Flames name long-time communications VP Peter Hanlon as assistant general manager

Now, if you’re unfamiliar with Hanlon’s history or the Flames’ history, you may be asking yourself, “Someone making the switch from the communications side to hockey operations seems a bit odd. Is it odd?” And the answer to that is, “No, not really.”

Hanlon broke into the management side of hockey in 1991 (according to Elite Prospects), serving as team manager and head of media relations for the St. John’s Maple Leafs of the American Hockey League. After a stint at the AHL head office, he joined the Flames in 1997-98 and has served in the communications department ever since. If you’ve watched Flames TV coverage of any press conference or scrum with a player, Hanlon’s often standing in the background paying close attention to the proceedings. Being head of communications means you need to pay a close eye on everything league-wide, and as a result Hanlon has a great amount of relationships and knowledge of the hockey landscape.

In terms of Flames history, Hanlon isn’t even the only member of the Flames’ hockey ops department to make the jump from communications. Senior director of hockey administration Mike Burke originally worked in public relations for the Flames, and assistant GM (and vice-president of hockey operations) Brad Pascall worked in communications for Hockey Canada before shifting to hockey operations with that organization. Former Flames GM Al Coates also began his run with the Flames in public relations before making the switch.

Hanlon’s paid his dues and developed a strong reputation within the league for his knowledge and work ethic. We’re excited to see how he does in his new role.