VP Hockey Administration and CFO Michael Holditch has been in the role of Vice President of Hockey Administration and Chief Financial Officer with the Calgary Flames since 2002. In this role Michael works closely with General Manager & Head Coach Darryl Sutter and Director of Hockey Administration Mike Burke on the direction of all hockey operations including CBA interpretation, team development, administration and tracking of the player budget, player negotiations, arbitration, scheduling and contract review and documentation.
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Michael joined the organization in 1994. Prior to moving to the hockey operations group, Holditch was the Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for the organization and the Governor of the Western Hockey League's Calgary Hitmen for five years through the 2002-2003 season. Michael also serves as the Treasurer of the Flames Foundation, the charity that is responsible for many of the organization's charitable initiatives.
Michael is a native Calgarian who attended the University of Calgary, graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1988. Upon completion of his degree he also qualified for and practiced as a Chartered Accountant in Calgary. Michael and his wife Cara have two daughters, Brynn and Cade.
Director of Hockey Administration Mike Burke join the Calgary Flames in 2002.
Since the start of the 1994-95 season, when Burke moved to the hockey department and was promoted to his current position, he has been responsible for the adminstration of the hockey club. He continues to work closely with GM/coach Darryl Sutter in managing many facets of the Flames hockey organization.
Burke's vast experience in hockey-related matters has made him a valuable part of the hockey staff. His main responsibilities include contract research, analysis and negotiation, player assignments, preparation of salary arbitrations, liaison between the NHL and the Flames regarding all aspects of hockey administration, monitoring collective bargaining issues and helping coordinate the day-to-day operations of the club.
Prior to his current appointment Burke was responsible for the club's media relations and communications.
A graduate of the Public Relations program at Mount Royal College, Burke began his sports administration career with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL in 1980 before serving two seasons as General Manager of a minor-pro team in the Montreal Expos' organization. He has often worked with the NHL at all-star games and Stanley Cup Final events. In 1996, Burke was added as a member of Team Canada's hockey operations staff for the World Cup of Hockey tournament.
A native of Plato, Sask., Burke and his wife Sandra have two children, Keaton (14) and Reid (10).
Director of Player Personnel Duane Sutter joined the Flames in the summer of 2008 following 11 seasons with the Florida Panthers management group.
In his last five years with the Panthers T he held the position of Director of Player Development but also worked in other capacities with the Panthers including head coach, assistant coach and pro scout.
Duane played on four consecutive Stanley Cup winners with the New York Islanders during his 11-year playing career, spending eight seasons with the Islanders and three with the Chicago Blackhawks, before retiring after the 1989-90 campaign. Sutter appeared in 731 NHL games, recording 139 goals, 342 points and 1,333 penalty minutes. After completing his playing career, he spent two seasons as a scout for the Blackhawks, before taking over as head coach of the team's IHL affiliate in Indianapolis for three years.
One of six brothers to have played in the NHL (Brent, Brian, Darryl, Rich and Ron) and one of four (Brian, Darryl and Brent) to become an NHL head coach, Sutter was a first-round draft pick of the New York Islanders in 1979 (17th overall).
A native of Viking, AB, Sutter and his wife, Cindy, have three children, daughters Darby and Kassie and son Brody. The Sutters make Calgary their year round home.
