, you can see a theme to what the Flames are doing. Mike Cammalleri player for the University of Michigan alongside current Flames David Moss and Eric Nystrom.
The Flames definitely added size to this year's team, and these big players have been able to score goals at some point. None have a lot of NHL experience.
Curtis Glencross had had the most success in the NHL, having scored 15 goals in 62 games last year split between Columbus and Edmonton.
These players aren't going to push the Flames over the edge, but they will definitely be character players that will solidify the third or fourth lines and bring some toughness and experience to the farm team in Quad Cities.
What do NCAA players have over others?
There isn't anything I can notice. It may just be a coincidence, but for some players, the NCAA is exactly what they need to get them to the level they need to be at to make it to the NHL. Just ask Martin St. Louis.
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about 1 month ago
just a comment Kyle Greentree is from Victoria B.C. but from the west
about 1 month ago
Yeah I changed the headline after, but I forgot to change the article after I found out he wasn't. I think he does have some connection to Alberta, but I can't prove it. Thanks though!
about 1 month ago
very nice article, scott
about 1 month ago
Put a little more into ur comments Alan.
As for the article, it is definitely a topic that has been discussed. While the OHL, QMJHL, and WHL have been premiere hockey factories, the NCAA is really catching up. Also, as alot of former hockey players are having kids in the NHL and other facets of hockey, they realize that hockey isn't something they can rely on forever and have to have a plan for the rest of their lives. With a college education, players have a much better shot at becoming more than just a former hockey player after their careers are over.
about 1 month ago
Glencross and Bourque will help the Flames, darn it! I saw Rene going to y'all and wept for my poor fellow Badger, 'cause he's being sent to the most evil team in the league (Bertuzzi, Keenan, Vandermeer and I have to assume his brother is as bad...) and I can't root for him anymore. But he's a tough guy who played with skill at the college level; I think given time he will develop at the pro level, too.
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