Flames hire Gelinas as assistant coach

CALGARY – The Calgary Flames named Martin Gelinas as an assistant coach Thursday. He will join new head coach Bob Hartley, associate coach Jacques Cloutier and goaltending coach Clint Malarchuk on Calgary's staff for the 2012-13 season.

"I'm happy to be back with the team and the city that I know so well," Gelinas said. "I have so many fond memories of my time as a player in Calgary, and my family and I have made it our home ever since. I look forward to contributing to Calgary's success and being part of a winning team."

Gelinas played two seasons with the Flames from 2002-04, scoring 87 points in 157 games. In 26 playoff games he had 8 goals and 7 assists. He is best remembered with the Flames for scoring three playoff series-clinching goals in the same year, two of them in overtime, during Calgary's 2004 run to the Stanley Cup Final.

Gelinas retired from the NHL following the 2007-08 season with the Nashville Predators and played one more season in the Swiss National A League before joining the Predators front office as director of player development.

"We are excited to add Marty to our coaching staff," Hartley said. "As a player, he was known for his incredible fitness and conditioning as well as an unparalleled work ethic. We know that he will bring the same enthusiasm and commitment as a coach combined with his experience from his former position in player development with Nashville. He will be well respected by our players for his reputation as a former player, his on-ice accomplishments and his eagerness to improve our team."