Prospective Flames Mikael Backlund and Alexander Deilert make time for a game of keep-away after an on-ice training session at the 2008 Prospect Development Camp. 

The Calgary Flames' 2009 training began just a few weeks ago with the Prospect Development Camp at the Pengrowth Saddledome. The six-day training-and-assessment camp hosted Flamelings new and old, all eager to prove their worth and earn the best possible placing within the various leagues.

Most will return to their North American junior teams or home to European leagues, or head off to take a roster spot on Calgary’s AHL affiliate, the Quad City Flames. A select few have a chance to crack into an NHL roster spot at some point in the season as a two-way floater, or hope against hope, earn a full time position with the big club. M MacDonald Hall attended the last three days of camp (24, 25, 26 July 2008) and reports the sights and sounds of the season’s first assessment in a short multi-part series.

Part One focuses in on Mikael Backlund, Daniel Ryder, and a sample of the atmosphere created by a fresh sheet of ice, literally and figuratively.

The days were hot but the Pengrowth Saddledome was typically, wonderfully cool. A light sweater and a cup of coffee was the antidote to the unwavering chill that rose from the ice surface, erasing any memory of the heat wave outdoors. The building itself felt like a shell, empty and quiet save for the sounds on the ice.

Thirty hopeful hockey prospects made up the week’s roster: four netminders, eight defensemen, and eighteen forward skaters. Separated into Groups “A” and “B” and wearing red and white sweaters, the players’ energetic nature brought the hollow ‘Dome to life as each sought to make the impression of a lifetime.

Present at various times were Calgary’s top staff, though most of the on-ice work was carried out by the trainers and assistant coaching team. GM Darryl Sutter spent most of his time in the office, but would appear periodically to appraise the different groups and drills. Son Brett was already at camp as a prospect on the ice, and the rest of the Sutter clan spent part of Friday watching the training of Calgary’s youth pool.

Head Coach Mike Keenan and Associate Coach Jim Playfair spent most of their rink time observing closely from the bench as the rest of the cast worked tirelessly on the ice. Development Coach Wayne Fleming was a near-constant on-ice evaluator, observing each group, particularly as Rich Hesketh took them through skating and coordination drills. Assistant Coaches Rich Preston and Rob Cookson were joined by Quad City Assistant Coach Scott Allen in running the offensive/defensive drills and assessing readiness for AHL/NHL play.

Goalie coach David Marcoux and newly assigned Director of Goaltender Development Jamie McLennan were also in regular attendance, putting prospective backstops Matt Keetley, Kevin Lalande, Leland Irving and James Spratt

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