Gross Makes NHL Debut, Scores First Faceoff Win

0:00On March 23rd, Tyson Gross, a 23-year-old Calgary native, made his long-awaited NHL debut Sunday night, March 22nd, suiting up for. The flames against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Saddle Dome. The six-foot three-center, lulled 11 shifts over eight minutes and seven seconds while winning his first career face-off. He joined the flames earlier this month, signing a two-year, two-way contract worth $975,000 annually, after a standout college season as St. Claude State University. There, as team captain, he nashed 18 goals and 23 assists across 36 games. Coach Ryan Huska praised the rookie's effort in his first taste of big league action, calling it a positive step. For Gross, playing in the arena where he grew up, watching games added extra meaning to the night. Gross lined up alongside Adam Klappka and Martin Pospicill drew a first period penalty that the flames successfully killed off, and later sat between.

1:02Veterans Mike Hale-Backlin and Blake Coleman on the bench. Those season players provided tips and support throughout. The flames see this mix of experience and youth as key to development, with vets handling tough match-ups to let newcomers like Gross build confidence, steadily into the league. I'm Corey with the story, and you've been listening to Calgary Flames News today, AI Power Team Coverage.