Bob Hartley named coach of the Calgary Flames

Long-time NHL coach Bob Hartley will be the next coach of the Calgary Flames, the team confirmed through a news release posted on its website.

Flames GM Jay Feaster: “Bob Hartley is a winner... and we are confident he is going to continue his winning ways in Calgary.”

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James Mirtle (@mirtle) May 31, 2012

Hartley coached the Colorado Avalanche from 1998 to 2002, winning the Stanley Cup in 2001. He also coached the Atlanta Thrashers for parts of five seasons. Hartley spent time as a television analyst, and last season, he coached a team based in Zurich.

Hartley has a close relationship with Calgary general manager Jay Feaster, reports the Minneapolis Star Tribune‘s Michael Russo.

Hartley was coach of '97 Hershey team that won Calder Cup when Feaster was GM. Hartley is godfather of Feaster's youngest son, Ryan. #flames

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Michael Russo (@Russostrib) May 31, 2012

Calgary missed the playoffs for the third straight season in 2011-12.