Calgary Flames prospect Josh Healey hasn’t played a single game in the NHL and yet he already has made a big impression on Flames fans. Healey, along with several other of the organization’s prospects, spoke with the media during the team’s development camp and he delivered a quote for the ages.
Healey is no stranger to the physical side of hockey and it turns out it’s a side of the game he really, really enjoys.
#Flames D prospect Josh Healey on his love of hitting: "Some guys want to score goals or make a sick play, I just want to blow some kid up."
— Darren Haynes (@DarrenWHaynes) July 4, 2017
For better or worse, that’s the type of quote which could follow a player around for the rest of their career.
Many Flames fans took the quote and ran with it, wasting little time to express their love for Healey’s attitude.
Seems like a good kid. Put him in.
— Ben (@sparkeymarkey) July 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/BlainVincent7/status/882705461119733761
Though one fan was quick to point out why that type of approach might be a bad one.
Good players don't say this.
— Michael Davis (@dav0043) July 5, 2017
There may be some truth to that, but apparently the comment was said in jest and Healey really does like the physical element of hockey.
Maybe it's coming across out of context but he was being honest/candid, said with a smile, not like a caveman. He likes the physical game.
— Darren Haynes (@DarrenWHaynes) July 5, 2017
Even the NHL’s best will dish out their fair share of big hits. It’s an integral part of hockey.
To date, the 22-year-old is still trying to take the next step in his career and skate in his first NHL game. He spent time with both Ohio State University (four goals and 21 assists in 35 games) as well as with the Stockton Heat of the AHL (zero points in two games). His AHL appearance was limited to just two games, but he’ll likely get a large chunk of playing time in 2017-18.
Quotes may not earn playing time, but this type of comment may help Healey stand out while trying to ascend to the next level in his career.
Photo via NHL
