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Calgary Flames hire Bill Peters as new head coach

By Ramina Shlah

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Bill Peters of the Carolina Hurricanes directs the team in the ice during an NHL game against the New York Islanders on November 19, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images)
RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Bill Peters of the Carolina Hurricanes directs the team in the ice during an NHL game against the New York Islanders on November 19, 2017 at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Gregg Forwerck/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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After a week of speculation, it’s finally official: The Calgary Flames have announced Bill Peters as their new head coach on Monday morning.

Sometimes rumours come true. After a week of speculation with Bill Peters rumoured as the new Calgary Flames head coach, it’s come true. There were also talks about Darryl Sutter potentially returning, but nobody quite believed that would happen.

Bill Peters, as I’ve mentioned previously on the site, is coming off of four years as the head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes. Previously, he was an assistant coach for the Detroit Red Wings. He has more WHL, AHL, and international experience, but just seven years total of NHL experience. He has also been named head coach of Team Canada at this year’s World Championship.

It’s a shame that some Flames players have injuries and are having babies, so they won’t be able to represent Team Canada. He could have had a better feel for the players.

Related Story: Who would you rather: Darryl Sutter vs Bill Peters

In a press conference today at 11pm, GM Brad Treliving announced Bill Peters, along with five players to welcome him. I’ve mentioned the pros and cons already of Peters, and while the Hurricanes never made the playoffs under him, I did somewhat play Devil’s Advocate for him, in the sense that he didn’t have a lot to work with.

During the press conference today, Peters said he’s heavy on puck-possession and winning faceoffs. In the modern day NHL, getting offensive contribution from your defencemen is key. And on that note, he also called the Mark Giordano and Dougie Hamilton pairing ‘elite’. I’m just happy that Dougie may finally be getting the love and appreciation he deserves.

Peters also said that he wants to be in the top ten for primary categories, specifically the special teams categories. “If you’re a 15/16 team, you’re on the bubble. I don’t want to be a bubble team, I want to be a team that’s off to a good start” he said.

Peters is also from Alberta, so it’s almost like returning home for him.

Next: Everything pointing to Bill Peters as new head coach

Welcome, Bill!

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