[Drury18]

Craig Conroy Interview (Pt 2)

Stockpile of Assets: Great to see stockpile of guys. Wotherspoon was great coming up to Calgary this year before injury. We have so many guys in the system and other teams are calling about our prospects and seeing them as NHL prospects and wanting the Flames to move them. Huge credit to scouts and Coach Ward. Pleasure to work with the kids, we drafted well, kids act like professionals and good people to be around.

On team moving: Personally, he liked the situation so he could fly out an hour and see them play and go home. Very convenient. Now the travel will be more of a burden. City of Abbotsford was unbelievable, fans were friendly and nice. Disappointing it didn't work out. He had a cushy job that way. Hoped more teams would move out West but it didn't happen and made it harder to make the team work in Abbotsford. (Sounds like decision to leave was 50/50 Flames and City of Abbotsford)

On Coach Ward: Canucks looking at Ward as a Coach. He's been great with the guys in Abbotsford. He knows he wants to coach in the NHL and the Flames will support him in that if the opportunity comes up. Easy to work with. If he goes to NHL and it doesn't work out, Flames would be happy to take him back. If he doesn't get an NHL job, Ward will be back next year.

On facing Grand Rapids: GR is experienced and good goaltending. They have talent and skill in the locker room. Hoped series would go longer so they wouldn't get anyone back. First round is toughest round and being best of 5 it's worse.