Hockey
Flames Sign Leland Irving
When one team or club moves a player up (as in this case) the team they leave has a void that has to be filled by someone looking to advance. In some cases he/she is in the system, this is not always the case.
For the past two seasons the Abbotsford Heat have had the stellar services of a young Leland Irving, who has literally “stoned” the opposition stealing games and points from the visitors.
We (Sportswave) have had the privilege of watching and talking to Leland (24) and we wish him all the success anyone can hope for.
The loss for the Heat is the gain of the Flames as they made it official in announcing that they have signed goaltender Leland Irving.
Leland calls Swan Hills home; which is located in Alberta and he managed to play seven (7) NHL games last season and registered his first win on December 23rd in a 3-1 win in Vancouver.
He had a .912% save percentage and a 3.20 goals against average with a 1-3-3 record. Six of his seven starts were in the second game of back-to-back games.
“Leland made some great strides last season in attempting to establish himself as being ready to carry the load as the back-up goaltender in Calgary,” said Flames General Manager Jay Feaster. “At the same time, in order for us to have the success we want as a team, it will be necessary for our back-up goalie not merely to start 20-plus games but also to win more than half those starts.
The deal is worth $687,500 if he plays in the NHL and $207,500 if he plays in the AHL.
We are pleased to have Leland under contract for the upcoming season and look forward to what should be a hard-fought and spirited battle between Leland and Henrik Karlsson.”
Congratulations to Leland! All the best!!!