PR - Flames

The Atlanta Flames have done a complete 180 degrees. They have entered the ½ way mark of the season boasting a solid 51 points, on pace for 100+ points for the season. This is quite the difference from last year. The Flames sit near the top in the Western Conference and continue to improve. A big shock came the past week when top defenseman Eric Brewer was dealt, along Williams, Hahl and Auld. The Flames were able to secure a 1^st round selection to add to their prospect depth for next year but the main piece was Colby Armstrong. The Flames dealt super sniper Dimitri Kazionov last season and have now realized the scoring potential of such a player. With this in mind, the Flames have had their eye on Armstrong since last season. He has fit in quite well and in his first 3 games, has scored 2 goals, 2 assists and is +3. Auld at one point was the Flames future goaltending but with the addition of Leclaire in the last few weeks, Auld was let go so that he could one day play in the TFHL PRO league. The Flames also decided to get a bit tougher on the blue line with the addition of Brewer, in exchange for Redden. Another surprise is the development of Marek Chvatal in the minor league. GM, Patrick Amantea has been drooling over this guy, watching him slowly improve through the 1^st half of the season. “It is amazing how well this guy can shoot. Not only that, but the guy is a beast when he hits.” With the future addition of Chvatal, the Flames blue line will be a scary place to cross with the likes of Brewer, Stuart, Chvatal all being very big hitters in the league. The Flames look to remain a threat for the last half. Now if only Jose Theodore would find some consistency and the special teams would improve.