Calgary Flames name Ryan Huska as new head coach

The 47-year-old Huska was an assistant in Calgary for five seasons. He was named head coach by new general manager Craig Conroy.

“Ryan has 11 seasons on the bench as a head coach in the WHL and AHL and has been coaching for over twenty years. He has earned this opportunity and we are confident he is the right coach for our team,” Conroy said.

As a player, Huska got a glimpse of the NHL in the only game he played for Chicago in 1998 against Calgary. He ended his active career at the age of 25.

“I come in a slightly different position than most coaches because I know the players very well. We have excellent hockey players in the locker room who want to win. My job is to inspire them every day to help us move forward,” said Huska. Calgary also has Czech goalkeeper Daniel Vladař in the team.