Flames turn to Cooley as they seek first win against Avalanche

Devin Cooley will start for the Calgary Flames against the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday as Calgary tries to end an 0–3–0 opening stretch. Coach Ryan Huska confirmed the goalie decision before the October 8 game at Scotiabank Saddledome, which starts at 7 p.m. Mountain Time.

Cooley stopped 22 of 25 shots in his only appearance this season, a 4–1 loss at Vancouver on Saturday. Dustin Wolf started the two games against Seattle, allowing six goals in each. Calgary has scored once in each of its first three games and conceded 16 goals overall.

The Flames are also bringing new forwards into the lineup. Jonathan Castagna will make his NHL debut after being recalled from the AHL’s Calgary Wranglers on Wednesday. Aydar Suniev is set for his season debut, with both projected alongside Adam Klapka on the fourth line.

Castagna scored twice in his professional debut for the Wranglers last Friday. Calgary acquired him from Utah in March and signed him after his season at Cornell ended. His call-up follows the assignments of Connor Zary and Brayden Pachal to the Wranglers after they cleared waivers.

Colorado arrives at 2–1–0 after Wednesday’s 3–2 loss in Winnipeg. Kyle Connor scored the winning goal with a minute remaining despite the Avalanche’s 34–19 advantage in shots. Scott Wedgewood is expected to make his first start of the season after Mackenzie Blackwood played against the Jets.

The Avalanche have scored 16 goals through three games. Nathan MacKinnon has two goals and three assists, while Artturi Lehkonen has three goals. Colorado won all three meetings with Calgary last season; Thursday is the first of three scheduled meetings in 2026–27.

Sportsnet West is the listed Canadian broadcast, with Altitude and KTVD serving Colorado’s U.S. market. Regional restrictions apply. Tonight’s complete NHL viewing guide covers the other nine games, and the official Gamecenter carries the final pregame lineup.