Keegan Kanzig Joins Flames Black Aces

In a move that will likely shock and astound hockey fans throughout the world – or not – the Calgary Hitmen announced yesterday that Keegan Kanzig is staying in town now that the Hitmen season is over. He’ll be joining the Calgary Flames as a black ace and be an extra body for the secondary practice group.

And they didn’t even need to spring for airfare, as he’s moving from just down the hall.

Kanzig, 20, was Calgary’s third round pick in the 2013 Draft. Likely due to his mammoth size and perceived NHL potential, he was signed to an entry-level contract before the calendar year was out. Standing 6’6″ and weighing in at just a smidge over 240 pounds, Kanzig has a long reach, a mean streak and a pretty good junior resume for a player that never quite achieved dominance at that level.

Given his age and other factors – like how damn many left-handed defenders the team already has on the black aces – it’s extremely doubtful he’ll join in any playoff action, but it’s at the very least a chance for him to get accustomed to the NHL systems and coaching staff before his (presumed) first pro training camp in the fall.