By Jon Alba

Former Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey forward Bryce Van Brabant agreed to a deal with the Calgary Flames on Saturday, with the team announcing that he would be expected to hit the ice this upcoming Tuesday.

Should he play, Van Brabant will become the first Quinnipiac men’s ice hockey player in program history to play in an NHL game. Former goaltender Eric Hartzell suited up last season, but did not play.

Van Brabant discussed signing with the Flames with Flames TV.

“We had a loss to Providence in the NCAA’s, and then after that, just talked to my agent, kind of got some offers and I so I had to kind of make a decision pretty quick,” he said. “I was rolling through the motions, I was kind of a wreck for a while, I didn’t get much sleep, but it’s nice to be over with and finally made a decision.”

He also mentioned what helped him come to a decision to sign with Calgary.

“I came to development camp last year, I was familiar with everybody, I liked what they had implemented and kind of the systems they wanted and I felt like it was just a great fit for me,” he said.

Van Brabant was also asked about losing in the NCAA Tournament this past Friday against Providence.

“I guess it’s hard,” he said. “You’re with the whole team, especially college, with the same guys the whole year. After what we did last year, going to the Frozen Four, that’s kind of what our goal was this year. It was disappointing to lose in that fashion, and get another shutout and stuff. So it sucks to leave them, but at the same time, I’m excited to start something new.”

The entire interview can be found below.

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