RealGM

The Calgary Flames introduced former Stanley Cup winner Bob Hartley as their new head coach Thursday, hoping he can help change the club's fortunes.

Hartley, 51, said he welcomed the chance to coach in a city where there's passion for hockey and high expectations.

"I am back in the NHL, but I am in a great Canadian market in a very proud community, very supportive community of their hockey club. What's so important is to create a culture and an identity," said Hartley, who succeeds Brent Sutter as coach.

Flames general manager Jay Feaster and Hartley worked together in the American Hockey League in the late 1990s with the Hershey Bears, winning a Calder Cup as league champions in 1997. Hartley is the godfather of Feaster's son Ryan.

"We've always stayed in touch," Hartley said.