Calgary Flames’ Martin Pospisil excited to play in his first Olympics

Martin Pospisil is the lone Flames player going to the Winter Olympics in Italy. He'll represent Slovakia at the games.

While the rest of his teammates will head out for rest and relaxation, Martin Pospisil will be on his way to the Winter Olympic games in Milan-Cortina.

Pospisil is the lone Calgary Flames player heading to the games.

He was selected to represent Slovakia.

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“I’m super excited,” said the 26-year-old. “You know, it’s [my] first time, so [I] don’t really know what to expect. It’s always nice to represent your country.”

Slovakia an underdog

Pospisil will be on the ice when the Flames face the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. Then, on Thursday, he’ll board a flight to New York City and then hop on a plane to Italy.

Pospisil knows Slovakia is an underdog, but says he expects them to put in a good showing.

“We have a pretty young group of guys, but there’s lots of talent,” he said. “It’s a tournament, and you’re trying to win every game, and then all of the sudden, it’s going to be about one game, so you never know what can happen.”

Feeling great

Pospisil has had a tough season.

He suffered a concussion in the pre-season that kept him out for much of the year.

After a conditioning stint with the Wranglers, he recently returned to the Flames.

In six games, Pospisil has no points.

He says he thinks competing in the Olympics will be good for his game.

“There’s going to be a lot of different situations, and it’s a tournament where you’re playing against the top players,” he said. “I think I’m going to get lots of minutes, so [it will be] good for my growth.”

“I think I’m going to play centre, so I’m excited, and it’s going to be something special for sure.”

One game left

The Flames have one game left before the Olympic break.

That’s on Wednesday night against the Edmonton Oilers.

Pospisil says he’d love to head into the break on a winning note.

‘It’s going to be a long break for some guys,” said Pospisil. “It’s the battle of Alberta, so I think we’re excited for the game and we’ll do everything to win the game.”

Puck drop for Wednesday night’s game between the Flames and Oilers will be just after 8 p.m. at the Scotiabank Saddledome.