Calgary Flames name Craig Conroy as new GM

The Calgary Flames have officially named Craig Conroy as the organization’s new general manager.

Conroy will be the eighth GM in Flames history.

“We conducted an extensive search process and today we are thrilled to introduce Craig Conroy as our general manager,” Flames President of Hockey Operations Don Maloney said in an announcement Tuesday.

“It is rewarding for the organization to learn that the most qualified individual for the position has been preparing in house. Craig brings a fresh approach; high energy; he is a tremendous communicator; decisive; a worker; and he is relationship driven. His passion for the Flames and the community are unmatched. Craig is ready for the challenge to lead our team to the Stanley Cup.”

The former player has been with the Calgary hockey team since he retired from the ice in 2011.

He has served as assistant GM for the past nine years.

Conroy, who wore the team’s ‘C’ from 2001 to 2003, came to the Flames in a 2001 trade with the St. Louis Blues. Jarome Iginla was his successor as the Flames’ leader.

The pair were dynamite together, with Conroy recording career numbers over those four seasons, including the trip to the 2004 Stanley Cup Final.

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Conroy played just over 1,000 games in his career, including 81 playoff games.

He has also represented the U.S. at the World Cup and the 2006 Olympics.

Conroy was a finalist for the Selke Trophy twice.

Despite leaving the team as a free agent with the Los Angeles Kings in 2005, Conroy returned two years later and spent the last five years of his playing career in Calgary.

The 51-year-old said he’s ready to step into his new role.

“Thank you to the Flames ownership group for the confidence and trust they have demonstrated by providing me with this opportunity,” said Conroy. “Also, to John Bean and Don Maloney for the very detailed process that has brought us to this moment.

“Over the course of the past 12 years, I’ve put in the time in every aspect of our hockey operations to prepare myself for today. I’m ready to accept this challenge and promise our fans that our team will do the work required to make them proud on the journey to deliver a championship.”

More experience coming to Flames operations

David Nonis is joining the team as assistant general manager and senior vice president of hockey operations, reporting to Conroy.

The B.C. native has served in executive operations before — as GM of the Vancouver Canucks from 2004-2008 and of the Toronto Maple Leafs for two years starting in 2013.

“I’m excited to join the management group in Calgary and assist in building a Stanley Cup-winning team here,” he said in a team statement.

He has also worked in scouting with the Anaheim Ducks and in the National Hockey League’s player safety office.

“David’s experience is extensive, having performed the role of a general manager in the past,” Maloney said of Nonis. “Given the complex nature of the business and the decisions required to be made in this area, we believe David will be a valuable addition in assisting Craig and our hockey operations team.

“We are excited to welcome David to Calgary and our Flames family.”

Familiar faces

Brad Pascall will continue in his role as vice president of hockey operations and assistant general manager, while Chris Snow has been extended as vice president of data and analytics and assistant general manager.

And while Conroy isn’t reuniting with Jarome Iginla just yet, the new Calgary Flames GM hopes they can join forces in the team’s front office in the future.

“We’ve always expressed an interest of working together,” Conroy said Tuesday. “I know right now he’s coaching (in) Kelowna and he has his son Joe. But this is definitely something I want to explore moving forward, but haven’t done it right yet.”