Flames Close Preseason With Shootout Loss to Jets
CALGARY – Calgary’s preseason finale had energy, offense, and a dramatic finish, but the Flames came up short in a 5–4 shootout against the Winnipeg Jets at the Saddledome on Friday night. The game capped off exhibition play and offered a final look at veterans and prospects before the regular season begins next week.
Nazem Kadri led the Flames with two goals, showing sharp form in his final tune-up. His first came midway through the opening frame when Adam Klapka worked the puck below the goal line and slipped a backhand pass to Kadri, who buried it from in close. Joel Farabee added the secondary assist.
Calgary doubled the lead minutes later as rookie forward Matvei Gridin continued his standout preseason. The 19-year-old forward collected a feed from Kevin Bahl and converted on the backhand to make it 2–0, adding to an already impressive exhibition showing.
Winnipeg responded late in the period, but the Flames answered right back. Defenceman Joel Hanley stepped into a point shot and sniped it high blocker side at 17:13, restoring the two-goal advantage with assists to MacKenzie Weegar and Morgan Frost. The Flames led 3–1 after 20 minutes, with the Saddledome crowd energized by a heavy Klapka hit on Neal Pionk that drew a roar through the building.
Kadri struck again early in the second period, finishing a return feed from Bahl for his second of the night, while Klapka picked up his second assist. That stretched Calgary’s lead to 4–1, but Winnipeg — dressing regulars Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, and former Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck — rallied with two goals to trim the gap to 4–2 after 40 minutes.
The Jets completed their comeback in the third, tying the game 4–4 to force extra time. Overtime solved nothing, and the contest went to a lengthy shootout. Calgary converted twice, but Winnipeg edged ahead with three goals to secure the win.
Despite the loss, the Flames closed the preseason with encouraging signs: Kadri producing offensively and leading by example, Gridin showing flashes of high-end skill, Klapka bringing both physicality and playmaking, and Dustin Wolf once again drawing loud support from the home crowd with timely saves.
Calgary now turns its attention to the regular season, which begins next week
Wranglers Adjust Camp Roster as Season Nears
CALGARY -- A busy Friday of transactions reshaped the Calgary Wranglers’ camp list, with multiple assignments to ECHL affiliate Rapid City and several try-outs released one week before the AHL season opener.
Five players on AHL/ECHL contracts have been assigned to the Rapid City Rush: forwards Blake Bennett, Brett Davis, Briley Wood, and Ryan Chyzowski, along with defenceman Chase Pauls. Bennett is coming off a 52-point season with Rapid City.
Seven players who attended camp on tryouts have been released and will report to Rapid City: forwards Parker Bowman, Rasmus Ekstrom, and Chaz Smedsrud; defencemen Alexander Stensson, Arvils Bergmanis, and Billy Constantinou; and goaltender Noah Giesbrecht.
Goaltender Connor Murphy has also been assigned to Rapid City. In 2024–25 he recorded a .914 save percentage with the Rush (ECHL) and appeared in four AHL games for Calgary, posting an .881 save percentage.
With today’s moves, the Wranglers’ camp roster stands at 28 players: three goaltenders, nine defencemen, and 16 forwards. The club opens its AHL season October 10.
Wranglers Mix Youth, Veterans, and Try-Outs in 28-Man Camp Roster
Calgary development squad prepares for 2025–26 AHL season after intrasquad scrimmage at WinSport.
CALGARY -- Training camp at WinSport has brought together prospects, veterans, and hopefuls as the Calgary Wranglers prepare for the 2025–26 AHL season. The group has been on the ice since Monday, highlighted by an intrasquad scrimmage Wednesday that gave fans their first glimpse of the roster.
The Wranglers’ camp list features three goaltenders, nine defencemen, and 16 forwards, blending returning regulars with offseason additions and players on professional try-outs. Seven skaters arrived from ECHL affiliate Rapid City, while veteran defenceman Turner Ottenbreit joined on an AHL PTO.
Among the offseason signings, forward Quinn Olson stands out as a Calgary native returning home after splitting last season between Greenville in the ECHL and Ontario in the AHL. Forward Brett Davis, from Oakbank, Man., re-joins the Wranglers after time with Rapid City and Calgary. Defenceman Xavier Bernard of Mercier, Que., and forwards Briley Wood of Rivers, Man., and Blake Bennett of Grand Island, N.Y., add further depth to the lineup.
Goaltender Arsenii Sergeev enters camp as the organization’s top AHL netminder, joined by Connor Murphy and try-out Noah Giesbrecht. With Dustin Wolf now cemented on the Flames roster, Sergeev’s progression will be closely monitored as a key piece of Calgary’s long-term goaltending outlook.
Several prospects are in line to make an impact, including Lucas Ciona, David Silye, and defenceman Jeremie Poirier, all of whom could see NHL call-up opportunities during the season. Veterans Alex Gallant and Martin Frk return to provide leadership and scoring depth, while Olson offers fans a local storyline to follow.
The Wranglers now look ahead to the 2025–26 AHL regular season, which begins October 10. Full coverage continues at ProvectusMedia.ca.
Blue Jays Clinch AL East Crown as Flames Continue Preseason
CALGARY -- Twenty more wins than a year ago has lifted the Toronto Blue Jays to the American League East crown. The turnaround season ended with Toronto securing its place in the American League Division Series, where the Jays will face either the Yankees or Red Sox once the Wild Card is settled.
While Toronto fans celebrated baseball success, Calgary hockey fans were focused on NHL preseason action. The Flames opened their slate with split-squad games against Edmonton, earning a 3–2 overtime win on the road behind two goals from Morgan Frost, while dropping the home half 3–0. Back at the Dome, they beat Seattle 4–1, then fell 3–1 in Abbotsford against Vancouver. Most recently, in Winnipeg, the Flames came up short 4–2, with goals coming from 2024 first-round draft picks Zayne Parekh, 9th overall, and Matvei Gridin, 28th overall.
Frost has been Calgary’s most consistent forward, leading the team with five points through four appearances. His overtime winner in Edmonton stood out, but his steady production throughout camp has been just as important.
The Flames’ preseason record may not turn heads, but the combination of veteran contributors and first-rounders hitting the scoresheet is giving head coach Ryan Huska a clearer picture as roster cuts continue. For Huska, the emphasis remains less on results and more on which players will be ready when the games count.
Calgary closes out the preseason this week against Seattle, Vancouver, and Winnipeg before opening the regular season October 8 in Edmonton against the Oilers, last year’s Western Conference champions.
Canadian sports fans now find themselves in one of the best stretches of the calendar: the Blue Jays preparing for October baseball and the Flames moving closer to opening night.
Kerins, Coronato Lead Calgary Past Seattle in Preseason Win
CALGARY — The Calgary Flames leaned on a mix of youthful energy and veteran stability Tuesday night, skating to a 4–1 preseason win over the Seattle Kraken at Scotiabank Saddledome.
Yegor Sharangovich opened the scoring midway through the first period, deflecting a Hunter Brzustewicz shot to give Calgary an early edge. Seattle answered before the intermission, knotting the game 1–1.
Early in the second, Rory Kerins restored the Flames’ lead. After Connor Zary carried the puck into the zone, a broken play left the puck bouncing loose in front. Kerins pounced and snapped a shot past the Kraken goaltender from close range to make it 2–1 Calgary. The 23-year-old prospect, who scored 33 goals last year for the AHL Wranglers, added an assist later in the night to cap a strong outing.
On fresh ice to start the third, Matt Coronato struck quickly. Stationed below the left circle, he one-timed a slick low cross-slot feed from Morgan Frost, beating the Seattle goalie clean to push the Flames ahead 3–1. Jonathan Huberdeau also picked up an assist on the play.
Sam Morton sealed it with an empty-netter at 17:26, created by a sharp defensive play from Sam Honzek, who broke up a Seattle rush and turned the puck the other way before sliding it ahead for Morton’s finish.
Brzustewicz finished with two assists and two shots on goal, continuing to impress with his poise from the back end. Sharangovich, Huberdeau, and Frost each chipped in helpers to round out a balanced offensive showing.
Between the pipes, Dustin Wolf stopped 12 of 13 shots before giving way to Owen Say, who turned aside all seven attempts he faced to close out the win.
The victory offered a glimpse of Calgary’s depth in action — with veterans setting the tone and young players like Kerins, Brzustewicz, and Honzek making strong cases to stick around as roster battles intensify heading toward opening night.
Flames Shut Out 3–0 by Oilers in Preseason Split-Squad
CALGARY — Edmonton struck early and never trailed, turning blocked shots and opportunistic finishing into a 3–0 win over Calgary in a split-squad Battle of Alberta preseason game at the Saddledome on Sunday night.
The Oilers opened the scoring at 2:38 of the first period when Kasperi Kapanen slipped behind coverage and beat Flames goalie Devin Cooley on a breakaway. Calgary answered with offensive-zone time and flashes from its younger players, but Edmonton’s structure kept pucks to the perimeter.
Zayne Parekh was one of Calgary’s most noticeable skaters. The rookie defenseman showed poise with the puck, holding the blue line under pressure, threading cross-ice passes, and jumping into the rush to create chances. His confidence carried through all three periods, giving the Flames one of their most consistent sparks.
In the third period, Edmonton capitalized on Calgary mistakes. At 8:18, a defensive-zone giveaway landed on Connor Clattenburg’s stick, and the forward went upstairs glove side to make it 2–0. Just under four minutes later, Riley Stillman’s point shot also found the top corner, pushing the lead to 3–0 at 11:47.
Calgary had chances but ran into Edmonton’s shot-blocking wall. The Oilers closed lanes all night and finished with a 23–9 edge in blocks, a key factor in protecting the lead. Shots ended 29–20 for Edmonton. Cooley made several timely stops early in the third to keep the game close, while Matthew Coronato featured prominently on the top power-play unit alongside Kadri and Aydar Suniev, generating some of Calgary’s best looks.
Connor Clattenburg was named the game’s first star after his third-period goal. Coronato earned the second star for Calgary.
With most of Edmonton’s top players skating in the other half of the split-squad matchup at Rogers Place, this was a younger Oilers lineup in Calgary. Even so, they left with a shutout win, while the Flames saw valuable minutes from their prospects as preseason evaluations continue.
Bieber Steady but Blue Jays Bats Quiet in 2–1 Loss to Royals
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One inning was all it took. In the fourth, Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino went back-to-back to give Kansas City just enough offense to edge the Blue Jays 2–1 on Saturday.
Shane Bieber kept Toronto in the game, working six innings and allowing only those two solo shots while striking out four. Royals starter Noah Cameron matched him pitch for pitch, scattering five hits across seven innings before Carlos Estévez locked down his 41st save.
The Blue Jays pushed back in the seventh, when Daulton Varsho knocked in a run, but they couldn’t find the equalizer. Both teams finished with four hits and six runners left on base, underscoring how thin the margin was.
Toronto slipped to 89–66 but remains in the driver’s seat in the AL East. With a week and a half left in September, every chance to cash in runners looms larger, and Saturday served as a reminder of how quickly games can hinge on one swing — or in this case, two in a row.
Blue Jays Top Rays in Extras, Strengthen Grip on AL East
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The Toronto Blue Jays slipped past the Tampa Bay Rays 2–1 in 10 innings Monday night, tightening their hold on the American League East with less than two weeks left in the regular season.
Tampa Bay opened the scoring with a run in the second inning, and the lead held until Toronto finally broke through in the eighth. The Jays pulled even, then pushed across the deciding run in the 10th before closing it out in the bottom half.
The victory moves Toronto to 88–62 (.587), widening the gap atop the division to five games over the Yankees and six over the Red Sox. The Jays have taken seven of their last 10 while their closest rivals have faltered down the stretch.
Toronto continues to pair one of the league’s best home records with timely performances on the road. Wins like this reinforce their case as a club ready to lock down its first AL East crown since 2015.
Flames Prospects Hold Off Oilers 5–4 to Sweep NextGen Showcase
CALGARY — The Calgary Flames prospects capped the NextGen Showcase with a 5–4 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday at the Scotiabank Saddledome, sweeping the weekend home-and-home series between the provincial rivals.
Edmonton struck first just over two minutes in, when Tommy Lafrenière (#54) converted from the slot to give the visitors an early lead. Calgary answered late in the opening frame. Mael Lavigne (#85) tied the game at 1–1, finishing a play set up by Kadon McCann (#73) and Simon Mack (#88).
The first period also featured a heavy hit from defenseman Mace’o Phillips (#92) that energized the crowd, as well as a key stop from goaltender Arsenii Sergeev (#40) to keep the game even heading into intermission.
Second Period
Nathan Brisson (#82) put Calgary ahead midway through the period, converting on a rush created by Jacob Battaglia (#60), with Mack earning his second assist of the night. Matvei Gridin (#51) then extended the lead, hammering a one-timer home off feeds from Carter King (#95) and Sam Honzek (#29).
Lafrenière responded with his second of the game on an Edmonton power play, cutting the Flames’ lead to 3–2 after forty minutes.
Third Period
Calgary wasted little time adding insurance. At 2:51, Colton Alain (#71) snapped a shot from the high slot after a setup by David Silye (#83) and Aydar Suniev (#36) to make it 4–2.
Edmonton’s Josh Samanski replied minutes later, finishing off a setup from Quinn Hutson to make it 4–3, but the Flames restored their cushion on the power play. Hunter Laing (#53) finished off a passing play from Parker Bell (#87) and Suniev to push the lead to 5–3.
Von Richter’s point shot brought Edmonton back within one, but Sergeev shut the door in the dying seconds. With the Oilers pressing and their goalie pulled for an extra attacker, Calgary held firm through a frantic scramble in front to seal the win.
Top Performers
Nathan Brisson (CGY): Scored the go-ahead goal in the second and added an assist.
Simon Mack (CGY): Two assists, steady presence on the back end.
Aydar Suniev (CGY): Involved in multiple plays, including a key setup on the Laing power-play goal.
Hunter Laing (CGY): Power-play goal that ultimately stood up as the game-winner.
Tommy Lafrenière (EDM): Two goals to pace the Oilers’ attack and keep them within striking distance.
Arsenii Sergeev (CGY): Steady in net, closing the door during a wild final scramble.
Final Score: Flames 5, Oilers 4
What’s Next
The NHL preseason begins next weekend. On Saturday, September 20, the Dallas Stars host the St. Louis Blues (5 p.m. MT / 7 p.m. ET). The following day is a busy one across the league, with 14 games on the schedule, including split-squad matchups between the Flames and Oilers. Both games are set for Sunday, September 21, with puck drop at 6 p.m. MT / 8 p.m. ET.
Jays Walk Off Orioles 5–4, Pad AL East Lead
TORONTO — The Blue Jays rallied in the bottom of the ninth to walk off the Baltimore Orioles 5–4 on Saturday at Rogers Centre, stretching their division lead to 3.5 games over the Yankees and 5.0 over the Red Sox in the AL East.
Down 4–2 in their final at-bat, Toronto’s comeback began with Joey Loperfido, who punched an RBI single through the right side to cut the deficit to one. Andrés Giménez followed with a ground-ball single into left to score Ernie Clement, tying the game at 4–4 and keeping the inning alive.
George Springer then reached on catcher’s interference to load the bases. Alejandro Kirk sealed it with a sacrifice fly to center fielder Colton Cowser, deep enough for Loperfido to tag and score the winning run.
On the mound, Max Scherzer worked five innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs with five strikeouts. Tommy Nance followed with a clean sixth. Eric Lauer was charged with one run in 1.2 innings, and Seranthony Domínguez allowed two hits in a third of an inning. Matt Fisher earned the win despite surrendering a run in the ninth, finishing his line with one inning, one hit, one earned run, one walk, and one strikeout.
The victory lifted Toronto to 86–62, keeping them on top of the American League East. The Yankees (82–65) sit 3.5 games back, the Red Sox (81–67) trail by 5.0, while Tampa Bay and Baltimore are well out of contention.
For the Blue Jays, the win underscored a September theme: timely hitting, contributions from throughout the order, and Joey Loperfido crossing the plate with the game-winner in front of a buzzing Rogers Centre crowd.
Flames Prospects Edge Oilers 6–5 in NextGen Opener
EDMONTON — The Calgary Flames’ future talent wasted no time making an impression in the opening game of the NextGen home-and-home series, holding off a late surge to defeat the Edmonton Oilers prospects 6–5 on Friday night at Rogers Place.
Six different Flames found the back of the net, underscoring the organization’s depth and balance. Hunter Laing, Nathan Brisson, Sam Honzek, Aydar Suniev, Matvei Gridin, and Parker Bell each chipped in goals, with scoring spread across every part of the lineup.
Edmonton opened the scoring early, but Calgary quickly answered. Laing, the six-foot-six center drafted in the sixth round in 2024, went to the crease, took a feed from Brisson, and swatted the puck home to tie the game. Brisson, a forward from Deux-Montagnes, Quebec who developed with the Saint-Eustache program before moving on to Val-d’Or in the QMJHL, then redirected a pass from Jacob Battaglia midway through the second to put Calgary in front.
Moments later, Sam Honzek added to the lead on the power play. The Trenčín, Slovakia product, who made his NHL debut last season with five games for the Flames while also posting 21 points in 52 games for the Wranglers, was rewarded when a puck deflected in off his skate to make it 3–1.
Suniev extended the margin late in the period. Acquired in the Tyler Toffoli trade and now skating with UMass, he hammered a one-timer from the slot to give Calgary a 4–1 advantage heading into the intermission.
In the third period, first-round pick Matvei Gridin restored the cushion. After putting up 83 points with Muskegon in the USHL in 2023–24 and 79 more with Shawinigan in the QMJHL last season, the highly touted winger showed off his scoring touch, burying his own rebound from a sharp angle. Just twenty seconds later, Parker Bell, a winger from Estevan, Saskatchewan and a product of the Tri-City Americans, ripped a shot from the circle to stretch the lead to 6–2.
Edmonton rallied late with three goals in the final minutes to close the gap, but Calgary’s youngsters held firm for the win.
Several Flames prospects had standout nights on the scoresheet. Gridin and Brisson each collected a goal and two assists. Laing, Suniev, and Battaglia added multi-point efforts of their own, showing Calgary’s attack was anything but top-heavy. In goal, Owen Say of London, Ontario made timely stops, including a key glove save on the penalty kill in the opening frame that kept the game level.
For Calgary, the victory represented more than just an early win in September. It was a clear sign of the organization’s pipeline strength — size down the middle, skill on the wings, puck-moving ability on the back end, and steady goaltending.
The Flames and Oilers prospects meet again on Sunday, September 14 at 4:00 p.m. MT at the Scotiabank Saddledome, as the series shifts south for the second half of the NextGen showcase.
Sinner Stops Auger-Aliassime to Reach US Open Final
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner advanced to the US Open final with a four-set victory over Canada’s Félix Auger-Aliassime on Friday night at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sinner, 23, won 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 to secure his place in Sunday’s championship match. The Italian opened strongly, racing through the first set, before Auger-Aliassime responded in the second with powerful serving to level the contest. The Canadian struck nine aces and 36 total winners but was undone by 41 unforced errors.
Sinner’s steadiness proved decisive. He finished with 11 aces of his own, 33 winners, and just 22 unforced errors. He won 76 percent of points on his first serve and converted four of 11 break chances. Auger-Aliassime, who landed 65 percent of his first serves, created opportunities but converted only one of 10 break points.
The win sets up a championship showdown against world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who defeated Novak Djokovic 6-4, 7-6, 6-2 in the other semifinal.
Sinner enters the final as one of the sport’s most accomplished young stars, already a four-time Grand Slam champion with titles at the 2024 and 2025 Australian Opens, Wimbledon 2025, and the 2024 US Open. Across the net, Alcaraz, 22, brings an even larger haul with five majors to his name, highlighted by the 2022 US Open, back-to-back Wimbledons in 2023 and 2024, and consecutive French Open victories in 2024 and 2025.
Their meeting Sunday will mark the first US Open men’s final between the top two seeds since 2015 and adds another chapter to one of the sport’s defining rivalries.
The 2025 US Open men’s final is scheduled for Sunday evening at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
AHL’s Top 5 Goal Scorers From 2024–25: Kerins Breaks Through for Wranglers
CALGARY — The American Hockey League once again served as a proving ground for scoring talent in 2024–25. Five forwards stood out above the rest, combining consistency, durability, and finishing ability to separate themselves from the pack.
At No. 5 was Bradly Nadeau of St-François-de-Madawaska, New Brunswick. The 19-year-old rookie forward scored 32 goals in 64 games for the Chicago Wolves, immediately putting himself on the radar as one of the league’s most promising young players.
Fourth place went to Rory Kerins of Caledon, Ontario, who delivered a breakout year with 33 goals in 63 games for the Calgary Wranglers. Now entering his fifth year in the Flames organization, Kerins’ progress has Flames fans wondering if he can take the next step and earn a full-time spot with the NHL roster in 2025–26.
Two players tied for second with 36 goals. Alex Steeves, born in St. Paul, Minnesota and raised in Bedford, New Hampshire, scored 36 goals in 59 games for the Toronto Marlies, continuing to make his case as one of Toronto’s most reliable scoring options at the AHL level. Sharing second was John Leonard of Amherst, Massachusetts, who matched Steeves with 36 goals while appearing in all 72 games for the Charlotte Checkers.
The league’s top scorer was Matěj Blümel of Tábor, Czechia. Blümel found the net 39 times in 67 games for the Texas Stars, earning the Willie Marshall Award as the AHL’s leading goal scorer. Dallas will be watching closely to see how quickly his production can translate to the NHL.
From Nadeau’s rookie splash to Kerins’ Calgary breakthrough and Blümel’s award-winning season, the AHL’s top scorers in 2024–25 showed the depth of young talent pushing for NHL opportunities.
For Flames fans, Kerins’ emergence may prove one of the most intriguing storyline as the organization continues to build its roster for the 2025–26 season.
Flames Shut Out of Postseason Despite Strong 96-Point Campaign
CALGARY — The Flames came as close as a team can get without crossing the line. Ninety-six points usually secures a playoff berth, but in 2024–25 it did not.
Despite finishing ahead of Eastern playoff teams Montreal and New Jersey, the Flames missed the postseason after tying the St. Louis Blues for the final Wild Card spot in the West. The NHL’s first tie-breaker — regulation wins — tipped the balance. The Blues finished with 32, the Flames with 31. The narrowest of margins decided the playoff race.
The totals painted another layer of frustration. Calgary picked up 14 overtime or shootout losses compared to eight for the Blues. Those points padded the standings but carried no weight in the tie-breaker.
If there is disappointment, there is also optimism. The Wranglers’ pipeline continues to shape the Flames’ roster. Goaltender Dustin Wolf, after back-to-back award-winning seasons in the AHL, started 53 games for the Flames in 2024–25 and posted 29 wins, earning NHL All-Rookie Team honors while finishing just one victory shy of Mike Vernon’s franchise rookie record. Vernon, of course, later backstopped the Flames to their Stanley Cup championship in 1989, a reminder of how impactful a homegrown goaltender can become.
Connor Zary of Saskatoon has now appeared in 117 NHL games, recording 27 goals and 34 assists for 61 points with the Flames. Before cementing himself as a regular, he produced 58 points in 72 games with the Wranglers in 2022–23 and added 10 points in 6 games in 2023–24.
Martin Pospisil of Zvolen, Slovakia has logged 144 NHL games, contributing 12 goals and 37 assists for 49 points. Like Zary, he passed through the Wranglers on the way up, tallying 10 points in 20 games in 2022–23 and 6 points in 6 games in 2023–24.
Leadership is another storyline heading into 2025–26. Captain Mikael Backlund has already acknowledged that defenseman Rasmus Andersson may be on his way out, suggesting a trade could be inevitable. Andersson has been a fixture on the Flames’ blue line and a key part of the leadership group, but Backlund’s comments highlight the sense of transition surrounding the roster.
That connection between change and opportunity matters. As the Flames push to convert more overtime games into regulation victories, the solution may already be skating a few feet away in the Wranglers’ locker room at the Saddledome. And with only two years left before the team moves into its new home at Scotia Place, the theme of transition is unavoidable — in the roster taking shape, and in the very building where Flames hockey has lived for nearly four decades.
Canada vs USA Hockey: Olympic Orientation Camps Set Stage for Milan 2026 Gold Medal Showdown
CALGARY — The stage is set for one of the most anticipated Olympic hockey showdowns in decades.
With NHL players returning to the Games for the first time since 2014, both Canada and the United States are building rosters that could define a generation. Their orientation camps this month — USA in Plymouth, Michigan, and Canada in Calgary — revealed not just depth charts, but bold declarations about what’s at stake.
For Team USA, the message was crystal clear.
“The expectation is to go to Milan and win the gold medal,” Vegas Golden Knights star Jack Eichel said. “Anything short of that would be disappointing.”
Head coach Mike Sullivan doubled down. “We feel like the United States is at the pinnacle of the sport. We feel like we are every bit as good, if not better, than any country. These events give us the opportunity to prove it.”
The Americans haven’t touched Olympic gold since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice.” But hockey in the U.S. has grown massively in the decades since. Participation has tripled, and a roster led by Eichel, Auston Matthews, Adam Fox and Quinn Hughes is proof of a system that now churns out elite talent.
Meanwhile, north of the border, Canada flexed its own muscle. Hockey Canada’s orientation camp brought together a mix of legends and rising stars. Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby and Nathan MacKinnon headline the forwards, while 18-year-old phenoms Connor Bedard and Macklin Celebrini represent the future. On defense, Cale Makar, Drew Doughty and Josh Morrissey add world-class skill on the back end.
“The depth is unmatched,” one Hockey Canada official said. “We believe we’re building a team that can defend Canada’s tradition of success at the Olympics.”
That tradition is heavy with hardware. Canada has won three of the five Olympic tournaments featuring NHL players: Salt Lake City in 2002, Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014. The only misstep came in 2006 at Turin, where Canada stumbled to seventh place.
The contrast between the two programs is striking. Canada arrives with proven winners — players with multiple Cups and gold medals. The U.S. brings hunger and belief that its time has finally come. General manager Bill Guerin still bristles at February’s overtime loss to Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off.
“That was emotional. That was hard,” Guerin said. “We can’t just sit here and say, ‘Hey, great job, it was close.’ That’s not good enough. We have to figure out a way to get over the hump.”
For Vancouver captain Quinn Hughes, the goal is non-negotiable.
“USA Hockey has put so much work in with youth programs and development. I feel like they’re starting to see dividends,” Hughes said. “It’s kind of gold or nothing, personally.”
The Olympics in Milan are still months away, but the tone has already been set. Canada vs. USA isn’t just about bragging rights this time. It’s about legacies. One country will leave with validation. The other, with bitter disappointment.
Countdown to Flames & Wranglers Hockey: Wolf, Brzustewicz, and Calgary’s Next Chapter
Few players in the Flames system draw more attention right now than Dustin Wolf and Hunter Brzustewicz.
Wolf is coming off his first full NHL season, where he played 53 games, won 29, posted a .910 save percentage, and earned recognition as a Calder Trophy finalist. At 24, he has shifted from top prospect to a starter who gives the Flames a level of consistency in goal that had been missing in recent years.
Brzustewicz, meanwhile, is pushing from the AHL. After a 92-point season with the Kitchener Rangers in the Ontario Hockey League, he posted 32 points as a rookie with the Wranglers and made his NHL debut late in the year. His poise with the puck and ability to drive play from the blue line make him one of the most intriguing young players in the organization.
Their development provides an added layer of interest as the new season approaches. Calgary opens its preseason September 21 with a split-squad doubleheader against Edmonton, one game at the Saddledome and the other at Rogers Place. The regular season begins October 8 in Edmonton, followed immediately by a visit to Vancouver on October 9. That means the Flames will start their year with back-to-back road games before finally returning home October 11 to face St. Louis in front of the C of Red.
The Wranglers open their season October 10 with a two-game set in Colorado, continue with another pair in Tucson, and then return to Calgary for back-to-back games against Coachella Valley on October 24 and 25. That stretch represents six games across three cities in just over two weeks, a demanding way to open the year and a reminder of how quickly the AHL schedule tests a roster.
Wolf and Brzustewicz don’t define the future on their own, but they represent where the Flames and Wranglers are headed: a stronger connection between the NHL roster and the pipeline below it. One is already carrying NHL responsibility. The other is forcing his way into the conversation. Together, they are part of the bigger picture as hockey returns to Calgary this fall.
Wranglers Launch Season in Colorado, Host Firebirds October 24–25
CALGARY — Year four of the Calgary Wranglers begins this fall, marking the latest chapter since the club relocated to southern Alberta in 2022. In three seasons at Scotiabank Saddledome, the Wranglers have made the playoffs every year, including a Pacific Division title in their debut campaign, while building rivalries across one of the toughest divisions in the American Hockey League.
The new season opens October 10 with back-to-back road games against the Colorado Eagles, followed by a two-game trip to face the Tucson Roadrunners on October 18 and 19. The Wranglers’ home opener arrives October 24, when they welcome the Coachella Valley Firebirds for the first of two games that weekend.
The AHL is split into two conferences, the 17-team Western and 15-team Eastern, with four divisions beneath them. Calgary plays in the Pacific Division alongside the Abbotsford Canucks, Henderson Silver Knights, Colorado Eagles, Tucson Roadrunners, San Jose Barracuda, San Diego Gulls, Ontario Reign, Bakersfield Condors, and Coachella Valley Firebirds. Each year, 23 of the league’s 32 teams qualify for the Calder Cup Playoffs, with the top seven from the Pacific advancing.
The Wranglers’ leadership has evolved over three seasons. Brett Sutter wore the “C” in the club’s first two years before retiring, with Clark Bishop of St. John’s taking over as captain in 2024. Bishop returns this season alongside veteran forward Martin Frk, who joined last year and quickly became one of the team’s top scorers.
Last season’s points leaders included Rory Kerins with 61, Martin Frk with 60, Dryden Hunt and William Strömgren with 49 each, Sam Morton with 45, Jérémie Poirier with 42, and captain Clark Bishop with 38. These totals reflected a balanced offense, a mix of emerging talent and established contributors.
The Wranglers’ record book has already seen standout marks, highlighted by Matthew Phillips’ 36 goals, 40 assists, and 76 points in 2022–23, and Dustin Wolf’s 42 wins and .932 save percentage that same year. Jakob Pelletier’s 10-point playoff run in 2023 remains a postseason benchmark.
As the Wranglers head into their fourth season in Calgary, the foundation is set: three playoff berths in three years, a growing rivalry with Coachella Valley, and a roster that combines leadership with developing talent. The early-season road trip through Colorado and Tucson sets the stage for a much-anticipated home-opening weekend against the Firebirds.
Blackhawks sign Frank Nazar to seven-year, $46.13M contract after just 56 NHL games
CHICAGO — The Chicago Blackhawks are betting on potential rather than past production, signing forward Frank Nazar to a seven-year, $46.13 million contract despite the 21-year-old having appeared in only 56 NHL games.
Nazar, drafted 13th overall in 2022, has recorded 13 goals, 14 assists and 27 points since making his debut late in the 2023–24 season. The deal carries an average annual value of $6.59 million and places him alongside Connor Bedard and Kevin Korchinski as key pillars in Chicago’s ongoing rebuild.
The signing reflects a growing league-wide trend: teams committing long-term to young players before their breakout years, aiming to secure cost certainty ahead of projected increases to the NHL salary cap.
The case for the deal centers on upside. Nazar’s speed and offensive instincts have translated at every level, from the U.S. National Team Development Program to the University of Michigan and now the NHL. If his trajectory continues, Chicago could be locking in a core forward at a price that looks modest compared to future market values.
The risk is equally clear. With less than one full season of NHL experience, Nazar remains unproven over an 82-game schedule. A long-term cap hit of nearly $6.6 million could become restrictive if his development plateaus.
For the Blackhawks, however, the move signals confidence and intent. After several years of teardown, the franchise is positioning its rebuild around Bedard, Nazar and Korchinski, establishing a young foundation they hope will return Chicago to contention.
Whether the contract proves to be a shrewd investment or an overreach will depend on Nazar’s next steps. For now, the deal cements him as a central figure in the Blackhawks’ future.
USA Defeats Sweden 5–3 to Win Gold at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
TRENČÍN, Slovakia — The United States has ended a 22-year wait for gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. With a 5–3 victory over Sweden in Saturday’s final at Pavol Demitra Ice Stadium, the Americans secured their second title in tournament history and first since 2003, signaling a breakthrough moment for their U18 program on one of hockey’s most prestigious stages.
Special teams proved decisive. The U.S. struck three times on the power play, while Sweden managed just one. Sweden jumped out to a dream start when Elton Hermansson scored just 10 seconds into the game, but Levi Harper responded less than three minutes later to steady the Americans.
The opening period turned into a shootout. Noah Davidson and Jack Hextall found the back of the net for the U.S., while Theodore Knights answered for Sweden, leaving the Americans up 3–2 after twenty minutes. In the second, Nikita Klepov extended the lead with a power-play marker before Hermansson struck again to bring Sweden back within one.
Trailing 4–3, Sweden pressed hard in the final frame, generating sustained pressure, but U.S. goaltending and defensive structure held firm. With time winding down, Nick Bogas buried a power-play goal to seal a 5–3 victory and sent the American bench into celebration.
For the United States, it is their 15th medal all-time at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, but only their second gold — placing them alongside Canada as the only other active participant with multiple titles. For Sweden, the silver marks their fifth in tournament history and they now have medals in six of their last seven HGC appearances.
With Canada taking bronze earlier in Brno, the 2025 edition closed with three traditional powers on the podium. The tournament now looks ahead to 2026, when Rogers Place in Edmonton will host the next Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Canadian ice.
Canada Defeats Finland 3–0 to Claim Bronze at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
BRNO, Czechia — Team Canada is bringing home another medal. Powered by scoring from three different skaters and a shutout performance in goal, Canada blanked Finland 3–0 in Game 17 of the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup bronze medal match at Winning Group Arena. The result secures medals for Canada in seven straight HGC appearances.
Canada struck first just over five minutes into the opening period when Cooper Williams (Calgary, WHL/Saskatoon Blades) buried the opener at 5:27. Colin Fitzgerald (Peterborough, OHL/Peterborough Petes) and Daxon Rudolph (Lacombe, WHL/Prince Albert Raiders) collected the assists. Finland’s early penalties blunted their response and kept Canada ahead after 20 minutes.
The Canadians extended their advantage in the second period. Ethan Belchetz (Oakville, OHL/Windsor Spitfires) scored at 14:44, with helpers from Landon DuPont (Calgary, WHL/Everett Silvertips) and Keaton Verhoeff (Fort Saskatchewan, WHL/Victoria Royals). The goal came less than half a minute after Finland’s Wilmer Kallio was penalized for tripping, swinging momentum firmly toward Canada.
Down 2–0 late, Finland pulled the goalie with 2:30 remaining, but Canada iced the game. Daxon Rudolph (Lacombe, WHL/Prince Albert Raiders) scored into the empty net just 15 seconds later, assisted by Mathis Preston (Penticton, WHL/Spokane Chiefs), putting Canada up 3–0 and securing the bronze.
Canada’s Gavin Betts (Toronto, OHL/Kingston Frontenacs) was flawless, stopping all 22 shots he faced for the shutout. Finland’s William Gammals (Helsinki, FIN/HIFK U20) battled to keep his team alive, making 27 saves on 30 shots for a .900 save percentage.
With the win, Canada extends its medal streak to seven consecutive Hlinka Gretzky Cups. And while attention now turns to the 2026 World Juniors — set for December 26, 2025 through January 5, 2026 — TSN’s Gord Miller noted during the broadcast that many of these U18 skaters are projected to feature in the 2027 and 2028 World Juniors. This bronze-medal clash was not just about the present, but a glimpse into the future of international hockey.
The 2026 edition of the tournament will return to Canadian ice, with Rogers Place in Edmonton set to host.