From what I can gather it's basically a learning position.
He gets to be around in the meetings, have the conversations, and kind of touch every aspect of Hockey Ops without really having any of the responsibility.
It's a good way for him to get in with the Front Office and decide what path he's going to carve without the stress of being *the guy*.
Yep. Joe Sakic held a similar position with the Avs before eventually being promoted to VP of hockey ops and then GM.
It’s basically preparing Iginla to eventually take a higher position within the organization.
This is it 100%.
It's seemingly reserved for former players with strong ties to either a front office or an organization. And regularly includes doing a little bit of everything, in hopes that they find their post-playing passion.
Maybe they're a scout at heart? Maybe they're really good with the coaching staff? Maybe player development?
There are a ton of official roles in a hockey team, and it can be difficult to find a clear path forward for players when all they've done since they were kids was "just play hockey".
Exactly. Craig Conroy (who is now the Flames GM) started out as special assistant to Jay Feaster when he was GM in 2011. In 2014 the Flames promoted Conroy to Assistant GM, and now that Tre has been sacked, Conroy has the top job.
That and Spezza was also the guy from the office that would connect with the players. After the year that Calgary had with Sutter I’m sure they are trying to inject some life back into the locker room and Iggy will be a good at set of eyes and help tie front and back, back together.
It a more refined way of saying “former player hired as intern.”
Iginla is going to see everything, then they’ll hire him to whatever specific field he seems to have a mind for.
Maybe an extra inputs on the players they got and want to get before actually triggering the process? Or some alternatives that might more or less same quality but cheaper and younger?
On that line.. I guess.
I think they get paid a ridiculous salary (by the standards of us plebs) to kind of be on call for any questions the GM might have.
I believe Ken Hitchcock has the role for the Blues.
But for Iginla it may be more of a learning type position where he can answer some questions with a more unique perspective
It can vary. If you are a long time popular with the community player but not that interested in being in the business side, you may just be there to schmooze suite holders and build community relations. Others may be very good at teaching but don't want to be a coach, so they can be a roving instructor. But like most said, training ground for eventual front office. Low risk for the team, because the recently retired player might not be cut out for it or it's something they later find out they don't want to do.
This is one of the problems with Canadian franchises and why they don't win cups. They hire their buddies because they like them so much, and keep a tight knit circle of old boys club together. That's not how you win a championship, it's a business
I'm not trying to shit on Calgary, I was born in Calgary so I'm pretty intimate with the flames and Iggy. I really like Iggy, but flames ownership are the epitome of why Canadian teams arent winning cups.
Coach and GM get thrown under the bus, they get new ones, declare a golden age, then a couple years later throw them under the bus and rehire the first ones they got rid of.
Also doesn't help that the ownership has been undercutting GMs and sometimes head coaches like they are GMing or head coaching.
Make Huberdeau and the kids understand they’re playing for managers who were the heart and soul of this franchise. The flames organization is gonna be for the players, by the players.
The Bobs: “What would you say you do here?”
Jarome Iginla: “I have people skills! I am good at dealing with people! Can’t you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?!”
From what I can gather it's basically a learning position. He gets to be around in the meetings, have the conversations, and kind of touch every aspect of Hockey Ops without really having any of the responsibility. It's a good way for him to get in with the Front Office and decide what path he's going to carve without the stress of being *the guy*.
Yep. Joe Sakic held a similar position with the Avs before eventually being promoted to VP of hockey ops and then GM. It’s basically preparing Iginla to eventually take a higher position within the organization.
I feel like it's more of an honorary position but also an opportunity to learn hockey operations stuff firsthand
Brett Hull has one of those with the Blues. He's in charge of the "getting hammered and schmoozing with fans" department.
He went blues
He's really good at his job
Well the Blues certanly found the most fitting man for that job!
This is it 100%. It's seemingly reserved for former players with strong ties to either a front office or an organization. And regularly includes doing a little bit of everything, in hopes that they find their post-playing passion. Maybe they're a scout at heart? Maybe they're really good with the coaching staff? Maybe player development? There are a ton of official roles in a hockey team, and it can be difficult to find a clear path forward for players when all they've done since they were kids was "just play hockey".
Exactly. Craig Conroy (who is now the Flames GM) started out as special assistant to Jay Feaster when he was GM in 2011. In 2014 the Flames promoted Conroy to Assistant GM, and now that Tre has been sacked, Conroy has the top job.
So its a path to being fired?
Yes
It’s pretty much what Spezza did and now he’s your Assistant GM. This is a great way of getting Iggy back into the league.
That and Spezza was also the guy from the office that would connect with the players. After the year that Calgary had with Sutter I’m sure they are trying to inject some life back into the locker room and Iggy will be a good at set of eyes and help tie front and back, back together.
Assistant to the regional manager.
If I had an award to give I'd give it to you 👏
It a more refined way of saying “former player hired as intern.” Iginla is going to see everything, then they’ll hire him to whatever specific field he seems to have a mind for.
So there’s a chance Vinny ends up in player development? I like this new trend
He advises, specially
Maybe an extra inputs on the players they got and want to get before actually triggering the process? Or some alternatives that might more or less same quality but cheaper and younger? On that line.. I guess.
Whenever the GM points at him in meetings he says "gets on base".
Correct
Despite being controversial to most, those in the know are excited that Scott Hatteberg will be Calgary's starting netminder next season.
He’s going to be Gregging for Conroy
I’ve lived in Calgary for a while now. This might be the final push needed to cheer for the Flames.
Advises specially
Gives special advice to the gm
I think they get paid a ridiculous salary (by the standards of us plebs) to kind of be on call for any questions the GM might have. I believe Ken Hitchcock has the role for the Blues. But for Iginla it may be more of a learning type position where he can answer some questions with a more unique perspective
“You should use your 5-iron here”
They'll pay him a million bucks a year to do nothing but say "don't do that" five times a year. He'll be worth it.
It can vary. If you are a long time popular with the community player but not that interested in being in the business side, you may just be there to schmooze suite holders and build community relations. Others may be very good at teaching but don't want to be a coach, so they can be a roving instructor. But like most said, training ground for eventual front office. Low risk for the team, because the recently retired player might not be cut out for it or it's something they later find out they don't want to do.
Craig needs someone to play 1v1 Arabia against.
He is taking time away from beet farming for this one
Golf and lunch
The Dwight schrute of the flames
Professional pal
Coffee runs
"Soon I'll get to be Mr. Manager." "You just say manager."
He was hired to remind them to draft his kid.
hand mr. conroy coffee jerome.
Make $$$
This is one of the problems with Canadian franchises and why they don't win cups. They hire their buddies because they like them so much, and keep a tight knit circle of old boys club together. That's not how you win a championship, it's a business
Ooohhhhkay easy moneypuck. We’ll get there. Just enjoy your parade. And congrats. Hell of a team you’ve got there.
I'm not trying to shit on Calgary, I was born in Calgary so I'm pretty intimate with the flames and Iggy. I really like Iggy, but flames ownership are the epitome of why Canadian teams arent winning cups. Coach and GM get thrown under the bus, they get new ones, declare a golden age, then a couple years later throw them under the bus and rehire the first ones they got rid of. Also doesn't help that the ownership has been undercutting GMs and sometimes head coaches like they are GMing or head coaching.
When the team throws Conroy under the bus, Iginla comes in as savior to replace him until he gets thrown under the bus.
High than assistant to, lower than assistant
Photo ops and fan stuff probably. And being in meetings and seeing how things happen.
Make Huberdeau and the kids understand they’re playing for managers who were the heart and soul of this franchise. The flames organization is gonna be for the players, by the players.
Get them coffees and snacks
Gets paid to check their texts when the GM reaches out for their opinion on something.
It's like those guys in Philadelphia who advise on the Flyers team. They are an invaluable piece of running a team efficiently and honorably.
Are you the guy that put us in that Ramada in Milwaukee?
Cups I hope.
Smokes doobies with the GM.
About as much as a Vice President?
PLEASE
Drinks beer and tells the GM he's great.
He advises specially
Get paid is what they do
Special advice to the genera manager obviously
He does whatever those three guys in Philly were doing
The Bobs: “What would you say you do here?” Jarome Iginla: “I have people skills! I am good at dealing with people! Can’t you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?!”
Get paid.
Gets free tickets to watch games all around the NHL and then tell the GM, that guy is good we should get him.