Flames hire new coach
26.06.01 14:45MST
Fyvie hires replacement Paul Maurice
Dave Fyvie has announced today that he is stepping down as Head Coach of the Calgary Flames by introducing his replacement, Paul Maurice (pictured). Maurice was recently released from his coaching duties in Carolina where he had coached for the previous 5 seasons.
"We are extremely excited today to announce the new coach of the Calgary Flames. Maurice is a coach I have admired for several years and we are honoured to have him step behind the bench, here in Calgary."
The move was unexpected as from all accounts, Fyvie seemed intent on guiding the Flames behind the bench for at least another season.
"I think I felt that the team I had assembled had underperformed this past season. I think I am doing myself and my team a disservice by remaining as the coach. This team and this city deserve a professional to do the job."
Maurice has had mixed results in Carolina, but does possess a track record in the NHL and is taking over a team with more talent than his previous group.
"We have a good team here. It's a tough climb to make the playoffs, but the group of guys are more than capable of getting us there." Maurice said.
When asked why he decided to make the move, Fyvie was absolutely clear. "I saw Paul was available and pulled the trigger. Relinquishing my role as coach was something that was always on the table for me. It was just a matter of me seeing if the right fit was available, and when Paul became available I had to make the move."
This is Fyvie's first coach hiring of his tenure as General Manager. This is Paul Maurice's second job as Head Coach. He coached the Carolina Hurricanes from 1996 to 2001 season.