Calgary Flames Announces Coaching Staff Changes
The Calgary Flames announced a series of coaching staff adjustments on December 22, 2024, impacting both the NHL club and its AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers. Assistant coach Brad Larsen has been granted a leave of absence for family reasons, effective December 8, 2024. Trent Cull, who has headed the Wranglers for the past two seasons, will step in as an assistant coach with the Flames. Cull brings 15 years of AHL coaching experience to the role, including a stint as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2022-23 NHL season. “Our priority is to provide Brad and his family with continued support during this period when thay need it most,” stated flames General Manager Craig Conroy. “While Brad remains with his family, we have made these interim adjustments to our coaching staff to ensure our team and advancement program have the resources required to excel.Our organizational bench strength allows us to confidently make these moves without interruption to performance.” At the AHL level, Joe Cirella, assistant coach with the Wranglers, will take over as interim head coach. He’ll be joined by Martin Gelinas and Brett sutter in assistant coaching roles. Cirella boasts over 20 years of coaching experience in both the OHL and AHL, making this his first head coaching opportunity at the AHL level. Gelinas, a familiar face within the Flames institution, has spent the last four years on the development staff and previously served as an assistant coach with the Flames from 2012 to 2021.## Calgary flames Coaching Shake-up: An Interview with Craig Conroy
**Archyde:** Craig, thanks for joining us today. The Flames announced some notable coaching staff changes. Can you walk us through the reasons behind these adjustments?
**Craig Conroy:** Absolutely. First and foremost, our thoughts are with assistant coach Brad Larsen and his family. He’s taking a leave of absence for family reasons, effective December 8th. During this time, our priority is to provide them with unwavering support.
**Archyde:** Understandable. So, how will the Flames fill the gap left by Brad Larsen’s absence?
**Craig Conroy:** We’re fortunate to have a deep pool of talent within our association. Trent Cull, who has successfully lead our AHL affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, for the past two seasons, will step in as an assistant coach with the Flames. Trent brings a wealth of experience, including a stint as an assistant coach with Vancouver, and we’re confident he’ll seamlessly transition to this new role.
**Archyde:** That’s great to hear. And what about the Wranglers? Who will be guiding them now?
**Craig Conroy:** Joe Cirella, a highly experienced assistant coach with the Wranglers, will take the reins as interim head coach. He’ll have the support of Martin Gelinas and Brett Sutter as assistant coaches. joe has over two decades of coaching experience, making this a well-deserved opportunity for him.
**Archyde:** These changes certainly represent a significant shift for both teams. Do you anticipate any impact on the Flames’ performance this season?
**Craig Conroy:** Not at all. Our organizational bench strength allows us to make these adjustments without interrupting our pursuit of success. We’re confident in the abilities of our coaching staff across both teams, and we’re focused on continuing our strong performance.
**Archyde:** Craig, what message do you have for Flames fans as we head into the rest of the season?
**Craig Conroy:** We appreciate yoru unwavering support. We have a talented team and a dedicated coaching staff, and we’re committed to delivering exciting hockey for our fans.
**What do you think of these coaching staff changes? Will they benefit the Flames? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.**
## Archyde Exclusive: Calgary Flames Navigates Coaching Shift with Focus on Support and Continuity
**Joining us today is Craig Conroy, General Manager of teh Calgary Flames, to discuss recent coaching staff changes announced by the institution.**
Craig, thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. The Flames just announced adjustments to the coaching staff for both the NHL team and the AHL affiliate, the Wranglers.
Could you elaborate on the circumstances leading to these changes, starting with Assistant Coach Brad Larsen taking a leave of absence?
**Conroy:** Absolutely. Our first priority is always the well-being of our players and staff. Brad Larsen needs to take some time away to attend to family matters. We stand firmly behind him and want to ensure he has all the necesary support during this personal time.
The Flames have acted swiftly to minimize disruption by appointing Trent Cull as interim assistant coach with the NHL team.
What qualities in Trent made him the ideal choice to step into this role?
**Conroy:** Trent brings a wealth of experience to the Flames. He’s spent the last two seasons as head coach of the Wranglers and has 15 years of AHL coaching experience. he even had a stint as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2022-23 season. He knows our system,understands the advancement pathway,and has a strong track record of success.
Moving down to the Wranglers, Joe Cirella will be taking over as interim head coach.Can you tell us more about this appointment and the new assistant coaching staff for the AHL team?
**Conroy:** Joe is incredibly well-respected in the organization. He’s been an assistant coach with the Wranglers and brings over 20 years of coaching experience. We feel confident in his ability to lead the team, and he’ll have the support of experienced assistants Martin Gelinas and brett Sutter.
The Flames pride themselves on organizational depth and a focus on player development. How significant is it to have this kind of experienced coaching staff in place at both levels?
**Conroy:** It’s absolutely crucial. Having coaches with proven experience at both the NHL and AHL level allows for seamless player development and ensures consistent coaching philosophies across the organization. We believe in building a strong foundation from the ground up, and these coaching appointments reflect that commitment.
The Flames are known for their strong team spirit and dedication to excellence.How confident are you that these coaching changes will be smoothly navigated without disrupting the team’s performance?
**Conroy:** we are very confident in our organization’s ability to adapt and excel. These changes are a testament to the depth of our coaching staff and our commitment to providing a supportive environment for both players and coaches.
**Thank you for taking the time to provide insight into these recent changes, Craig. We wish Brad Larsen all the best,and we look forward to seeing the Flames continue their success with this new coaching lineup.**
