How a young Flames prospect is adjusting to life as a pro

Truman Bartman, Staff Writer | 

At the midway point of Samuel Honzek’s first season in the American Hockey League (AHL) with the Calgary Wranglers organization, his potential is beginning to shine through. The power winger, who has already had a two-game taste of the NHL, looks to leave his mark with the Wranglers this year and hopefully with the Calgary Flames whenever the opportunity presents itself. At just 20-years-old, Honzek is just starting to discover what life as a full-time professional hockey player is like.

“It all started this year,” Honzek said. “I got into a couple of NHL games to start the season. It’s definitely a lot harder and way quicker than Junior. Guys are always right on you and you don’t have that much space. You have to be quick and be aware of what’s around you at all times. I always try to stay focused and that has helped me a lot in my game.”

Playing for the Wranglers has been an adjustment for Honzek. Nevertheless, he is finding ways to stand out and make his impact felt every shift. His 6’4 frame has allowed him to use his stature to his advantage and play with a physical presence.

“Using my size has helped me a lot. That’s one of the reasons I got drafted so high was because I have good size, I’m tall and I can skate well,” Honzek said. “That can help me become an NHL player and develop through to the top level, but I also want to do everything more consistently, that’s the main thing.”

Building competitive stamina and finding consistency within one’s game begins when no one else is watching. Honzek’s preparation takes place during the Wrangler’s morning skates and off-day practices. His practice habits have been honed beginning with his time back home in Slovakia.

“I’ve been doing that for a long time because when I played pro as a Junior, in Slovakia, I was the youngest guy on the team,” Honzek said. “All of the older guys were professionals already and I learned from them. So I would stay and work on the ice longer, and do extra. It became a thing for me, and I kind of enjoyed it.”

Former Wranglers head coach, now turned Flames assistant coach, Trent Cull had high praise for the young forward and appreciated Honzek’s willingness to play in a variety of different roles. He emphasized how impressed he is with Honzek’s skill set already, but also noted that he is still adding to his game.

“He’s getting a lot thrown at him, that’s for sure, so he’s doing a really good job with it,” Cull said. “He’s a young guy. I’ve played him at center and we’re trying to look at some different options for him and his growth. Whether that’s playing him on the power play or playing on the penalty kill, he’s getting a lot of minutes. He’s doing a good job with it all.”

However, Cull emphasized the importance of balancing Honzek’s workload to maximize his development without compromising his health and longevity in the sport.

“I just have to make sure I’m not giving too many minutes. When he’s on, he’s a dynamic guy. But he’s still learning how to check and play away from the puck. Overall, I’ve been really happy with his growth.”

As Honzek heads into the second half of his inaugural season with the Calgary Wranglers, he recognizes there is still lots of work ahead before he reaches his ultimate goal of becoming a full-time NHL-er. However, he is appreciative of the organization’s belief in him and the opportunities that they have provided him this far into his career.

“I’m thankful for everything that this organization has given me,” Honzek said. “They have continued to believe in me and I am thankful for that. Their belief in me makes me want to fulfill their expectations of me.”

For Honzek and the Flames organization, there is mutual belief that these expectations are becoming closer to reality.

Truman Bartman is a Staff Writer for The Reflector 2024-2025.