ON THE PASSING OF TOM WEBSTER

CALGARY -The Calgary Flames Hockey Club is sad to announce the passing of former Flames scout and hockey legend Tom Webster. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Tom's family, his daughter Stacy, son Brent and grandchildren. Tom's wife Carole, whom he loved dearly, predeceased Tom this past year.

"Webby was one of the best hockey men that our game has ever seen and I am honoured to have known him," said Flames general manager Brad Treliving. "But more importantly, Webby was even a better man. The intensity and energy that he exhibited for our game were matched by his compassion for all those he encountered in everyday life. He taught all of us so much. We honour him by living our lives with the same qualities that he brought to hockey and life every day. Our sincere condolences go out to his family."

At the conclusion of an impressive playing career followed by coaching both the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings, Tom turned his passion for the game to the scouting profession, joining the Flames in 2003. Then-Flames general manager Darryl Sutter convinced Webster to give scouting a try and of course he excelled as he did on the ice and behind the bench. Webster retired permanently from the game in 2014. Tom was instrumental in the free agent signing of current Flames captain and Norris Trophy winner Mark Giordano and also had a hand in drafting such current Flames as TJ Brodie, Sean Monahan and Sam Bennett as well as the late Mickey Renaud.

"Webby was truly a gentleman and wonderful person. He had a tremendous impact on our scouting staff and while he was a fiery competitor in our meetings, he also had a tremendous respect for other opinions", said Flames director of amateur scouting Tod Button. "His guidance, friendship and mentorship of so many people was punctuated by a never before seen standing ovation on the floor of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft upon the announcement of his retirement. That moment was a testament to Webby and all the lives he had touched and how universally respected he was. He played with Gordie Howe and coached Wayne Gretzky and his humble nature belies everything he accomplished. When you walked in to a rink with Tom "Hawkeye" Webster you had instant credibility. He will be sorely missed."

Originally selected by Boston in the 1966 NHL Draft, Tom played in a total of 102 NHL games with the Bruins and Detroit Red Wings. Webster scored 30 goals for the Wings in 1970-71. He also played 352 games for the New England Whalers of the WHA recording 220 goals and 425 points.

Hired by the Rangers during the 1986-87 campaign, the native of Kirkland Lake, ON made his NHL coaching debut behind the bench with New York after two years at the helm of the OHL's Windsor Spitfires. Webster's next head coaching position was with the Los Angeles Kings. He led the Kings to their only regular season division title in franchise history, in 1990-91. He also worked as an assistant coach with Philadelphia, Hartford and Carolina but concluded his coaching career with his final four seasons behind the bench of the Spitfires.

His coaching accolades include championships in the OHL, AHL and CHL. He was also head coach of Canada's National Junior team in 1989.

Tom was our dear friend and he will be sadly missed. He will have hockey's everlasting respect.