Flames Goalie Prospect Shines in AHL Debut

Recalled from the ECHL’s Rapid City Rush on Dec. 13, Calgary Flames prospect goaltender Arsenii Sergeev delivered a memorable American Hockey League debut, stopping 52 of 53 shots to earn a 2–1 win for the Calgary Wranglers over the San Diego Gulls at Scotiabank Saddledome.

Facing a game-high 53 shots, Sergeev was named the AHL’s First Star of the Night, capping a performance that showcased composure, endurance, and poise well beyond his professional experience.

“It was absolutely amazing,” Sergeev said. “It was a lot of shots, but it feels good.”

Thrown Into The Fire

Sergeev entered the crease at the start of the game and was tested immediately, turning aside 21 shots in the opening period as San Diego controlled possession early. The pressure never eased, with the Gulls continuing to generate offense throughout all three periods.

The lone goal against came late in the second period on a San Diego power play, when Sam Colangelo converted with around three minutes to play. Sergeev rebounded quickly, closing the door in the third period by stopping all 21 shots he faced to protect Calgary’s one-goal lead down the stretch.

By the final horn, Sergeev had posted a 52-save performance. It marked the most saves by a Wranglers goaltender this season while earning the first AHL win of his career.

A College Foundation

Before turning pro, Sergeev built his foundation in college hockey, beginning his NCAA career at UConn, where he spent two seasons developing his game at the Division I level. He later transferred to Penn State, a move that proved pivotal in both his development and the program’s history.

At Penn State, Sergeev helped lead the Nittany Lions to the Frozen Four for the first time in program history, gaining experience in high-pressure, high-stakes environments that mirrored the demands of his AHL debut.