Lomberg makes an impression with a big fight on the ice then an appearance in his underwear on the Calgary Flames post-game show
Heavy fisted and lightly clothed. That's how Calgary Flames forward Ryan Lomberg spent his Friday night.
The Lomberghini has made quite an impression in his second stint in Calgary. Like the car that's referenced in his highly appropriate nickname, Lomberg is fast and loud. The noise is on and off the ice, through both his actions and words.
On Friday, in a massive 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils, Lomberg energized the Flames trying to finish a big hit on Paul Cotter, and then answering a challenge by 6-foot-4 winger Nathan Bastian by dropping the gloves.
Winning in an uncontested TKO, Lomberg landed a number of heavy left jabs and hooks that left Bastian stunned and injured. The extent of the damage isn't known but Bastian didn't return and the Devils confirmed he was injured.
Lomberg talked about the hit during his post-game interview with Flames TV. Both hosts Brendan Parker and Cory Sarich did their best to keep straight faces when Lomberg came out before changing into his street clothes.
The absolutely shredded 29-year-old, who's listed at 5-foot-9 and 184 pounds, made an impression immediately with what few outside the locker-room see. The "tarps off interview" will immediately go into Calgary Flames lore as a memorable one.
"I think guys know me to not to be a dirty guy. I'm hard (and) I'm physical," Lomberg said about the hit and the fight. "I respect my opponents and I don't want to hurt anybody.
"He just came over and thought he had to stand up for his teammate and obviously respect him for doing that."
There's a reason Lomberg is one of the most popular guys in the room. He leads by example on the ice with his work ethic and isn't shy to speak out in the room as well. He's also undyingly positive and energetic.
Winning a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers last season, Flames management brought Lomberg back to Calgary to help solidify the leadership group and maintain an optimistic environment and determination to continue working hard even when things aren't going well for a team in transition.
So far, he's done everything asked of him.