[News] Flames not renewing contracts of Troy G. Ward & Robbie Ftorek

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

This move is what it is. I'm neither upset or happy.

Ward was a good person, always great for a quote, loved working with the media and his players admired him. He put countless hours into his trade. He'd arrive at the arena at 4am to begin cutting up video and prepping for the day's lesson. On weekends, he'd stay at the arena after the game until the wee hours of the morning doing video work for the next morning. Sometimes he wouldn't go home. Say what you want about him, but no one worked harder than him. Period.

He was often unjustly criticized for not having developed any NHLers. However, when he finally got quality prospects under his tutorship, look what happened. Ortio, Wotherspoon, Granlund, Reinhart, Knight, Hanowski all with NHL playing time. I think it's fair to say at least four of those kids looked good at the NHL level. He was also responsible for Brodie, Bouma and Byron. Some may argue Brodie was the byproduct of Playfair, but Brodie himself said he didn't understand what Playfair was trying to team him, so Ward would have to explain it.

With that said, I think there was some difference of opinion in the direction of the organization with the new change in management. Therefore, it's best for everyone to be on the same page. Burke is, Treliving and his assistants are, Hartley is, I don't think Ward was - but he complied. So I think it's for the best if the organization is running like a well oiled machine, especially at such an important rebuilding juncture.

I wish Ward nothing but the best. I have no doubt he'll have no problem finding work. I thank him for all he's done with the prospects this season. Because of his body of work, there's finally some glimmer of hope for the future.

That's interesting, when you say difference of opinion on the direction of the organization do you think that comes down to the style of team building (aka the whole truculence and big=good philosophy Burke is infamous for)?

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by Matty81

That's interesting, when you say difference of opinion on the direction of the organization do you think that comes down to the style of team building (aka the whole truculence and big=good philosophy Burke is infamous for)?

Yes.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

I thought they were doing a great job on the farm team preparing these kids to be pros and coaching a responsible 200ft game/system.

Unnecessary move, IMO. I don't really understand it, seems almost like a knee jerk move by new management for the sake of making their presence known. Unless there's someone they have in mind to slot in right away that is.

Highly unlikely.

As you went to say, way more likely that the new Brads have their own guy in mind (which is totally understandable).

I thought Ward did a really good job, but there did seem to be a bit of a disconnect between him and Flames management (as PMM alluded to).

So I have no problem with this at all, as long as the new guy is a solid choice. And I am confident that this management team will have some excellent candidates in mind.

Edit: seems reasonable to think they have some guys in mind from the HC development programs.

[Drury18]

Well pencil me in as one of the "surprised" ones.

I did think Troy was the man for the job in Adirondak. He did very well with what he was given last season and coached the team out of a few holes when they were dealing with a bunch of injuries and callups. The Heat had their best season point wise as well as a number of players with career years and franchise years. Anyone called up was ready to play and make an impact with the Flames. He seemed to have developed good relationships with the players as well and they were more then willing to give it all for him. I'm not really sure what more you can ask from a coach. Or why a new GM/AGM would think they need to tinker with what was an all around successful year for the Heat.

Perhaps it is that Ward has offers from NHL teams. That really is the only explanation that would make sense to me.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Randy Sportak @SUNRandySportak · 28m

#Flames news: Former Abbotsford Heat coach Ward isn't bitter about not getting new contract. Understands these things happen with new GM 1/2

Randy Sportak @SUNRandySportak · 27m

Ward: “You're hoping you have a chance to come back, but you're realistic it's the business we're in.” #Flames

[Matty81]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Yes.

Too bad, well hopefully he lands on his feet somewhere quickly. Based on everything we've heard about his work ethic and intelligence it sounds like it won't take long.

Been said before but with the team moving on thanks again for your insights into Abby, always been valued and added a lot to the depth of discussion here, hopefully we have somebody half as good in Glen Falls!

[saXon]

It could have been a mutual parting of ways. Moving from Abby to Addy is a long distance. Also, keep in mind that Ward was looking for an NHL coaching position when Hartley's job was open. Ward may have looked at this as an opportunity to move ahead in his career.

[Flames Fan, Ph.D.]

Sad to hear this, as I thought the trajectory of our prospect development was clearly going up.

Also sad to hear this news for Ward personally, after having read that his pursuit of hockey has already made him sacrifice a lot on the personal side.

Good luck to both.

[Drury18]

Originally Posted by saXon

It could have been a mutual parting of ways. Moving from Abby to Addy is a long distance. Also, keep in mind that Ward was looking for an NHL coaching position when Hartley's job was open. Ward may have looked at this as an opportunity to move ahead in his career.

This move would have put Ward closer to home as I believe he is from Wisconsin and has his home there.

Edit: Wisconsin, not Minnesota.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by saXon

It could have been a mutual parting of ways. Moving from Abby to Addy is a long distance. Also, keep in mind that Ward was looking for an NHL coaching position when Hartley's job was open. Ward may have looked at this as an opportunity to move ahead in his career.

Not sure why you'd speculate that when this comment from Troy Ward himself is two posts up.

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Ward: “You're hoping you have a chance to come back, but you're realistic it's the business we're in.” #Flames

[saXon]

Originally Posted by flameswin

Not sure why you'd speculate that when this comment from Troy Ward himself is two posts up.

Most of the time, quotes like those are used to show good form, that they aren't parting ways on a sour note.

Quotes are one thing, but you don't know what went on in the meeting behind closed doors.

[FlamesAddiction]

Could be a good thing for Ward. He'll get an opportunity somewhere else.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by saXon

Most of the time, quotes like those are used to show good form, that they aren't parting ways on a sour note.

Quotes are one thing, but you don't know what went on in the meeting behind closed doors.

I get what you mean, but this was a very direct message from a very direct person. When Troy Ward says he was hoping to come back, but understands it's a business, I would take that at face value.

If it was mutual I'm pretty sure both sides would be happy to come out and say that.

[getbak]

If it were mutual or he was close to signing with an NHL team, I don't think they would have announced it like this.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by getbak

If it were mutual or he was close to signing with an NHL team, I don't think they would have announced it like this.

Exactly. A mutual parting isn't something an organization or coach would hide from the media. If anything a mutual parting is something an organization and coach may divert to with the media to make a bad break up seem better.

[saXon]

Meh, I perceive it differently.

I've been around both situations with fellow workmates.

[T@T]

Originally Posted by Wastedyouth

The Heat were horrible. Buoyed by good goaltending.

Interesting.

9th of 30th in the AHL in GF
14th of 30th in the AHL in GA

Did the goalies score goals?

[Yamer]

Based on your own analysis and personal opinion, PMM, do you think Ward is ready and/or earned a shot to step into an assistant role at the NHL level?

[OzSome]

Maybe Treliving is bring back Jim Playfair in Flames organization as the new head coach of Adirondack. They worked together in Phoenix and Playfair was actually pretty good coach in the AHL awhile ago winning a Calder Cup coaching Saint John Flames I guess or was it Salt Lake City? I can't remember now.

[It's a great day 4 hockey]

I wonder if Dave King would be interested? I would think Treliving would love to have him there, I know I would. Coach/Associate GM of Adirondack enough sway him? Would Phoenix let him go?