CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Flames coach Bob Hartley acknowledged the obvious when he publicly praised the selection of defenseman Mark Giordano as Calgary’s captain.
“Mark represents all the qualities that we set as a coaching staff and an organization,” Hartley said. “He is a quality man who is proud to represent the Calgary Flames both on and off the ice. We are very happy with (him) setting the example for our team, and especially our young players, as we move through this crucial yet exciting period in the history of the Flames franchise.”
Indeed, they will need all the help they can get. Calgary is coming off another disappointing season, and there are fewer and fewer stars around the locker room these days.
The Flames launched a complete rebuilding of the franchise at the trade deadline last season, and continued the overhaul during the offseason with a series of trades. A playoff berth doesn’t seem likely this year, but Calgary will have a foundation for the future, if nothing else.
The Flames open vs. Washington on Oct. 3.
