What's Happening?
Dave Lowry has been appointed as the new assistant coach for the Calgary Flames, marking his third stint with the organization. Lowry, a veteran coach and former Calgary captain, returns to familiar surroundings and people, as his family has deep roots in Calgary. The appointment follows the departure of former assistant coach Brad Larsen, who stepped away for family reasons. Lowry's previous experience includes coaching roles in the WHL and NHL, with notable achievements such as being named WHL Coach of the Year twice. He aims to build on the Flames' recent success, where the team narrowly missed a postseason berth last season, finishing with 96 points. Lowry's role will involve supporting head coach Ryan Huska and the rest of the staff, leveraging his extensive experience gained from working with various teams and coaches across the hockey world.
Why It's Important?
Lowry's appointment is significant for the Calgary Flames as they seek to capitalize on the momentum from last season and push for a playoff spot. His familiarity with the team and the city, combined with his extensive coaching experience, positions him as a valuable asset in achieving these goals. The Flames' near miss in the playoffs last season highlights the potential for growth and improvement, and Lowry's insights and strategies could be crucial in converting that potential into success. His ability to foster a team-first mentality and competitive spirit will be essential in maintaining the team's upward trajectory. The broader impact on the NHL includes the potential for the Flames to become a more formidable contender, influencing playoff dynamics and team strategies across the league.
What's Next?
The Flames are preparing for their training camp later this month, with the regular season set to begin on October 8 in Edmonton. Lowry's immediate focus will be on integrating with the team and staff, and contributing to the development of strategies and preparations for the upcoming season. The team's performance in the early games will be closely watched to assess the impact of Lowry's coaching and the team's readiness to compete at a higher level. Stakeholders, including fans and management, will be looking for signs of improvement and consistency as the season progresses.
