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Clay Wilson headed for Ukraine
By
WES GILBERTSON, QMI Agency
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  Clay Wilson of the Calgary Flames and Jarret Stoll of the Los Angeles Kings battle in front of Calgary Flames goalie Miikka Kiprusoff during NHL hockey action at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary on Wednesday, March 28, 2012. (QMI Agency/LYLE ASPINALL) |
CALGARY - Clay Wilson might be shooting for the same outcome as Calgary Flames assistant captain Mark Giordano.
Wilson, who skated in five contests for the Flames last winter, has reportedly signed a one-year deal with Ukraine-based Donbass Donetsk of the Kontinental Hockey League.
Before becoming a key cog on Calgary's blueline, Giordano spent the 2007-08 season in Russia.
The 29-year-old Wilson had a one-way deal with the Flames for next season but was likely ticketed for full-time duty in Abbotsford.
"In accordance with NHL rules and regulations the Calgary Flames have
terminated the contract of Clay Wilson," said Calgary Flames GM Jay Feaster. "He is no longer on
our reserve list. We wish Clay and his family well as he pursues his
career."
Giordano, Anton Babchuk, Jay Bouwmeester, Chris Butler, Cory Sarich, Derek Smith and Dennis Wideman are also on one-way pacts, while T.J. Brodie is expected to skate at the Saddledome although he can be demoted without clearing waivers.
Wilson logged a lot of ice-time for the AHL's Heat last season but will try to prove he's NHL-ready with a solid showing in Ukraine.
The 6-foot, 195-lb. defenceman collected no points in five games with the Flames in 2011-12.
wes.gilbertson@sunmedia.ca
