Flames assistant coach Martin Gelinas can go home on work days — at least for an hour. He can see his family, and enjoy being around loved ones.
It’s a perk of Gelinas’ new job with Calgary. For the previous three years Gelinas, who made his home in Calgary, was director of player development for the Predators, and had to travel across the country teaching prospects and informing team management of their progress.
Now he’s informing the young Flames how to be NHLers. First-year Calgary coach Bob Hartley hired Gelinas in mid-June last offseason. This is Gelinas’ first NHL coaching experience.
“It has been a big change, but the human touch and being directly on the bench, there’s a big thrill about it,” Gelinas said. “It’s nice to be on the bench, and being involved with the players right there where you can make an impact right away.”
Though it has been a tough year, Hartley believes Gelinas’ work ethic resonates with his players. He played in the NHL from 1989-90 through 2007-08 and was an integral part of Calgary’s 2004 run to the Stanley Cup Final.
“Marty has been unbelievable. It’s not a surprise, he is a great worker,” Hartley said “You just look at his career. Players like Martin Gelinas, each team should have four or five, and I think the intensity level would be unbelievable. He’s as intense as a coach, he wants to learn, he’s a fun guy to be around.”
