Calgary goalie makes behind-the-back glove save for the first great highlight of the NHL year

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NHL preseason has just begun, but thanks to Calgary Flames goalie Jon Gillies, the year of hockey highlights is now well under way.

Gillies only appeared in one game for the Flames last year and is currently the third goalie on the Flames roster and likely will start the season in the minors, but his amazing effort on the ice on Wednesday night might give Calgary reason to reconsider.

Five minutes into the second period with the Flames protecting a 3-2 lead, Gillies went behind-the-back and absolutely snatched a bouncing puck out of the air to make an early claim at save of the year.

You can watch the play unfold below.

Gillies would end the night with 19 saves on 23 shots in two periods of action, and the Flames would go on to lose the game 5-3. Calgary opens the regular season on October 4 against the Edmonton Oilers.