With three prospects playing, Flames pulling for Providence

BOSTON — The Calgary Flames are big Providence boosters this week, with three prospects — all juniors — playing big roles in the Friars’ postseason success.

Goaltender Jon Gillies receives the most attention, following standout seasons both in Providence and behind the U.S. Under-18 Team. Defenseman John Gilmour and center Mark Jankowski also have participated in Calgary’s prospect-development camps.

“They’re both really good guys,” Jankowski told CalgaryFlames.com. “I’m hanging out with both those guys a lot. We have a tight-knit team.”

“We’re a pretty close bunch and hang out a lot around here, especially this week,” Gilmour echoed during the prospect camp.

“We go through the same experiences. It’s just good that it’s a good group of guys … it’s going to help us throughout the year, for sure,” he told the Flames’ team site.

“Mark, John and I have become pretty close, playing together at development camp and all that,” Gillies said Wednesday. “It’s awesome to see the Flames making a push for the playoffs here, and we’re really pulling for them. But [to get back to our guys], it’s nice being on a team when you get to go through some of that stuff together. It’s been a fun ride with those two, and hopefully we can keep it going.”