Flames' goalie Ortio wants to 'steal that No. 1 job' next season
Calgary Flames goaltender Joni Ortio has a lofty goal for the 2015-16 season.
"No one wants to back up," the 24-year-old netminder told NHL.com. "That's what I'll be looking to do next September in camp, trying to steal that No. 1 job."
The Flames went with Jonas Hiller and Karri Ramo during their playoff run, limiting Ortio to six NHL games. He's hoping to get a longer look in the fall.
"It's not just another season," he said. "It could, and hopefully is, my first full year in the NHL. I don't think there’s any bigger motivation than that."
The Flames' crowded crease could be resolved this summer. Ramo will become an unrestricted free agent if he's not signed before July 1. Hiller has one year remaining on his contract.
Ortio went 4-2-0 with a 2.52 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage with Calgary, one year after appearing in nine contests for the Flames in his rookie campaign.
The 24-year-old played 37 games for the club's AHL affiliate in Adirondack, posting a record of 21-13-1 with a 2.69 GAA and a save percentage of .912.
- With h/t to Pro Hockey Talk