Flames captain Giordano anxious to see NHL club’s off-season additions in action

[MissTeeks]

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/...347/story.html

At his family’s off-season home in the Toronto area, Mark Giordano found himself on the phone.

A lot.

To Calgary Flames new general manger Brad Treliving.

To the handful of free agents added to the roster including Jonas Hiller, Brandon Bollig, Mason Raymond, Devin Setoguchi, and Deryk Engelland.

“I’ve pretty much reached out to all of the guys that have been signed by our team or added through free agency,” the Flames second-year captain was saying on Tuesday following a chilly day at the Calgary Italian Open golf course held at the Hamptons Golf Course. “I’m really excited. Guys like Mason Raymond, Devin Setoguchi . . . I think they’re all guys that want to prove themselves and are going to push for spots and help our team, for sure.

“But don’t count out our young guys. I think we have a lot of young guys that are pushing for jobs as well, more than people give them credit for. That really helps us veterans and keeps us hungry . . . it’s a good mix.”

“No. 1 is we keep the same style of play we did last year,” he said. “And, I think with the additions we made, we’re going to be better than last year.”

Since Treliving was hired at the end of April, Giordano has yet to meet the new general manager but has had several conversations regarding team news.

“I really appreciate how he keeps me in the mix,” he said. “We know what’s going on all of the time. I just got into Calgary (Tuesday) night and I’m sure we’ll meet face to face.

“He seems like a great guy . . . I’ve heard nothing but good things from other players, especially in Phoenix. I’m looking forward to it, for sure.”

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about how dynamic and great he’s been in junior,” Giordano said. “I think he’s going to be a lot like Monny (Sean Monahan, the Flames sixth overall pick from 2013), a good piece for our organization for a long time to come. I just wanted to make him feel as comfortable as possible. As a young guy, it can be intimidating . . . but the young guys on our team are the ones coming up and are going to help us push for that playoff spot in years to come.

Antsy, however, to get this thing started.

“You start to get the nerves and those butterflies a few weeks before camp,” Giordano said. “But it’s time to get going. I was talking to my wife about it the other day, getting out of Toronto and back into the routine of things. I’m, for sure, excited.”

[Drury18]

The Flames definitely made the right choice naming him the Captain. He has become an unbelievable Captain.

[DionTheDman]

[djsFlames]

Is he talking about Gaudreau or Bennett in that second last quote?

[Textcritic]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

Is he talking about Gaudreau or Bennett in that second last quote?

Bennett.

Originally Posted by Calgary Herald

[Giordano] personally, wanted to welcome Bennett into the Flames family when the team selected the Kingston Frontenacs centreman and fellow Ontario native.

So, when Peter Hanlon, the Flames’ vice-president of communications, connected with Giordano on the night of the draft and informed him who they were planning on selecting, he was quick to suggest a quick phone conversation.

[ForeverFlameFan]

I don't think the Flames could have asked for a better captain.

[dammage79]

The torch has been passed on to the appropriate idividual for sure. Seems ready willing and able to become the ambassador of the Flames not only to the outside world but also to the players. Really like this whole thing Gio has going on right now.

[renny]

Gio had some really big boots to fill, and he's doing a brilliant job. I'm glad to have him as our captain.

[bubbsy]

ahhh, finally flames/hockey news starts to slowly creep back!

so happy. Giordano's awesome, his character and road to being a bonafide top pairing dman in the league (ie. being undrafted, going to the khl for a year of development) is amazing for our young guys to look upto as they enter the league.

[FBI]

Flame news! Not much earth shattering there but nice to have some flames news to read

[Badgers Nose]

I'll take anything at this point.

[bluloc]

Gio filling in great as the captian. I remember watching Flames vs Toronto years ago and him scoring 2 big unbelieveble goals after that I always had a feeling he'd play a huge role with the flames. Nice work.

[GreenLantern]

I have a friend who played with Giordano at the Spengler Cup. I never posted this before because it would be called an Orange Julius rumour but at this point I think we can all believe it. He talked a lot about how much he missed Calgary (at the time he was in the KHL) and how he couldn't wait to get back (signed that summer). My friend said he was the type of guy you want to be around 24/7. Selfless, hard working and above all genuine. I think genuine is a character trait that is incredibly under rated and often over looked.

[MissTeeks]

Sadly, I can't seem to find any other articles for today. I'll keep looking!

[polak]

I hope Gio gives us a reason to retire his number cause so far he has impressed like no tomorrow. Honestly, he might not be as good of a defenceman as Iggy was a forward but he's still one of the best in the league. If he can win a Norris or two (I think a full season of his play last year would have put him in the conversation) and win us a cup (still young enough to win in this cycle) I think we do it.

Gio is awesome. Helps us not miss Iginla at all