It’s been a busy couple weeks for those drafted in the 2024 NHL Draft. First, the nerves and excitement of the draft, then it’s off to development camp. Development camp is always a fun look into the newest crop of Flames draft picks. One of those newest draft picks is Eric Jamieson, who plays for the Everett Silvertips of the WHL and was drafted 177th overall. A Calgary kid getting drafted by his hometown team. Doesn’t get any better than that.
The Win Column was able to chat with him about everything that’s gone on in the last few weeks. My chat with him is included below.
Being drafted by the Flames
Where were you when you got drafted?
“I was watching at home with my family. My brother was watching a different feed and kind of spoiled it for us because he started cheering haha. About fifteen seconds later we saw it on the TV. Amazing moment.”
How did it feel to be drafted by the Flames? How were the nerves? You’re a Calgary kid. Played at Edge. There was a picture floating around of you and Sean Monahan.
“I had high hopes going in. Obviously nothing is for certain. But I talked to Calgary lots last year. Not so much this year, but every time Calgary had a pick come around, I kind of had my eyes open. It feels super great to be drafted by them. Hometown team and all.”
Did you know Andrew Basha at all before you were both drafted by the Flames?
“Yeah! I played with Basha in spring hockey. Plus, we’ve had lots of summer workouts and things like that.”
Development camp
How was development camp in Calgary? You attended the Kraken’s camp last year, but I’m sure this one was different.
“Yeah it’s definitely different. You are treated a little different when you’re a draft pick vs. a camp invite, that’s for sure. Flames camp was a super cool experience. I was impressed with the crowd. Stands were all full during the scrimmage game. I’m not a huge golfer, but the golf game in Kananaskis was super cool. A buddy of mine works there and was hyping it up. It definitely lived up the hype.”
A lot of the development staff (Martin Gelinas, Michael Stone) are former Flames and some great ones. Their GM is a former Flame as well. How cool is it as a Calgary kid to watch these guys and now work with them at development camp?
“It was very cool to meet Conroy. I worked a lot with Michael Stone as he worked with the defenceman. It’s really cool.”
Was there anyone in particular who really helped you at development camp?
“I skated a lot with Dean Seymour. I skated with him a few times before. Great teacher, great coach. Different ways and techniques of coaching.”
What does the off-season look like?
Do you have any Stampede plans? As a local guy, were you showing any of the other Flames prospects around?
“I kept it pretty dialed in during development camp hahaha. I’m heading to the grounds tonight. Going to the evening show.”
What does the rest of the off-season look like for you?
“It’s right back into workouts. Lots of local skates and skills stuff.”
Talking about Everett
I have to ask about your head coach, Dennis Williams. He’s moving to the NCAA next year. Very highly regarded, coached Canada at the World Juniors. How was he as a coach and developing your game?
“I like playing for Willy. He’s a great coach. Rewards hard work. Held guys accountable. Built a really good tradition.”
How big is the physical side of the game for you? We’ve seen some great highlights and some fights on hockeyfights.com involving you.
The physicality side is a big part of my game. Big part of what helps my team win. I want to be a presence. Kill plays quickly and get pucks north.”
Who is the go-to artist for you guys pre-game?
“Tarin Smith (drafted in the third round by the Anaheim Ducks in 2024) was our guy to music guy in Everett. I sit next to him in the dressing room so I got to pick some stuff and give my input. We played EDM music to start. Then we switch to rap as we get closer to gametime. About fifteen minutes before warmups, we switch to a SoundCloud playlist.”
Any reasoning behind wearing number five?
“I wore 15 at Edge, and when I moved onto Everett they already had a 15. So, I switched to number five. I guess that’s a more fitting number for a defenceman anyways hey? Hahaha. In development camp, I was able to snag 55 as I played with Mark DePasquale’s son.”
We want to send a thank you to Eric for taking time out of his busy off-season schedule to chat with us. We also want to thank his agent—Dave Cowan—for making him available.
