'THE MOST IMPORTANT POSITION'

Gotta love it when a plan comes together.
Especially one of pivotal importance.
For more than a year, Flames General Manager Brad Treliving and goalie coach Jordan Sigalet had a vision to strengthen the organization's goaltending structure.
That project came to fruition Wednesday when the Flames announced an expanded netminding department which consists of Sigalet being named Director of Goaltending, Jason LaBarbera promoted from the WHL's Hitmen to Flames Goaltending Coach, and Thomas Speer continuing to serve in his role as Development Goalie Coach.

"This is something we've gone back and forth on and wanted to be strategic about it," Trevling explained. "At the end of the day, goaltending is the most important position and for us we had to look at it at from a perspective where we could best cover each base to further build on that position. It all starts with identifying them, scouting, developing, to then coaching.
"We wanted a system in place that covers all the different levels while also having them work closely together for the success of the organization as a whole. It's critical to take time to groom goalies. They are so different and it's a long runway with them; you can't rush them. For us to now have this set-up, it'll go a long way in getting them the support they need.
"You're always looking at ways to get better and this structure, I believe, does just that. It was a master plan we've waited to pull the trigger on and thankfully we were able to see it come to fruition."
Entering his seventh season with the Flames, Sigalet's new role sees him oversee NHL drafting, professional goaltending procurement, and overall netminder development.
"The organization has been so great to me and I learned from many that helped me get here," Sigalet said. "This sets us up tremendously for not just this upcoming season, but for years to come and I think it makes us a better organization overall.
"We all can bounce things off of each other in having the extra set of eyes and ears and having that collaboration in doing what's best for the club and working together to have our goaltending position be strong at every level."

LaBarbera steps into the new role after serving the past four seasons with the Hitmen as both Assistant and Goaltending Coach of the junior club. In addition, LaBarbera has coached on the international stage with Team Canada at the Under-18's twice and also with Under-20's, winning a gold medal at the 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship.
And, of course, there's the wealth of experience he has from his playing days in the pros, where he appeared in 187 NHL games and 338 tilts in the AHL, earning goaltender of the year honours for the 2003-04 campaign.
"I couldn't have asked for a better opportunity and very fortunate to be here," LaBarbera said. "I love this side of the game and to take the experience from when I played to then add layers to it from my coaching with the Hitmen and with Hockey Canada will prove to be beneficial in my new role. When you can take those experiences and translate them to the next level, it's a huge asset.
"You've got three guys with a lot of knowledge and experience working with some great goalies that can help each other out. A lot of times with being the goalie coach, you are a little bit on an island but having this set in place I have guys I can rely on and trust. We want our goaltenders to reach their full potential and build a program that continues to produce great goalies."
"This is a promotion that is well-deserving," Treliving added. "He's someone that has experienced it all during his pro days and to have someone that can relate to what every goalie goes through makes for strong connections."
"With his knowledge, calming personality and also checking off all the boxes that we were looking for, I know that he will excel."

Speer will continue to focus on the development of AHL and Flames prospect goaltenders throughout the system. Prior to joining the Flames organization two years ago, he spent time with USA Hockey as the National Goaltending Coach and serving as the goalie coach for their Under-17 and Under-18 teams.
"He plays a key role in all of this," Trevling said. "With the relationships he's built in his time with Stockton and his eye for things, his role is vital in getting our younger goaltenders transitioning to the pro league seamlessly, to then helping them hopefully make that jump to the NHL.
"All three guys really have that homegrown feel to them, which is rewarding to see staff continue to evolve and improve, and each one is a perfect fit for us. They all have the same vision of having success, both in the short and long term.
With LaBarbera currently in the Edmonton Bubble with Team Canada as they wait to start the 2021 World Juniors next week, the only moving he'll have to do once he returns is down the hall.
"My kids, hands down, were (the most excited) because there was no moving involved, they were thrilled," said LaBarbera. "It's very rare for things to work out like this because in coaching if you want to progress you have to look at packing for those opportunities but everything just fell into place and what a blessing it is to stay in Calgary."