Flames dismiss Maurice
01.12.04 08:45MST
Fyvie fires coach and returns behind bench
In a surprising move, Dave Fyvie announced this morning the dismissal of his Head Coach Paul Maurice (pictured), effective immediately. The Flames currently in the middle of a long home-stand, find themselves one game below .500 and in 9th place in the conference with 23 points in 24 games.
"We have been spinning our tires all season. This move is in the interest of the team, and in the interest of the players." Said Fyvie who did not announce a successor. "I will not be replacing Maurice at this time with a new hire. I will be stepping in behind the bench in an interim capacity."
Both Maurice and Fyvie are in the last year of their respective deals, making the move not that surprising considering the anaemic start to the season. The Flames have topped 100 points the last two seasons and are the defending Division champs. Both of those accomplishments seem a world away this season as the Flames have struggled to win games.
"We're finding ways to lose. We're not making the adequate changes and adjustments on the ice." Fyvie said of the team.
For all his faults, Maurice has been a solid addition to the team when he was hired prior to the 2001/2002 season. As the Flames coach he was an impressive 143-81-36 record but has struggled in the first two months of this season as his team seems unable to replace Chris Drury who was an integral member of Maurice's game structure. The Flames have also suffered several injuries to key players to start the season too, losing Robyn Regehr, Dan Boyle, and Brad Richards for periods of time. Zbynek Michalek, who has established himself as a top four member of the blueline is out indefinitely with a broken hand.
The Flames next play December 3rd when they host the Conference leading Vancouver Canucks which will prove to be Fyvie's first challenge as he steps behind the bench.