CALGARY — Samuel Honzek hopes the time he spends with fellow Slovakia-born forward Martin Pospisil can help his development as he works toward one day making the Calgary Flames roster.
The 19-year-old forward, selected No. 16 by the Flames in the 2023 NHL Draft, is training at home with his compatriot, who is entering his second season with Calgary.
“He helps me a lot. We work hard together,” Honzek said last month at the Flames development camp in July. “Basically, every practice we do together, I try to push myself on the ice as well. It’s been really hard, but I think it’s going to be worth it. Like, when you’re on the bike by yourself, he’s yelling at me to keep going and keep going and stuff like that, and sometimes I just want to hit him because it’s annoying.
“It’s that extra motivation. It pushes me forward and I’m very grateful for that.”
Pospisil scored 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists) in 63 games as a rookie with Calgary last season and established himself as a regular in a lineup with fellow rookie Connor Zary and experienced center Nazem Kadri.
Flames general manager Craig Conroy said Pospisil is a great role model for Honzek.
“Pospisil finished third in the (fitness) test last year, so I know he’s going to push him (Honzek) every day,” Conroy said. “I think that will help him in the future as well.”
Honzek (6’4″, 195 lbs) recorded 31 points (10 goals, 21 assists) in 33 games as captain of Vancouver in the Western Hockey League last season, after recording 56 points (23 goals, 33 assists) in 43 games the season before in his draft year. His progress was slowed by a series of injuries.
“Last year was last year,” Conroy said. “Let’s put that aside. We don’t even talk about it. Injuries happen. He had injuries from his groin to his hand and other problems as well. It was just one of those years.”
“Hopefully he’ll be healthy again now. I think we just need to refocus and get him going. He looks like he’s in good shape too.”
The realignment comes after a glimmer of hope at the end of its 2023-24 season.
Honzek played three games with Calgary in the American Hockey League, including one game during the Calder Cup playoffs.
“I think when you look at what he went through last year, you can understand why,” said Ray Edwards, the Flames’ director of player development. “There were the injuries and the travel … he was flying back and forth from Europe a couple of times. When you miss the first two or three months of the season, it’s really tough.”
“I think one of the great things about last year was getting him here at the end of the year and being able to play some games with the (AHL) Wranglers. And being surrounded by that group and the people and everything else was really positive. I think it ended on a really positive note.”
That lead has Honzek focused on the professional game, and he’s ready to start his career in Calgary this season. He turns 20 on November 12, which all but guarantees he’ll make the move to the AHL affiliate team – the same team Pospisil started with last season before making his full-time move to the NHL.
“It’s been a tough season,” Honzek said. “It started with an injury, and then the pressure was even greater that I got a letter on my jersey and was in the first round. Last season wasn’t good for me. I know it. I know I can do better. So I’m trying to do everything I can to prepare for (this) season and get on the team.”
“That’s the goal. Put yourself in that position and be ready. At some point I’ll get the call, show myself in a good light and try to make it happen.”
