| Former Calgary Flames players will take part |
 |
 |
| Local Content - Local Sports |
| Written by publisher |
| Thursday, 11 February 2010 17:32 |
|
By Benjamin Gordon Defenceman Tony Stiles and left-winger Paul Kruse will be joining the ranks of the former NHL players set to play in the 4-on-4 Celebrity Tournament at the Maple Creek Community Arena on April 9 and 10. Born on August 12, 1959 at Carstairs, Alberta, Tony Stiles began his NHL career with the Calgary Flames when he was signed as a free agent in September 1982. Prior to this, Stiles had played with the Calgary Canucks of the AJHL and spent two years with the WCHA’s Michigan Tech Huskies. After his signing, Stiles played his first professional season with the Colorado Flames of the CHL in the 1982-83 season where he earned two goals and seven assists in his 58 games. The next year was spent divided between the NHL and the minors followed by minor league play in the seasons between 1983 and 1986. Stiles played 30 games with the Calgary Flames squad in 1983-84 and contributed nine total points in that time. Before retiring from hockey, Stiles had the honour of being a member of the Canadian National Team and played for his country in the 1988 Winter Olympic Games in Calgary. Paul Kruse, another former Calgary Flame, was born at Merrit, B.C. in 1970 and played his junior years with the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL between 1988 and 1990. Kruse was picked 83rd overall in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft by the Flames and spent most of his first three professional seasons with the IHL’s Salt Lake Golden Eagles. During that time he played 44 games with Calgary and eventually joined them on a regular basis in the 1993-94 season. Kruse’s 6’ 202 lb. stature helped him in setting his personal high of 11 goals in 1994-95 even when the season was shortened by a lockout. Kruse played for the Flames until November 1996 when he was traded to the New York Islanders. Late in the 1997-98 season he joined the Buffalo Sabres where he played until he lost his place on the roster in 1999. During his time in the NHL, Kruse scored 33 goals and 38 assists in his 423 games. |
