Flames signal change of direction
01.06.00 13.26 MST
Caretakers Coates and Sutter out, Dave Fyvie in as new Coach and General Manager
Days after the surprising image of LA King Luc Robitaille raising the cup over his head was beamed across the league, the team that finished 4 points back of the Cinderella Kings has made a radical change in their front office: a new Coach/GM.
33 year old Dave Fyvie, a dual citizen from Naperville Illinois, intends on steering the seemingly forever rebuilding Calgary Flames back into the playoffs.
Harley Hotchkiss (pictured), Owner and Team President announced the hiring this afternoon. “As an organisation was have deep gratitude for how Al Coates has carefully steered this hockey club through a very tumultuous time”. He added “With his job as caretaker done, we are happy to announce a new General Manager and Coach for the Calgary Flames effective immediately. A new man for a new decade of Flames hockey”.
“I think we have the pieces to make the playoffs this year”. Dave Fyvie said in front of a packed media room inside the bowels of the Saddledome. “There’s more depth on this team than people realise. With a couple of minor roster adjustments, we can be playing hockey in May and hopefully June”.
Dave Fyvie went further to illustrate the kind of hockey team he wants to build. “I am keen to build this team down the middle and across the back. So much of the game depends on your centres and defenders and the game between the dots. We have areas of strength on the roster, it is now to to build from that and ice a competitive hockey team.”
Careful not to name any players, Fyvie highlighted the need to be thorough and decisive. “We’ve got a busy few weeks. the Expansion Draft, Free Agency and hosting the Draft make this a critical time for the team.”
The 33-36-13 Flames finished 3rd in the competitive Northwest Division, missing the playoffs by 4pts. Calgary is also hosting the 2000 Entry draft next month, and is eager for their new GM to get started. The move signals an end to the Al Coates era which saw the team transition from a winning Hockey club to rebuilding venture, moving out franchise pillars Theo Fleury, and Joe Nieuwendyk for building blocks Jarome Iginla, and Robyn Regehr.
There is no news at this time regarding Calgary’s existing coaching, scouting and training staff. More to follow.