4 key elements Calgary Flames GM Brad Treliving values in a coach (VIDEO)

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While he’s never been a coach himself, as a longtime executive, Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving has an interesting perspective on the job of a bench boss.

Speaking with Sportsnet 960 host Ryan Pinder at our 2020 Virtual Hockey Summit last September, Treliving outlined four things that he really values in a coach:

1. Authenticity
2. Ability to communicate
3. Ability to inspire
4. Accountability

“You can be the smartest coach and you can have the greatest system, and all those things, but if you can’t communicate effectively to your players, you’re not going to get very far,” Treliving said.

• See also:
  • The importance of communication with Rod Brind’Amour
  • “Checking for offence” with Victoria Royals coach Dan Price
  • Former NHL defenceman Mike Weaver on the importance of balance

“We’re in the ‘why’ generation right now. The players now that you guys are coaching, they’re the smartest athletes that we’ve been around… They want to know why, they want to know how they’re going to get there. They want to know how you’re going to help them get there.”

“But you need to inspire, you need to have leadership and light that engine in them.”

Watch the full 44-minute conversation with a membership to The Coaches Site.