Sports / NHL / Hockey / Calgary Wranglers / Calgary Flames

I’m glad that I’m healthy and I can keep still playing

Published Nov 07, 2023  •  Last updated 16 hours ago  •  4 minute read Martin Pospisil #76 of the Calgary Flames skates in his NHL debut against the Seattle Kraken during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena on Nov. 4, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. Photo by Steph Chambers /Getty Images

Martin Pospisil never stopped dreaming about someday skating in the National Hockey League.

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But just months before he received his first call-up from the Calgary Flames, Pospisil was worried that he may be forced to abandon his quest. During a slow recovery from a concussion last winter, the forward prospect feared his career could be cut short.

“If you told me in January or February, I would not believe it — that I would make the NHL,” Pospisil told Postmedia. “I was scared if I could still play. The doctors, they were telling me, ‘We will see how you’re going to feel.’ So it was a little scary, if it might be my last season. It’s something that was not what I really wanted, but always health is first.

“Because, you know, you want to have a good life also after your hockey career. But now, it feels even better to go through all the injuries and the ups and downs. I’m really glad that I get this opportunity to play in the NHL. I’m really happy for it.”

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Pospisil officially introduced himself Saturday in Seattle, beaming as he stepped onto the ice — his hair slicked back for the cameras — for the traditional solo lap, throwing his weight around on the forecheck, burying a loose puck for his first career goal and telling Flames TV in a post-game interview: “I’m pretty much living the dream right now.” Proof of his positive initial impression, he remained in the lineup for Tuesday’s clash with the Nashville Predators at the Saddledome.