The Calgary Flames, parent club of the AHL’s Abbotsford Heat, announced today the signing of forward Carter Bancks and defenseman Joe Piskula.
Both players spent the 2010-11 season in Abbotsford on AHL contracts.
“When we signed Carter to an AHL deal last season, we told him if he went to Abbotsford and did everything that was asked of him, we would look to convert his AHL deal to an NHL contract,” said Flames general manager Jay Feaster. “Carter did everything we asked and then some, and he really has earned this new deal. We really like his work ethic and versatility and we consider him one of our bright young prospects who will play for us in Calgary one day.”
Bancks, 21, is a product of Marysville, B.C., and is entering his second season in the Flames organization. Playing in just 29 games last season due to injury, Bancks scored five goals and 14 assists for 19 points. At the time of his injury, this rookie Heat forward was leading the team in points, shorthanded points and plus/minus.
Bancks made his pro debut with the Heat late in the 2009-10 campaign, skating in nine regular-season games and 13 Calder Cup Playoff contests for Abbotsford.
Of Piskula, Feaster said: “Joe had a very strong year in Abbotsford last season and we actually discussed putting him on an NHL two-way prior to the trade deadline as we were confident he could come up and fill-in for us on defense. He adds to our depth on the blue line and provides solid leadership in Abbotsford. We are very pleased to have him in the organization and look forward to him making a push for a spot in training camp.”
In 71 games with the Heat last season, Piskula recorded 12 points and 73 penalty minutes. He played the three prior seasons with the AHL’s Manchester Monarchs, totaling two goals and 28 assists in 194 games from 2007-10.
