Calgary Flames: Are You Big and Played At a US College? You're Hired!

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

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.