[sureLoss]

http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/02/01...03b4c9c46212a7

Before Belfry even had his first face-to-face meeting with Backlund last summer, he asked the Calgary Flames centre to provide footage for a video analysis.

The verdict?

"I think the biggest thing that stuck out is that he has a tremendous amount of skill but wasn't sure, wasn't clear, on how to convert that skill into making plays," Belfry recalled. "I'm not sure that he really knew and, still, I'm not sure that he really knows how good of a player he could actually be."

Belfry is hoping to help him get there.

Based in St. Catharines, Ont., the independent skills coach is best known for his work with Chicago Blackhawks sharpshooter Patrick Kane, but that's not the only big name on his client list.

New York Islanders captain John Tavares, Colorado Avalanche speedster Matt Duchene and talented winger Zach Parise, of the Minnesota Wild, who are in Calgary for Saturday's Hockey Night in Canada clash with the Flames (8 p.m., CBC, Sportsnet 960 The Fan), also consult Belfry.

At the suggestion of his agents, Backlund hooked up with the founder of the Pro PlayMakers program after the lockout-shortened season, a supplement to what he learns from Flames boss Bob Hartley and his assistants on a day-to-day basis.

The video assessment was the first step. Now, the 24-year-old centre receives statistical analysis and clips from Belfry every five games or so and says he's benefited from the extra set of eyes.

Flames centre Joe Colborne has also enlisted Belfry as he tries to translate his top-notch offensive skills into more points at the NHL level.

"(Belfry) is a smart guy and he knows hockey really well," Backlund said after Friday's practice at the Saddledome. "In November, when I was struggling, he told me, 'Just try to hold onto the puck for four or five seconds instead of throwing it away right away. Just see what happens when you do that.' "