Francis - who centred a line with fellow top prospects Jakob Pelletier and Walker Duehr Thursday - gathered a pass in the neutral zone and then flipped on the afterburners.
The blueliners gapped up and defended the rush properly, but Francis had other plans - first, scorching the right-handed rearguard with a cheeky, between-the-legs offering, then driving to the outside, cutting back to the paint, and kissing the puck off the crossbar and in.
Francis has made a habit of this.
The show-stopping, tic-tac tallies now a humdrum part of his repertoire.
Last year, the 19-year-old put up gaudy numbers in the QMHL - scoring 16 times and adding 34 helpers in 32 combined games with the Cape Breton Eagles and Saint John Sea Dogs, including a pair of hat-tricks and a monumental, six-point outing.
"Obviously, I consider myself a skill guy," he said. "That's my game. And in a camp like this, it's important to show what you've got without stepping too far outside of your comfort zone, trying too hard and getting yourself into trouble that way.
"But I'm also not trying to play 'scared' or anything like that out there. I need to get to the net. And in order to be a pro player, you have to do those things and be creative with the puck.
"I think today was a good start."
Francis was drafted by the Flames in the fifth round - 143rd overall - in October of 2020 and has drawn comparisons to Andrew Mangiapane, in large part due to their similar builds.
On the ice, it's clear the connection fits, too.
The 5-foot-9, 176-lb. pivot has a nonstop motor and can not only dazzle you offensively, but also win battles in the trenches.
Add the incredible creativity that was on display Thursday - along with an unbelievable set of mitts to go along with it - and here we are: On the cusp of the pro ranks, but with another full year of eligibility in the Q.
It's a nice place to be.
"Honestly, I was lucky that I got somewhat of a season last year," Francis said. "When I look back at the draft, so much has happened in the past year, despite it
being such a short period of time.
"Once you get drafted, you have so many resources at your fingertips.
"Last year, the development staff was always texting me, always giving me pointers and always offering advice, all year.
"I'm not much of a numbers guy - I prefer the day-by-day approach.
"So, to get that constant feedback and be able to adapt my game on the fly really helped me thrive and put up some pretty big numbers."
The Beaver Bank, N.S. native spent most of the off-season here in Calgary, familiarizing himself with the organization and skating with some of the pros local. That only added to his comfort level, avoiding those dreaded nerves that often accompany a first day of any variety.
"It wasn't 'new' anymore, right?" he said. "I got to know the city, the organization, the facilities. And then getting to train with some of the pros, including some that play for the Flames now was incredibly valuable."
"I followed their lead and learned how to be a professional, and I think it helped me a ton in my development."
Francis won't have to wait long for his next chance to fill the net.
The Flames are back on the ice for practice on Friday before visiting the Edmonton Oilers Rookies in the first of a two-game set to unofficially kick off the hockey season on Saturday.
And naturally, he can't wait.
"I'm super excited for it," Francis said. "It's cool to get your first pro game in the Battle of Alberta. They're always high-intensity games and those are the ones you want to be a part of.
"I expect this to be no different."
