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Calgary Flames: Ranking the top 5 coaches in team history

By Nathan Bannerman

LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 24: Head coach Bob Hartley of the Calgary Flames poses in the press room after winning the Jack Adams Award at the 2015 NHL Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 24, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JUNE 24: Head coach Bob Hartley of the Calgary Flames poses in the press room after winning the Jack Adams Award at the 2015 NHL Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 24, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Calgary Flames, Bob Hartley
LAS VEGAS, NV – JUNE 24: Head coach Bob Hartley of the Calgary Flames poses in the press room after winning the Jack Adams Award at the 2015 NHL Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 24, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Bob Hartley was one of the most beloved coaches during his time in Calgary.

Bob Hartley’s time in Calgary could be considered short lived. He was only with the team for four years and had only one winning (and playoff) season to show for it. But, was he ever a fan favourite.

During his time in Southern Alberta, the former Stanley Cup champion won his only Jack Adams award for Coach of the Year in 2014-15 and had many priceless quotes.

The best Hartley quote was when the Flames were about to face the New York Rangers. The Flames had been hit with the flu bug and he described the scene pretty well:

"“You should’ve been in the locker room… the medical staff runs in the coach’s office saying ‘Guys are puking everywhere,'” coach Bob Hartley said. “You have Karri Ramo in the laundry room and you have Jiri Hudler in the doctor’s room and they’re throwing up and they’re white like ghosts and suddenly you look at Jonas Hiller and he’s coming in, and he’s whiter than a snowman.” Fox Sports"

What separated Hartley from a lot of other coaches the Flames had was his father-like approach. He was a guy who wanted the best out of his players. Not only on the ice, but off it as well.

He was the first coach forwards Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan had in the NHL, and he had enforcers like forwards Brian McGratten and Deryk Engelland. Oh and some forward named Jarome Iginla. Who knows what could’ve been if he had the roster as it is now.

Hartley also has the odd milestone of coaching both versions of the Flames organization. He was head coach of the Atlanta Thrashers from 2002-03 until 2007-08, before coming to Calgary in 2012.

The Hawkesbury, ONT native joins the top five list as he sits in fifth place in team wins with 134. A Jack Adams and one lone playoff series win also solidified his position.

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