Official Website of the Calgary Flames

GETTING ACQUAINTED

Thursday, 21.06.2012 / 2:43 PM

New Flames head coach Bob Hartley is in Pittsburgh this week and while it isn't unusual for coaches to be present at the NHL Draft, the bench boss has likely been a bit more involved in the team's final preparations than his counterparts around the League as he familiarizes himself with the organization.

"I met all the amateur scouts, I met the pro scouts, I was part of part of the meetings," he said on Thursday afternoon. "I really like the people. I see that there is a commitment to making sure that the Calgary Flames get the best players possible. It has been very valuable to me, knowing about the organization and about the people in the organization."

Sitting in the Flames scouting meetings has been an eye-opening experience for Hartley and the constant communication between the scouting staff and hockey operations has impressed him.

"That's the key in order to be successful."

Hartley's presence is also beneficial if trade possibilities arise. He'll be able to give his opinion before Flames GM Jay Feaster makes a move. Hartley has been around the game for a long time and his input, along with that of the pro scouts, are a valuable resource for hockey operations.

Expect to see Hartley quite often over the next few days and watch for more interviews with him on CalgaryFlames.com.

2012 FLAMES PICKS
MARK JANKOWSKI
CENTRE - CGY
Round 1 - 21st Overall
PATRICK SIELOFF
DEFENCE - CGY
Round 2 - 42nd Overall
JON GILLIES
GOALTENDER - CGY
Round 3 - 75th Overall
BRETT KULAK
DEFENCE - CGY
Round 4 - 105th Overall
RYAN CULKIN
DEFENCE - CGY
Round 5 - 124th Overall
CODA GORDON
LEFT WING - CGY
Round 6 - 165th Overall
MATT DEBLOUW
CENTRE - CGY
Round 7 - 186th Overall
FLAMES FAN DRAFT POLL