Welcome to The Win Column’s Flames Fit Check, your monthly destination for Calgary Flames pregame fashion. Now, not by any means am I really qualified to give any opinions on fashion, but that’s the best part about the internet—I don’t have to be qualified. That being said, throughout the season you’ll be seeing my top five pregame fits and an unfashionable mention that turned some heads for the wrong reasons. With training camp wrapping up the Flames had some good performances on the ice, as well as on their way to the rink.
Without further ado, let’s kickoff the second season of TWC’s Fit Check.
1. Dustin Wolf
It’s a shame to see Dustin Wolf head back across the hallway on Thursday as more cuts came down at Flames camp. It’s unfortunate we don’t get to see the reigning AHL MVP on the ice.
His preseason performance wasn’t limited to the ice. This blue suit rings in the preseason rankings. White patterned shirt, blue blazer with a nice pocket square. Material looks expensive and honestly, the yellow drink pulls it all together.
A slightly wrinkled jacket makes it look like he leads a busy life outside of hockey. Professional look for the “undersized” goaltender. His outfit gives off a tall guy vibe, 6’2” even. With David Goggins’ audio book playing over the AirPods, Wolf looks destined to, at the very least defend his crown as the AHL’s top goaltender.
2. Jacob Markstrom
Last season Marky had some questionable performances on and off the ice. He was a repeat offender of unfashionable mention last season but did have some notable top 5 performances.
The Swedish stopper looks ready to kill and have a bounce-back year. Simple design with quality to the max. Black suit, simple white shirt, a Givenchy tie and the Mercedes key fob dangling. To cap it all off, a watch that weighs more than Dustin Wolf.
Marky brought his 007 look to the rink this pre-season before a Win. He’ll be destined to take back the crease this season and leave his shaken performances behind him while stirring up Vezina conversation.
3. Nikita Zadorov
Nikita Zadorov was our undeniable Fit Check Champion in 2022–23. The Russian D-man made our top 5 throughout the season last year and seems destined to retain his title.
Zadorov’s unusual slide to third this edition is more in spirit of the preseason. Giving Dustin Wolf our top spot allows the young guys to get in the mix as well. Zadorov kept to the same tune as last season with this one.
He showed Jonathan Huberdeau how to properly pull off a green suit with this light green blazer. The tie to match and a white shirt keep the top simple. Cream short hemmed pants (no socks of course) to soak up some Alberta ankle sun before the snow hits.
4. Andrew Mangiapane
During an offseason filled with discussion of bounce-back performances, I think we just saw the comeback of the year already. Introducing: Andrew Mangiapane’s 2023–24 hairline.
Mang either secured a Biotine sponsorship this off-season or Darryl really was taking a lot out of his team. The dapper 27 year old started his Fit-Check season with a beaming grin and blue suit.
The white shirt, no tie, lightly patterned fabric in the suit, and briefcase clasp shoes really say: “My head’s never been warmer.” Mangiapane’s shiny new shoulder joint matches his watch to round out the fit.
5. Matthew Coronato
Matthew Coronato made his Fit-Check debut this edition to round out our pre-season top five. The young former Harvard University student looks ready to go in a simple blue ensemble.
Matthew’s expression, on the other hand, looks like he’s headed to an 8 a.m. seminar class. Coronato had an outstanding preseason and junior classic and will look to carry a large role in the Flames’ top-six.
Chain on, collar unbuttoned and a blue blazer says frat party. Meanwhile, the red socks bode well as a conversation starter in the locker room.
Unfashionable Mention – Chris Tanev
It was an oddly fashionable month for the Flames preseason. However, someone still needs to be named. Chris Tanev brings out a nice brown suit here, I don’t hate it whatsoever.
The black shoes with the brown pants seem like an illegal fashion move, but Ralph Lauren certainly isn’t calling me for any ideas. In between said shoe and pants, Chris brought the dachshunds out of the sock drawer to enjoy the weather.
Two pockets on the right of the jacket to carry false teeth and finger splints, with one on the left for less important items like wallets and keys.
Finally, the elephant in the room, Chris’ casserole dish. Where, how and why?
Was there a team potluck and Tanny’s returning someone’s dish? If so, whose dish?
What happens to the dish when he gets in the locker room? Is that casserole just hanging out in between periods above someone’s locker? Is he out there for warmups discussing lines with Ryan Huska? I need to know more about this casserole dish.
Well, maybe I just need the season to start so I have more pressing Flames content than lost and found cookware.
All photos courtesy of @NHLFlames.
You must be logged in to post a comment.