PENTICTON, BC – Game one of the 2015 Young Stars Classic revealed high energy and plenty of guys trying to show they have what it takes to get to the NHL. This game featured prospects from the Winnipeg Jets and the Calgary Flames. The young Flames defeated the Jets 3-1 in this showdown.
Jon Gillies – Photo by Jack Lima
The Flames dominated the first period, outshooting the Jets 13-5. Flames goaltender Jon Gillies didn’t see much action early on, but turned away all but one shot against him (23 saves). He looked relaxed and didn’t let much get under his skin.
Hunter Smith – Photo by Jack Lima
“Honestly we got off to a great start as a team. It was a little slow from my stand point in the first when I didn’t see a lot of shots. It was a phenomenal effort tonight. They got a 5 on 3 and didn’t make a shot. That’s how committed our team was tonight. It was fun playing behind them,” said Gillies following the game.
Flames goalie Jon Gilles looks for the puck as (61) Brett Kulak and (50) Patrick Sieloff check Jets Nikolaj Ehlers – Photo by Jack Lima
Forward Bryce Van Brabant scored the first goal of the night for the Flames just under six minutes into the match. His shot from Tyson Baillie found the post and ricochet into the net past Connor Hellebuyck in the net for Winnipeg. Van Brabant played in Adirondack last season.
“It felt great out there,” Van Brabant said. “No matter how hard you skate in the summer, it’s different when you get on the ice.”
Bryce Van Brabant (L) battles in the corner with Jansen Harkins – Photo by Jack Lima
The intense action continued, then at 9:51, Ryan Lomberg threw the puck at the net. After the game he reflected on the play.
“I just got the puck down low. [Andrew] Mangiapane made a nice play, as he dished it off to me and cut back,” Lomberg said. “Luckily it found a hole.”
Andrew Mangiapane controls the puck with Brett Kulak – Photo by Jack Lima
Good solid playing continued, until the final seconds of the period, when Brendan Lemieux found a way to get the puck past Gillies from opposite the stick side. Ryan Olsen and Jimmy Lodge were credited with the assists on the play.
Austin Carroll – Photo by Jack Lima
During the second period the intensity lowered somewhat. About five minutes into the period, Lomberg took off with the puck down the slot, getting chased closely by Jets Chase De Leo. Lomberg earned a penalty shot on the play, however wasn’t able to capitalize against Hellebuyck. About the halfway point Eric Comrie assumed the position in the net for the Jets. The score remained 2-1 going into the third.
Nic Petan skates up ice -Photo by Jack Lima
With Ryan Culkin and Brett Kulak in the penalty box early in the period, the Jets had a 5 on 3 chance for about a minute. The Flames were able to defend off the Jets, and limit them to zero chances on the net. As the game drew to a close, the Jets pulled the goalie and Morgan Klimchuk tipped in an empty net goal with only four seconds remaining in the game, sealing the deal, 3-1 for the game final.
Sam Bennett skates in on goal -Photo by Jack Lima
Van Brabant said following the game, “Gillies played really well for us. There are times he didn’t get much action during the first period. But in the second he had some really good saves. I think he got under rated how good he played for us today.”
Ryan Lomberg skates in on goal as Chase De Leo draws a penalty which resulted in a penalty shot -Photo by Jack Lima
Gillies spent the last four years in NCAA at Providence, helping them to earn the championship last season. He said there were differences at this level backstopping for professionals.
“It’s a little different. There’s a lot of skill here. But it’s all relative; the skill on the other team matches the skill on our team too. It’s a lot of fun to play behind them,” Gillies said.
After the game, Ryan Huska, coach for the Stockton Heat spoke of the experience.
“I thought it was real good for a start. For not having any practice time together, I thought the guys in the first period were real good and third period was good, the second was a little off.” He went on, “I thought we responded well. And a lot of players responded well for their first game.”
Huska was pleased with Gillies appearance and may likely get to continue coaching him at the Heat this year.
“[Jon Gillies] He’s Big. Like that’s the one thing I noticed, the saves. He gets across quickly and it’s hard to beat him because of his size. It was a good first impression. Hopefully it’s a sign of things to come. He controls the situation, and doesn’t let the situation control him He’s going to be a hard guy to play against.”
Eric Comrie – Photo by Jack Lima
Huska was overall proud of the team effort and added that all the guys should be pleased with their performance tonight. He specifically pointed out how Rasmus Andersson was able to step up when Oliver Kylington went out of the game following the first period. (Kylington is on day-to-day due to an injury)
“[Anderson] is composed with the puck. He’s got that ability to open his hips and shuffle away from people. Even though guys would take runs at him from time to time, he rarely got hit. He can be elusive with his upper body and doesn’t take the hits.” Huska continued that since seeing him in training camp earlier in the summer, “He’s going in the right direction.”
Gillies took the win in the game, stopping all but one of 24 shots on net. Hellebuyck took the loss, in just over 31 minutes of play, stopping 17 shots, while Comrie played the remaining minutes with 16 saves.
The Young Stars Classic continues through the weekend. The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks also took the ice later in the day. Check out that game review here on PHN too.
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