Flames sign Tyler Parsons, Ryan Lomberg to ELCs

The Calgary Flames had a busy day in regards to their future.

While the CHL playoffs will soon be underway, the Flames were able to get one of junior hockey’s top goalies to put pen to paper, as they signed second round, 54th overall pick from the 2016 NHL draft Tyler Parsons.

Parsons, a 6’1, 185 lb. goalie, has battled through injuries this year, but was still able to put on a show as the London Knights’ starter. Playing 34 games, he posted a .925 save percentage, leading the entire OHL in save percentages by goalies to play at least 12 games. (Seriously – only Knights teammate, rookie Jordan Kooy, beat him out with .927  in 11 games; while Chris McGonigle registered .937 in just three contests.)

Parsons was the only regular OHL goalie to have a save percentage above .920, although in fairness, most regulars immediately below him did play 50+ games.

Still, this past season just builds to Parsons’ pedigree. He registered a .921 save percentage in 49 games the year the Flames drafted him, not to mention a .925 save percentage over 18 games as he helped the Knights win the 2016 Memorial Cup.

Oh – and don’t forget about this year’s World Junior Championships, during which he was a crucial part of Team USA’s gold medal victory, completing the tournament with a .917 save percentage and absolutely crushing it in the gold medal game, during which he stopped 46 of 50 shots.

Parsons, who turns 20 on Sept. 18, will be eligible to turn professional next season. Between him, Jon Gillies, and David Rittich – the latter two who are both still restricted free agents – the Flames’ prospective crease could be getting crowded with talented young goalies.

The Flames also signed the undrafted, 5’9, 191 lb. left winger Ryan Lomberg to an ELC. This is Lomberg’s second year in the Flames’ system, as he primarily played for the Adirondack Thunder in 2015-16 before making the Heat full time this season.

Lomberg impressed many during the pre-season Penticton tournament, and so far this season has eight goals and 19 points in 57 games for the Heat, tied for seventh in team scoring with Brandon Bollig and Oliver Kylington.

The Heat, who are battling for a playoff spot, currently have a .518 points percentage, good for fifth in the Pacific Division. They have four games to go, with their regular season ending on March 31: three games against the Texas Stars (.484), and one against the San Antonio Rampage (.437). They currently sit three points behind the Bakersfield Condors for the final playoff spot in their division.