[MissTeeks]

Morning Skate Report: Flames vs. Oilers

http://flames.nhl.com/club/news.htm?...id=DL|CGY|home

Hamilton, acquired in a draft day trade from the Boston Bruins, is hoping that his first skate in a Calgary Flames jersey -- at Scotiabank Saddledome, no less -- is one that will have the 22-year-old starting with a solid first step.

“It’s my first game in a long time,” said Hamilton, who established new career highs in goals (10), assists (32) and points (42) in 72 games with the Bruins in 2014-15. “It’s going to be exciting. To put the jersey on for the first time and play at the ‘Dome and everything it’s going to feel like a real game. For me I’m treating it like that and I’m just trying to get ready and take steps to get ready for the season and hopefully this is a good first step.”

Like Hamilton, Frolik is looking to leave a good first impression on his new franchise.
“It’s going to be exciting,” said Frolik, who is joining the Flames following back-to-back 42-point campaigns with the Winnipeg Jets. “We are home here the first game and hopefully we get some body going, some forecheck and some speed. Obviously the timing is going to be a little off. We’ll just keep it simple and hopefully I have some chemistry with Benny and Raymond and hopefully we have a good game.”

Coach Bob Hartley is trying to bring both along as quickly as possible.
“Frolik, Hamilton, and all the new guys are learning about the Calgary Flames,” he said. “Every team does business in a different way. Hockey is easy, but there’s twists and turns in every system. Right now, we are trying to speed up the way they understand our system. That might dictate how many exhibition games they play.”

That suits Frolik just fine.

“There’s definitely some new stuff here and some new rules in practice,” said the winger. “I think when I get used to it it’s going to be better. The system is a little bit different than when I was in Winnipeg but nothing new – I think I played this kind of system before. I just have to get the old habits back and there is a couple of new things. Hopefully I pick it up quick.”

FIRSTS FOR NAKLADAL

Hamilton and Frolik aren’t the only skaters making their Flames debuts in Calgary.

Monday’s exhibition bought against the Oilers serves as not only his first game in red, black, yellow and white, it also marks the Czech’s first ever game in North America.

“It’s a good felling for me because this is what I need to get an opportunity and a chance,” said the 27-year-old, signed to a one-year, two-way contract with the Flames in the offseason after spending five seasons in the Czech league, another three in the KHL, and a single with TPS Turku of the Finnish league. “I think it’s great for me tonight. It’ll be a special night; it’s my first game. Of course it’s a pre-season game, but I will have a jersey with the Flames logo, so it’s crazy.

“I need to play to my best, of course. I feel great and I enjoy every day here, every practice. The city is beautiful, the organization is great. It’s a really good experience for me and I hope that I do a good job.”
There in lies the challenge with him.

“We want to see their compete level. Classic example, last year it was Josh Jooris. There’s no secrets. Some of those kids are slotted for tonight’s game and then they go back, unless they decide that they don’t want to leave and we have no problem with that. We’ve proved in the past that if you can help this hockey club, management will find a way.”
-Bob Hartley