CALGARY — The Calgary Flames concluded their previous season with a significant point to prove, narrowly missing a playoff berth by just one point.
Defying preseason predictions, the team`s determination, born from widespread skepticism, propelled them to an impressive 96-point finish. This placed them only two points behind the Stanley Cup champions, Florida, and five points ahead of two Eastern Conference playoff contenders.
Despite their strong performance, a late goal in Minnesota`s final game cost Calgary the tiebreaker for the last Western Conference playoff spot. Consequently, Flames General Manager Craig Conroy has largely retained the promising roster that concluded the season with an impressive 11-3-2 record.
Anticipation for the upcoming training camp is notably high.
However, defenseman MacKenzie Weegar confirmed in a recent conversation that the team plans to maintain its “us-against-the-world” mindset, using it as a primary source of motivation when the season begins.
Weegar expressed his frustration, stating, “It genuinely frustrates me because I understand the caliber of our team, and I believe expectations for us should be much higher.”
He added, “Calgary still doesn`t get the respect it deserves.”
Within Calgary, there`s significant enthusiasm surrounding players like Calder Trophy finalist Dustin Wolf, highly-touted first-round pick Zayne Parekh, prolific scorer Nazem Kadri (35 goals), sharpshooter Matt Coronato, a revitalized Jonathan Huberdeau, and an expanding pool of elite prospects.
While some hockey analysts might predict the Flames to break their three-year playoff drought and continue their upward trajectory, the team still struggles to gain significant attention in the broader North American market, often being overlooked in major broadcasts.
Weegar, who recently returned to Calgary after a busy summer involving his wedding and participation in Hockey Canada`s orientation camp, commented, “I believe we can maintain the competitive edge from last season, especially since the expectations for our team remain understated.”
He emphasized his desire for national recognition, saying, “I want us to be showcased nationally, representing Calgary with other cities watching. We earned that recognition after a strong season, but it often still eludes us.”
Weegar acknowledged, “I`m confident some experts will recognize our team`s improvement, and I agree with that assessment.”
Yet, he highlighted ongoing slights: “It’s the subtle details you pick up on. We amassed 96 points but missed the playoffs because of an unfair tiebreaker. Had that not happened, we would have been in, and perhaps received more respect.”
He concluded, “For me, it’s a deeply personal motivation that truly ignites my drive.”
Olympic Aspirations Fueling Weegar`s Drive
Motivation will certainly not be lacking for the 31-year-old defenseman, especially after his recent three-day Olympic orientation camp alongside 41 other Canadian prospects, an experience likely to benefit him immensely.
Weegar recounted the camp`s impact, stating, “I lost count of how many times I got goosebumps throughout the camp; it was an incredible sequence of moments.” He particularly noted a highlight video presented by the coaches, showcasing iconic Canadian sporting achievements.
He described a surreal moment: “The realization truly hit me when I was trying on the Lululemon Olympic apparel. They explained, ‘This jacket is for the opening ceremony, this one for the podium, and this is for the closing ceremony.’ As I tried them on and looked in the mirror, I just thought, ‘Wow, this is truly incredible.’”
Another memorable experience included sharing breakfast with hockey legends Sidney Crosby and Drew Doughty.
Weegar recalled, “Before a drug testing meeting, I was having coffee, and then Sid [Crosby] sat down beside me.” Weegar had previously bonded with Crosby during the world championships earlier that summer.
He continued, “Then Doughty joined us. I grew up idolizing Doughty; he`s an incredibly entertaining person.”
Being in their company, sitting alongside them, it’s a challenge to focus on your meal when you`re so eager to absorb every word they utter.
Weegar reflected, “I constantly remind myself that I earned my place there. I`m sure they respect my presence, but for me, the significance of being with those particular players runs much deeper.”
The former 20-goal scorer views his invitation as one of 13 Canadian defensemen for the camp as a crucial stepping stone.
Weegar, who last season recorded 47 points and averaged over 24 minutes per game while also being considered for Canada’s 4 Nations Face-Off roster, stated, “I left the camp feeling immensely inspired and determined to make that Olympic team, which I believe will lead to a standout year for me.”
He expressed strong self-assurance: “I feel confident in my abilities, my summer training, and the returning core of our team. I believe that if everyone contributes an extra five or ten percent, we can certainly achieve our goals.”
Weegar concluded, “I desperately want to make that team, and I believe that if I perform at the level required to earn a spot, I will significantly contribute to the Calgary Flames’ success.”
The Flames plan to approach the challenging opening month of their season with the same resilience they demonstrated last year, excelling in crucial, tightly contested games. Weegar is convinced they can sustain the momentum they’ve established.
Weegar anticipates, “Many of us will return to camp carrying the same vibrant energy we felt at the conclusion of last season.”
This includes an undiminished, fiery resolve to silence their doubters.