The Flames had 19 free-agent invitees at camp this year, a higher-than-usual number. These players, from the CHL, BCHL, MHL and NCAA, were looking to keep themselves on the radar with the club and use camp as a possible springboard for a contract later on down the line.
Every invitee turned in a good performance but here are a few that really stood out for me last week:
Forward Bobby McMann, who is heading into his junior year at Colgate, scored a beautiful goal in Sunday's scrimmage and was a standout in individual drills during on-ice sessions. The Wainwright, Alta., product boasts a powerful, accurate shot and is a handful for defenders when he gets in on the forecheck.
Forward David Jankowski is not only a spitting image of his older brother Mark, he plays a similar game, as well. The pivot manages the puck well, can distribute it with ease and is positionally sound.
Goaltender Matthew Galajda had a tremendous freshman season with Cornell last year, leading the NCAA with a 1.51 GAA and was second with a .939 save percentage in 29 games. Trying to get a read on goaltenders in practice is difficult but Galajda came up big in the scrimmage for Team Gelinas.
Calgary Hitmen defenceman Yegor Zamula played a really poised, responsible game on Sunday, managing the play well and kept himself in good position throughout the scrimmage.