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It wasn’t essentially a look-yourself-in-the-mirror second.
However Adam Klapka, earlier than he scored an NHL contract after which an NHL call-up, did ponder the chance that he’d develop accustomed to glimpsing his personal reflection in a just-installed pane of glass.
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Klapka’s father owns and operates a window firm. And as Adam began his professional hockey profession again dwelling within the Czech Republic, the undrafted right-winger questioned if he’d be higher off becoming a member of the household enterprise.
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He was reflecting on that inner back-and-forth earlier this week when he acquired the information that he was being recalled by the Calgary Flames.
“It was so emotional for me,” Klapka stated. “You realize, I nearly give up hockey, like, two years in the past as a result of I used to be enjoying within the second-highest league in Czech and we didn’t make a lot cash. So I began fascinated with the longer term. I imply, I like to play hockey but it surely was like, ‘OK, I would like one thing to alter, some good factor to occur.’
“However after that, proper after that, I bought the decision to the primary crew and I bought there and I used to be profitable there. And after that, I bought signed with the Flames. So all the things went effectively.”
Certain did.
As a result of on Saturday evening, in opposition to the arch-rival Edmonton Oilers, Klapka was tapped for his big-league debut.
After his solo lap, the customary intro for any NHL beginner, the 23-year-old was slated to skate alongside Adam Ruzicka and A.J. Greer on the fourth line.
His proud mother and father, Thomas and Radka, had been in attendance on the Saddledome. As quickly as their son was promoted from the AHL’s Wranglers, they hustled to e book flights from Prague to Calgary.
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“It’s going to be most likely, once more, my greatest day in my life,” Klapka beamed after Saturday’s morning skate, repeating the identical factor he stated earlier this week after his first apply with the membership. “I’m going to get pleasure from it, however clearly you wish to play good hockey, play your sport, so I’ll be prepared.”
Whereas there wasn’t a lot data obtainable when the Flames signed this little-known massive man to an entry-level contract within the spring of 2022, followers had been instantly fascinated along with his measurements. Listed at 6-foot-8, he made historical past Saturday because the tallest participant to ever go well with up for the franchise. The Canadian Elite Basketball League’s Calgary Surge may ask if he desires to play within the paint this summer time.
Klapka arrived as a uncooked prospect, however the Flames have been tickled along with his progress over the previous season-and-a-half with the Wranglers, inspired by his willpower to offer a hard-nosed presence and impressed along with his gentle fingers. There have been whispers across the rink that special-advisor-to-the-GM Jarome Iginla, a man who is aware of a factor or two about success as an influence ahead, is particularly intrigued by his potential.
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In 102 profession appearances to this point on the AHL stage, this skyscraping right-hander has contributed 27 objectives and 50 factors. When you comply with the farm crew, you’ve witnessed this similar sequence a number of instances — Klapka, from his net-front place on the power-play, swivels towards the back-door and blasts a one-timer for a man-advantage marker.
“For his dimension, he skates very well so it’s going to be essential that he’s good along with his stick and he’s arduous on the forecheck and he’s accountable for his minutes that he’s on the ice,” stated Flames bench boss Ryan Huska previous to Saturday’s Battle of Alberta. “And the one factor that he does have, too, is a sneaky skill-set. I’m assuming tonight you gained’t see lots of that as a result of he’ll maintain his sport quite simple, which is an efficient factor for a younger man getting his first style.
“Tonight, it’s extra about being a more durable man to play in opposition to and utilizing his dimension to his benefit.”
It’s arduous to think about that simply over two years in the past, after spending elements of two seasons within the Junior A-level United States Hockey League after which heading dwelling to start out his professional profession with HC Benatky nad Jizerou, Klapka thought-about calling his dad to ask for a job.
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That dialog by no means occurred. Thank goodness.
“Yeah, I’m fairly joyful,” Klapka stated. “I’m dwelling my dream now.”
ICE CHIPS: The Flames had been with out two common forwards for Saturday’s Hockey Day in Canada capper in opposition to the Oilers. Martin Pospisil suffered an upper-body damage Thursday and Huska advised reporters that the rookie sparkplug “gained’t be within the lineup for the subsequent few video games, for positive, and we’ll see how he goes from there.” Dillon Dube was additionally unavailable, with the coach explaining that he was “not feeling effectively” … Prime prospect Matt Coronato was recalled from the Wranglers and plugged into Pospisil’s standard spot on the second line.
wgilbertson@postmedia.com
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