Trades and injuries opened a path to the NHL for Rittich, who stepped into a backup role behind Mike Smith with the Calgary Flames at age 25 in 2017-18.

The native of Jihlava, Czech Republic, was signed by the Flames on June 13, 2016, after a Calgary scout saw the undrafted free agent during his two seasons with BK Mlada Boleslav of the Czech Extraliga. Rittich was 26-22-0 with a 2.53 goals-against average and .917 save percentage in 2015-16.

Rittich impressed the Flames in his first season in North America, going 15-11-1 with a 2.27 goals-against average,.924 save percentage and five shutouts with Stockton of the American Hockey League while learning English and growing accustomed to the North American style of play. He also made his NHL debut, allowing one goal on 10 shots in a relief role against the San Jose Sharks on April 8, 2017.

Rittich began 2017-18 in Stockton, but was called up by the Flames in on Nov. 24, 2017 and gave Calgary a solid backup to Smith. It also brought to light one of his rituals: On the morning of starts, Rittich makes the goalie coach fire two pucks off his head for good luck. The practice stems from a game day in Stockton when was hit in the head during the morning skate and had a shutout that evening.

NOTES & TRANSACTIONS

• Signed as a free agent by Calgary, June 13, 2016.