After allowing 3.13 goals per game and posting a .892 team save percentage (both league worsts), the Flames have gone overseas to acquire some much needed help between the pipes.
Treliving confirms on 960: “We have come to an agreement w/ David Rittich.” #Flames
— Chris Nichols (@NicholsOnHockey) June 13, 2016
At 23, David Rittich has risen through the ranks in the HC Dukla Jihava system, performing admirably when given consistent playing time at all levels, the latest in the top Czech League where he posted a .919 save percentage along with a 2.50 GAA this past season for BK Mlada Boleslav.
His first go around in the top Czech League did not go too well, as in 23 games he posted a 3.15 GAA and .891 save percentage. But, a common theme in his young career indicates how the 6’3″, 165-lb goaltender can rebound. In his U-18 career, after a 12-game performance on a loan to HC Havirov U18 that wasn’t up to par (3.34 GAA, .893 save %), he came back the following season raising his save % to .904 and lowering his GAA to 2.59.
His coming out party came in his first full season as a starter at age 19 in 2011-12 for the U20 program at appearing in a career-high 43 games, lowering his GAA to a career low at 2.31 and raising his save % to .937. He seemed to gain confidence from that season, as from 2012-15 in the 2nd Czech League, he’s posted a 1.95 GAA and .931 save percentage in 72 regular season games. In 17 playoff games, Rittich has been solid in the spotlight, registering a 2.40 GAA and .919 save percentage, going as far as nine games in 2013-14 (.935 save %).
Moving to North America next season, according to the Calgary Herald the plan for Rittich is to start in the AHL. Other options for the Flames at the NHL level include RFA Joni Ortio, possibly Karri Ramo if the team intends to bring him back, or standout prospect Jon Gillies (.922 career save % at the USHL, Hockey-East, and AHL levels). The latter two, however, had season-ending injuries last season.
Rittich has likely been brought in as insurance for the current conundrum that is the Flames’ goaltending situation. He could find himself on the NHL roster as a back-up or injury replacement for Gillies in the near future if he performs at the professional level.
Main Photo:
