Flames Ink Goaltender Nick Schneider

Nick Schneider, an invitee to Calgary Flames training camp, has earned himself a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced on Wednesday.

Schneider was invited to play with the team at the Young Stars Classic and from there earned himself an invite to the main camp.

The 18-year-old netminder sounded elated in quotes in the Flames’ announcement, saying, “It’s a surreal feeling right now… I’m really excited to be a part of this organization. I don’t know how to describe it. It’s an incredible feeling.”

Central Scouting pegged Schneider as the ninth rated North American goaltender entering the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, but he went undrafted nonetheless.

Assistant general manager Brad Pascall heaped praise on the goaltender:

He was a guy that has impressed over the last couple of weeks… I think his play, his work ethic, his compete, and his attitude has impressed our goalie coaches, our management, and our scouts. We were looking to bring another goaltender into [the Young Stars Tournament] and he came recommended through a number of people, including our scouts.

Schneider was an opportunist throughout his tryout, making the most of getting an overtime period against the Canucks and stepping up during camp while Jon Gillies (concussion protocol), Jonas Hiller (flu) and Mason McDonald (undisclosed) missed time, opening up opportunities for the young goaltender.

Playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers in the WHL last season, he played 27 games with a 15-7-1 record and an .898 save percentage.

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