The Calgary Flames announced on Friday that they are bringing Glen Gulutzan back to the organization as their next head coach. Gulutzan's relationship with the Flames comes from his time with the team's AHL affiliate, the Las Vegas Thunder.
Gulutzan spent seven years with the Thunder from 2003 to 2009, posting a record of 254-124-55. He was also named the league's coach of the year in 2006.
The 44-year-old does have time coaching in the NHL, spending two seasons with the Dallas Stars from 2011-2013. He failed to make the postseason, posting a record of 64-57-9. He now comes over to Calgary from their rival, Vancouver, where he was an assistant. The move is to replace Bob Hartley, who was fired on May 3rd after missing the playoffs in three of his four seasons.
Despite his time with the team's rival, Gulutzan's loyalty is not in question, stating "I know there's some history between Vancouver and Calgary, but I'm used to this flaming 'C." He also expressed his excitement in getting another opportunity to coach in the NHL, saying "it's a special honor to be the head coach."
He takes over a very young team with a lot of potential who just couldn't find their stride in the Western Conference. Lead by Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, the Flames will look to work their way back into the postseason sooner rather than later.
Gulutzan spent seven years with the Thunder from 2003 to 2009, posting a record of 254-124-55. He was also named the league's coach of the year in 2006.
The 44-year-old does have time coaching in the NHL, spending two seasons with the Dallas Stars from 2011-2013. He failed to make the postseason, posting a record of 64-57-9. He now comes over to Calgary from their rival, Vancouver, where he was an assistant. The move is to replace Bob Hartley, who was fired on May 3rd after missing the playoffs in three of his four seasons.
Despite his time with the team's rival, Gulutzan's loyalty is not in question, stating "I know there's some history between Vancouver and Calgary, but I'm used to this flaming 'C." He also expressed his excitement in getting another opportunity to coach in the NHL, saying "it's a special honor to be the head coach."
He takes over a very young team with a lot of potential who just couldn't find their stride in the Western Conference. Lead by Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, the Flames will look to work their way back into the postseason sooner rather than later.
