'See The Growth'

The new season is here.

And with it, new optimism from Flames players and management alike. 

Thursday marked the club’s annual Celebrity Charity Classic golf tournament, the unofficial curtain-raiser to the 2026-27 NHL campaign. And close to five months after his team last played at the Scotiabank Saddledome, General Manager Craig Conroy is eager to see this year’s iteration of the squad - and the youth therein - grow together.

“You know, the one thing I'm excited about is that the guys are excited,” said Conroy, shortly before hitting the links Thursday morning. “As a group, they're excited, especially the young guys, because it's all about playing in the NHL, and they want to prove that they belong, and that they're going to be big parts of this moving forward. 

“The expectation for me is to see the growth from those guys, because they're going to be put in situations that maybe other teams, they wouldn't get that opportunity. You know, a guy like (defenceman Simon) Nemec is gonna play a lot here, you know, so I'm looking forward to seeing how he does.”

Nemec is the headliner of a refreshed Flames blue line. Acquired from New Jersey in a pre-Draft blockbuster, and fresh off inking a new, five-year contract in July, the 22-year-old Slovak has spent the past few weeks settling into his new home, both on and off the ice. 

READ MORE ON NEMEC'S ARRIVAL HERE

But Conroy is equally as curious at how fellow defenceman Zayne Parekh progresses in this, his second pro season. The 20-year-old shone late in last year’s campaign, finishing the year with three powerplay goals and a regular spot in Calgary’s top-four.

“When I talk to him, it's his confidence. I just think he feels so much more comfortable, understands what he's got to do, and how to be successful,” said Conroy. “And I think that little stretch of games at the end of the year, where he played really, really well, is gonna carry over, and I think that's the best part, but he does look a little stronger and bigger. 

“I’m not putting a point total on him or what he can do. I just want to see his game continue to improve.”

Captain Mikael Backlund is eager, too, to get back to work. The club’s elder statesman, Backlund sits 71 appearances shy of Jarome Iginla’s franchise record of 1,219. 

“It’s exciting to see everyone, to see all the guys come back, and then good to meet some new faces,” Backlund said. “I’m excited for the year and to go to battle with those guys and some really good people. 

“I’m excited to get to work with this new group.”

But from here, things will move pretty quickly. The Flames prospects will get put through the paces over the weekend, with the NextGen Showcase against Edmonton slated for Monday evening at the Scotiabank Saddledome (GET TICKETS).

Calgary’s preseason opener is only 10 days away and in three weeks’ time, the final 'Dome home-opener ushers in the historic building’s farewell season.

For Head Coach Ryan Huska, every day from here on in counts. And for players looking to seize opportunities, the shortened preseason means each practice, each shift means just that much more.

“You always want to make a good first impression, I think that's number one,” the bench boss said. “With the change in camp, you don't get as much opportunity as you would have in the past, unfortunately. That's just the way it is. 

“We don't have as much time to get our team or teams ready to go as we would have had in the past. So every time they're on the ice here, you want to make sure people notice you.”

Now that the ‘Hellos’ and ‘How are ya’s’ are out of the way, the message from Huska is clear. 

It’s time to get to work.

Time to get what’s sure to be a memorable Farewell Season underway.

“You don't have a lot of opportunity to prove that you belong or prove that you can take someone's spot,” Huska said. “So you have to make good on that. 

“It goes back to making sure you're committed and ready to come to work every single day.”