The Calgary Flames concluded their 2024-25 season on Thursday and conducted their exit meetings on Saturday. Their American League affiliate, the Calgary Wranglers, are playoff-bound and concluded their regular season on Sunday. With the Flames’ season done, their minor league club has received some reinforcements from the NHL team.
Among them? Coach Trent Cull.
On Sunday, following the Wranglers’ regular season finale, the Flames announced that Cull, an interim assistant coach with the big club, has resumed his head coaching post with the Wranglers for the playoffs.
Due to Flames assistant coach Brad Larsen’s leave of absence due to a family matter, Cull was brought up to the NHL staff to fill in. With Cull on the Flames’ staff, assistant coach Joe Cirella filled in as interim head coach for the Wranglers, and development coach Martin Gelinas stepped in to join the Wranglers staff.
Via the media release, here’s what Flames general manager Craig Conroy had to say about the re-assignment:
“With the conclusion of the Flames season, Trent will return to his responsibilities behind the Wranglers bench,” said Flames General Manager Craig Conroy. “We are very appreciative to Trent for his willingness to make this unforeseen adjustment mid-season and thank him for his contributions to the Flames. The same can be said for Joe’s ability to step up and allow our organization to confidently make these moves without interruption.”
Per the release, Gelinas is staying with the Wranglers for the playoffs. The Wranglers staff will consistent of Cull (head coach), Cirella, Brett Sutter and Gelinas (assistants), Mackenzie Skapski (goaltending) and Chandler Biggar (video).
In 38 games under Cirella as interim coach, the Wranglers went 16-17-5. (Sutter subbed in for four games when Cirella had eye surgery, and went 1-2-1.) The Wranglers were 20-9-1 under Cull before he moved up to the Flames.
The Wranglers begin their post-season on Tuesday night when they visit the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
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