For the first time in exactly three months, the Calgary Flames returned to the ice at the Saddledome yesterday.

Well, at least a few of them, including Cochrane's Dillon Dube. 

Dube was one of five Flames who participated in a skate led by Flames captain Mark Giordano yesterday.  It was the first practice allowed after the NHL implemented Phase Two of its return-to-play plan which allowed teams to re-open training facilities for small groups of players to take part in non-contact training both one and off the ice.

Dube and Giordano were joined by Mark Jankowski, Michael Stone, and prospect Matthew Phillips. The NHL rules for phase two allow for a maximum of six players and a small group of coaches to be allowed together at one time to be sure there is a safe and controlled environment.

The NHL has also announced training camps for the return to the season will open on July 10.

We're also expecting to hear which cities will serve as the league's hub-cities around the same time.

The NHL is planning a 24-team playoff in late July. The Flames will play the Winnipeg Jets in a five-game opening-round series.