Two Flames prospects vying for Olympic qualification spots

Two Calgary Flames prospects will be part of the competition as high-stakes international hockey kicks off later this week. Forward Adam Ruzicka will represent Slovakia and defenseman Ilya Solovyov will represent Belarus one of three round robin tournaments for the three remaining spots in the 2022 men’s Olympic hockey tournament.

Ruzicka, 22, was Calgary’s fourth round pick in 2017. He played last season primarily with the AHL’s Stockton Heat, where he put up 21 points in 28 games. He also made his NHL debut, playing three games (and earning his first NHL point, an assist). He’s previously represented Slovakia at several major tournaments: the Hlinka Gretzky Cup (twice), Under-17 Worlds, Under-18 Worlds (twice) and World Juniors (three times).

Solovyov, 21, was Calgary’s seventh round pick in 2020. He played last season primarily with the KHL’s Dynamo Minsk, where he had nine points in 41 games. He represented Belarus previously at the Under-18 Worlds, Division 1 World Juniors (twice), Division 1 Worlds and World Championship.

Here’s the schedule for the tournament, which may or may not be available for broadcast somewhere. It’ll likely come down to Belarus and Slovakia, with Sunday’s game between the two teams determining who gets the Olympic spot.

Thursday:

Friday:

Sunday: