The Flames prospects lost 3-0 in their opening game of the 2022 Young Stars Classic. While the lack of offence was certainly an issue, there was certainly some encouraging talent on display. A few notes.

The Flames were the better team out of the gate. Canucks goalie Arturs Silovs deserves a large amount of credit for the win. His best save came in the second period when Jakob Pelletier stripped the puck off of Arshdeep Bains for a chance on alone on Silovs. The 21 year old Latvian stoned him. Another great save was a shorthanded opportunity late in the first. Walker Duehr got a shot on net and Zary, who showed excellent acceleration shaking his checker, almost put it away.

Silovs is certainly one to watch. Looks like Canucks fans have another strong goalie prospect to look forward to.

Rory Kerins looked good in the dot although not the dominant player so far that his trajectory would make one expect.

Matias Emilio Pettersen looks healthy again. His motor is back. He was a presence with the puck.

Ilya Nikolaev has excellent poise, great passing. Skated well to open ice with his first three strides.

Solovyov has an excellent mix of skating and hand eye.

Adam Klapka looked very agile and coordinated for his 6’8” 235lb frame. He did some excellent work with the puck on the later half of the first period. The Canucks were hemmed in their own zone and the 22 year old showed off his puck control behind the net.

Wolf didn’t look like he was breaking a sweat for most of the game. He let in a rebound shot and a backhand shot in the third, but otherwise looked bored. The third goal against was an empty netter.

Pelletier was a force. His forechecking would be an asset to the Flames this season. He caused several turnovers. The 5’9” 160lb 21 year old plays much bigger than his size. Hopefully Darryl gives him a chance or two this year to stick with the team. He kept the Canucks powerplay units on their heels all night and generated two great chances while down a man.

Next game is tonight against the Oilers prospects. Morning skate lines aren’t available yet, but you can use this as a point of reference. Expect a few changes. Chechelev likely to start in net.


Flames Lines
Jakob Pelletier – Cole Schwindt – Walker Duehr
Emilio Pettersen – Connor Zary – Adam Klapka
Jack Beck – Rory Kerins – Lucas Ciona
Cole Huckins/Evan Boucher – Ilya Nikolaev – Lucas Feuk/Cooper Walker

Ilya Solovyov – Jeremie Poirier
Cole Jordan – Yan Kuznetsov
Simon Lavigne – Christoffer Sedoff
Jake Lee – Rhett Rhinehart
Cameron Whynot

Dustin Wolf
Daniil Chechelev
Brad Arvanitis


Game time is 8:30 p.m. MT. Catch it at https://www.nhl.com/flames or on the Flames app.


Trevor Neufeld


@Trevor_Neufeld

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