Flames Coach Wants Up-Tempo Approach

 In just a few days the Calgary Flames will open training camp at the Saddledome and start preparing for the 2012-13 season.  Taking over for the fired Brent Sutter behind the bench is Bob Hartley.

Hartley is no stranger to coaching at the NHL level.  He coached the Colorado Avalanche from 1998-2003.  In each season with the Avs his team made it to the Western Conference Finals and won the Stanley Cup in 2000-2001.  Hartley was fired after 31 games at the start of the 2002-2003 season and landed in Atlanta where he coached until the 2007-08 season.

He takes over a team that hasn't made the playoffs in nearly five seasons.  The past three seasons under former head coach Brent Sutter were marred by inconsistent leadership, sloppy play and the inability to finish games.  

Hartley's coaching style is much different from his predecessor.

Hartley inherits a Flames team that hasn't made the playoffs in five seasons.

"We're going to be a fast-paced, up-tempo hockey team.  One thing that I can promise our fans is that we won't be sitting on the blueline waiting for the other team to attack.  I believe in pressure, I believe in moving the puck smartly and I believe in great puck possession."

He also places great emphasis on conditioning stressing that in order for a team to be successful they must be in peak physical condition.  Some of his favorite drills include Mountain Climbers, which sees players skate blue line to goal line, red line to goal line, blue line to goal line and far end to goal line in 45 seconds and Sweet Sixteens, 16 laps around the rink in four minutes.

"Conditioning is probably the most important factor because we're going to have a really tight schedule.  We're going to play three games in four nights, so the ability to recover from a big game will be crucial.  The only way that you can recover mentally and physically is to be fit."

With only 48 games to play during the regular season, the Flames will have to treat each game like a playoff game.  If the Flames can stay healthy and produce on the offensive end, they have a shot at making the post season.  With Hartley's continued focus on being mentally and physically ready the Flames will be well prepared for a shortened 2012-13 campaign.