[MissTeeks]

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=733361

On Tuesday, the Calgary Flames announced defenceman Kris Russell would be joining the team's leadership group as an alternate captain.
"Rusty has been such a positive acquisition for us, both on and off the ice," head coach Bob Hartley explained. "Stand-up guy. Doesn't make much noise but when it's time to speak up, he's there. He's a special person.
"His consistency is great. I never have to worry about him."

"It's a huge honour," he said after practice. "I try to lead by example. If there are things that I think need to be said, I say them.
"We've got a lot of different kind of leaders in the room, a lot of vocal guys. I'm more of the quiet kind of leader."

His heart and determination have been key factors in his success.
"He's a tough little bugger," Hartley smiled. "You don't measure Kris Russell by inches."

Hiller will get the start on Wednesday in the Flames home opener against the Vancouver Canucks (8:00 PM MT, Sportsnet) and Ramo getting the nod in Edmonton on Thursday (7:30 PM, Sportsnet 360).
"Those two guys have been like brothers since day one. They're going to be competing for the net. I don't think we'll declare a number one," Hartley mused. "I really believe that we have two guys that can be number one's and who will provide us with number one goaltending.
"82 games is very long and we'll need both guys to be fresh. They'll give us good hockey."

The Flames announced their opening day roster on Tuesday and Johnny Gaudreau has made the cut.
"I'm just taking it all in right now," he said. "It's definitely a little overwhelming but I'm really excited. I'm glad to be here another day and glad to play in [tomorrow's game]."
Gaudreau's parents won't be in attendance at the home opener but Mr. and Mrs. Gaudreau could be making a trip out west later this month.
"They have work and stuff so they can't come out," he said. "Hopefully after the road trip, hopefully they can come out and see me here."

Joe Colborne, one of Gaudreau's linemates from practice, has been wowed by the diminutive forward throughout camp and is looking forward to seeing him in action this year.
"I keep saying. It's the same as Patrick Kane. Trust me, we all think the best way to get Patrick Kane is be physical on him. But you somehow have to find a way to get him. That's what nobody has figured out how to do yet.
"I see a lot of similarities in that way, when he has the puck. The way he moves and the way has that aura about him, it's hard to close the gap on him and it scares off a lot of defencemen and gives him that extra split second to make a pass and get out of the way as a guy comes to hit him."