Huska indicates Rory Kerins will be given big opportunity with the Calgary Flames

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It felt like it was only a matter of time before the Calgary Flames called up the red-hot Rory Kerins.

The 23-year-old has been dominant for the Calgary Wranglers this season, as his 21 goals through 34 games lead the AHL, while his 34 points place him first amongst his teammates.

Many speculated that it would be Kerins getting the call-up following a gruesome injury to Connor Zary earlier in the week, and on Friday morning, that became a reality.

Kerins joined the Flames at practice this morning, filling in for Mikael Backlund (maintenance day) on a line with Blake Coleman and Matt Coronato.

It’s been quite a road travelled for Kerins, who, after some big point-producing seasons in the OHL, spent his first pro season in the ECHL with the Rapid City Rush. He’s continued to put in the work and is being rewarded for it.

“Dream come true,” Kerins said following today’s practice. “It was a long road to get here. It makes it worth it.”

As for Zary, it was reported this morning that his injury may not be as significant as initially thought. Head coach Ryan Huska didn’t have a further update at today’s practice, however, stating that there is still further imaging to be done.

Huska also made it clear that Kerins will be given his first taste of NHL action, whether that be tomorrow or in the games to follow.

“It’s not really if, but a matter of when, for us,” Huska said “He’s done such a good job this year of persevering. Another guy that we’ve talked about [that] played in the East Coast in Rapid City for awhile. When he does get in for us, we’re going to look for him to play with the same confidence that he’s had in the American League.”

Perhaps most exciting of all was that Huska suggested the young prospect will be given a shot to do what he does best.

“We don’t anticipate him jumping in and being a mucker and a grinder, because that’s not his style of play. We’re looking forward to him carrying on what he’s done in the American League. He’s a guy that can score, and that’s something that we need.”

While Kerins has always had clear offensive skill, there were other areas of his game that had been lacking in the past. He was able to work on some of those, most notably his skating, in order to get this well-deserved opportunity.

“I think getting comfortable is a big thing. I just think my boots have gotten a lot better the last three years in pro. That’s probably one of the biggest things.”

Flames fans have been eagerly awaiting a Kerins call up this season in order to see what he’s capable of. Based on today’s comments, it shouldn’t take long before we are all able to witness it.

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