Flames ink Bouma-like prospect Hathaway
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Garnet Hathaway grabbed everyone’s attention — very early.
At Calgary Flames main camp, he turned out to be the second-fittest person on the premises.
Only hard-rock Mark Giordano was deemed to be better conditioned.
Hathaway didn’t stop there.
In his first full season of professional hockey, the winger has scored 19 times for Adirondack of the American Hockey League.
Which led the Flames to one conclusion — upgrading Hathaway’s deal to a National Hockey League pact, kicking in next season.
The team announced the news Monday.
“You talk about a guy that’s come and earned his way to a contract,” said Brad Treliving, general manager of the Flames. “Just a tremendous year. What he’s done down there is really earn the coach’s trust. To be approaching 20 goals at the American league level, it’s a feat, quite frankly.”
Treliving didn’t mince words when asked about upside of Hathaway, six foot two and 210 pounds.
“To me, there’s some Lance Bouma qualities,” he said. “He’s an absolute fearless competitor, unbelievable team person. High, high character.”
Hathaway, 23, is happy with the development, something he had been striving towards.
“Definitely,” said the native of Kennebunkport, Maine. “I had a goal of playing in the NHL and I needed an NHL contract to do that. That was the next step for me. For the entire season, that’s what I’ve been trying to earn. I’m really excited. It’s still taking a little bit for (reality) to kick in. It’s something I’ve worked so hard for, I’m definitely proud of myself. Now I want more.”
Undrafted, he played out his college eligibility at Brown (R.I.) University, before signing with Abbotsford late last season.
Hathaway is most impressed this campaign with his ability to withstand — and even thrive in — the heavy schedule of the AHL.
At Brown, he never suited up more than 33 times in a winter.
“So far I’ve only missed one game,” said Hathaway, who’s skated in 72 with Adirondack. “That was a big goal for me, to really push myself into this pro game. The points are nice — I’ve had more points this year than any college season — but I was happy I was able to adjust to this game and come ready to play so many times this season.
“It’s nice to get that contract, but the next step is to trying to play in the NHL, trying to get called up.”
