Flames Name Martin Gelinas as Assistant Coach

The Calgary Flames have announced the hiring of another Assistant Coach in Martin Gelinas today.

Flames fans will remember Gelinas for his heroics during the 2004 run. What they may not know is that after the final year of his playing career he took a position with the Nashville Predators, as Director of Player Development starting in 2009.

In his playing career he reached the Cup Finals four times and won it with the Edmonton Oilers in 1990. He has been a part of the Predators recent rise to a playoff calibre NHL team.

Gelinas has been part of a organization that is widely respected for its work in drafting and in player development while under cost constraints.

Like John Weisbrod from the Bruins, their former Director of Pro & Collegiate Scouting, Feaster continues to add another member to the Flames staff from a successful hockey operations group in the NHL.

Hard to knock this pick up. Gelinas does not have a wealth of coaching experience but his hockey experience is indisputable. He is familiar with Craig Conroy, Jarome Iginla and Kipper and the fact that Calgary is his family’s permanent home likely made the offer an easy choice for him.

“It’s exciting,” Gelinas said. “Calgary is home for me. My heart has always been here from 2004 on. You never forget what you accomplished. ~ Martin Gelinas – June 14th, 2012

by M Smith