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Happy with his game following the 2013-14 NHL season, the Calgary Flames signed Lance Bouma to a one-year contract last summer after his entry-level contract expired.

One more year to prove himself. One more year to show he could do more.

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And after 76 games, the 25-year-old winger from Provost, Alta., has 16 goals, 34 points, 256 (officially counted) hits, and 78 (officially counted) blocked shots which, you’d think, has added considerable worth to his role.

“But I’d rather talk about his progression than his value,” Flames head coach Bob Hartley was saying the other day. “From the moment I met Lance, he’s gotten better because he’s a worker. When you work, when you commit yourself to be a good pro, you’re going to get better on the ice.

“Lance is such a competitor … shot-blocking, driving. Hey, he’s shown us great progression.”

It didn’t happen overnight, either.

Drafted by the Flames in the third round of the 2008 NHL draft, the 6-foot-1 210-pounder bounced from the big club to the minors between 2010 and 2012. After three AHL games in 2012-13, he blew out his knee and was shelved for the entire season. Last year was his first full NHL campaign and he scored five goals and 10 assists.