CALGARY, Alberta, April 11 (UPI) -- After seven straight playoff-less seasons, the Calgary Flames are handing complete control to Coach Darryl Sutter.
Hired in late December as Flames coach by General Manager CraigButton, Sutter will now replace Button, who was dismissed Friday by Calgary President Ken King.
"On Dec. 28 we added an intensely passionate individual and knowledgeable hockey mind to our organization by naming Darryl Sutter head coach," King said. "Throughout his coaching career he has demonstrated the ability to lead teams and make them better. We strongly believe that he is capable of taking his skills to another level and is the person to lead ou organization in all aspects of hockey operations."
It was quite a 2002-03 season for Sutter, who was fired as coach of the San Jose Sharks on Dec. 1 and was hired later in the month by Button. Under Sutter, the Flames went 19-18-8-1.
"My aim was to establish leadership and direction downstairs and that's what I plan on doing upstairs as well," Sutter said. "Our focus is really simple. There will be tough decisions, such as getting our budget in line, working on our identity and becoming a playoff contender."
Button had been the Flames' vice president and general manager since June 2000. In his three years, algary compiled a record of 88-107-40-11.
Calgary finished last in the Northwest Division with a 29-36-13-4 record and failed to make the postseason for the seventh straight year this past season.
After re-signing star Jarome Iginla and acquiring Chris Drury from the Colorado Avalanche before the 2002-03 seson, Button was hoping the Flames would contend for the playoffs. But they were just 6-13-3-3 when Button fired Coach Greg Gilbert on Dec. 3.
Assistant coach Al McNeil was 4-5-2 in a stint as interim coach before Sutter was hired on Dec. 28.
Sutter became the second member of his famed family to coach the Flames. Older brother Brian compiled an 87-117-37-5 record in three seasons with Calgary, which fired him following the 1999-2000 season.
Darryl Sutter also coached the Blackhawks to three straight playoff berths and a 110-80-26 record from 1992-95.
Two other Sutters have had ties to the Flames. Brother Ron played with them and is now a scout, and Brian's son, Shaun, was drafted by them.
