Kotalik Rejoins Heat - Ortio Signed to ATO

March 31, 2011 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Abbotsford Heat News Release


CALGARY, AB - The Calgary Flames announced today that forward Ales Kotalik has been reassigned to the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League.

Kotalik was originally acquired by the Flames from the NY Rangers on February 1, 2010. Kotalik has played 25 games for the Flames this season scoring four goals and two assists for six points. With the Abbotsford Heat, Kotalik has averaged more than a point per game registering four goals and 15 assists for 19 points in 18 games. The 32 year old was originally drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the 6th round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.

The Calgary Flames announced today the signing of Finnish goaltender Joni Ortio to an entry level contract.

"We are very pleased to welcome Joni to the Flames' organization," said Flames Acting General Manager Jay Feaster. "Not only have we signed him to an Entry Level contract but he has also agreed to sign an Amateur Tryout Agreement (ATO) with our affiliate in Abbotsford, and he has already joined the Heat on their current road trip in eastern Canada. This gives Joni an opportunity to get acclimated to his new teammates and the level of play in the AHL and will make him even more prepared when he comes to our Summer Development and Rookie Camps this year. We are excited to have him under contract and look forward to his continued development in North America."

Ortio, a native of Turku, Finland, was drafted in the 6th round (171st overall) by the Calgary Flames in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. This season, Ortio has spent the majority of the year with TPS in the Finnish Elite league playing in 15 games with a 3.12 GAA and a .910% save percentage.

He represented Finland at both the 2010 and 2011 IIHF World Junior Championships. During the most recent World Junior Championship, he finished the tournament with the second lowest goals against average (1.86), the second highest save percentage (.931%), tied for the lead in shutouts (1) and played the second most minutes (354:52) in six games. He was named as one of Finland's best players as selected by the coaches and was the player of the game when facing the host USA.

The Heat will now jet home on Thursday to continue their race to the playoffs on Friday night against the Grand Rapids Griffins. You can catch the pregame show on Country 107.1 FM at 6:30 PM with Dave Sheldon and Craig MacEwen, and you can listen to all the action of the game with the puck drop from the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre at 7 PM (PDT).



American Hockey League Stories from March 31, 2011


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