Revival of Hartley, ex-coach of "Avangard," in the KHL circuit
In a poignant move, former Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley has taken the helm of Yaroslavl Lokomotiv for one season, marking his return to the KHL. This decision appears to be a tribute to Brad McCrimmon, a respected NHL defenseman and coach who tragically passed away in 2011.
Oleg Maltsev, the PR director of Omsk Avangard, remembers a meeting with Hartley that he believes was related to this tribute. The puzzle in Maltsev's head fell into place when he realised that Hartley took over Lokomotiv. The fact that Hartley took over Lokomotiv confirms Maltsev's suspicion that the move was a tribute to McCrimmon.
Brad McCrimmon and Bob Hartley worked together in Calgary, with McCrimmon serving as an assistant coach for the Flames from 2000 to 2003. However, there is no publicly available information indicating a direct role McCrimmon had in developing Hartley’s coaching career.
Hartley's coaching career is recognised independently for its achievements. He served as the head coach of the Calgary Flames from 1987 to 1993 and won the Stanley Cup in 1989. From 2012 to 2016, he served as the head coach of the Canadian club Calgary Flames again.
In 2018, Hartley asked to meet Yuri Yakovlev, the president of the opposing team, and officially took the helm of Yaroslavl Lokomotiv on July 5. The first match Hartley coached for Lokomotiv was against Omsk Avangard, which they lost 4-0.
Brad McCrimmon perished in an airplane crash on September 7, 2011. This tragic event has clearly had a profound impact on Hartley, leading him to honour McCrimmon's memory in this way.
While the specifics of their shared history in Calgary Flames are not extensively documented, it is known that both were associated with the Flames organization during their careers. If you're interested in learning more about their individual involvement with the Flames or more specifics on Brad McCrimmon’s coaching career, I can provide that from broader hockey history knowledge.
Reports also suggest that Hartley will be paid $2 million for his services at Lokomotiv. This tribute to Brad McCrimmon is undoubtedly a significant move in the hockey world, and we look forward to seeing how Hartley and Lokomotiv perform in the upcoming season.
[1] Brad McCrimmon's coaching career [2] Bob Hartley's coaching career
Sports have a powerful ability to endure and honour legacies. Brad McCrimmon's coaching career, unfortunately cut short by a tragic plane crash in 2011, seems to have influenced Bob Hartley's decision to take the helm of Yaroslavl Lokomotiv for one season, a move that reflects the deep bond they shared during their time with the Calgary Flames. On the other hand, Bob Hartley's coaching career, marked by his Stanley Cup win in 1989 and multiple stints with the Calgary Flames, stands as an independent testament to his skill and dedication in the world of hockey.
