Flames Make Coaching Changes Amidst Leave of Absence
The Calgary Flames organization announced coaching changes involving both the NHL club and its American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, on today. These changes come following an indefinite leave of absence granted to Flames assistant coach Brad Larsen due to family reasons.
Wranglers Coach to Join Flames Staff
Wranglers head coach Trent Cull will step up to the Flames coaching staff as an assistant for the foreseeable future. This will be Cull’s second stint with an NHL team, having previously served as an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks during the 2022-23 season. Cull enters his second year as Wranglers bench boss after a successful 15-year career coaching in the AHL.
Supporting Larsen and Addressing Team Needs
“Our priority is to provide Brad and his family with continued support during this period when they need it most,” said 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 development program have the resources required to excel. Our organizational bench strength allows us to confidently make these moves without interruption to performance.”
Cirella to Lead Wranglers on Interim Basis
Taking over as head coach of the Wranglers on an interim basis is assistant coach Joe Cirella. He will be joined by Martin Gelinas as an assistant coach alongside Brett Sutter. Cirella brings over 20 years of coaching experience from the OHL and AHL, while Gelinas has been with the Flames development staff for the past four years and has prior experience as an assistant coach with the Flames from 2012-2021.
Stay tuned for updates on the Flames and Wranglers as they navigate these coaching changes.