CALGARY - Leland Irving will start the season as the backup netminder for the Calgary Flames.
Just minutes after clearing waivers, Irving was on the ice for Friday's practice at the Saddledome.
Henrik Karlsson, the other candidate to be Miikka Kiprusoff's understudy, was not. Karlsson also cleared waivers and although he remains in Calgary, he has been designated for assignment.
Irving appeared in seven games for the Flames last season, posting a 1-3-3 record with a 3.20 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.
After Thursday's scrimmage, the 24-year-old puck-stopper told reporters he relished the opportunity to spend a full season in Kiprusoff's shadow.
