Flames Part Ways With Clint Malarchuk

The Calgary Flames made a minor move this week, reportedly parting ways with goalie coach Clint Malarchuk.

Malarchuk is probably best known for the horrific incident in 1989 when his throat was gashed open by Steve Tuttle’s skate blade and he nearly bled to death. It was estimated that his blood loss was so severe that he probably would’ve died if he had been playing at the other end of the ice – “luckily” the incident occurred on the zamboni end of the Buffalo arena. Remarkably, Malarchuk not only lived, but resumed playing hockey just weeks later. Malarchuk spent 1982 to 1997 as a pro goalie, including 351 NHL appearances split between Quebec, Buffalo and Washington.

He joined the Flames prior to the 2011-12 season as a goalie coach after previously coaching in Florida, Columbus and Atlanta.

Malarchuk has had an incredible life. I’d recommend watching the ESPN 30-for-30 short on his life (entitled “Cutthroat”) and checking out the article Dan Robson did on him for Sportsnet Magazine. According to Darren Haynes, his auto-biography comes out in the fall. I’ve had the pleasure to chat with Clint a bit over the past few years, and he’s very intense, but also very insightful.

He reportedly left the club in March to attend to personal matters. Hopefully all is well for Clint, now and in the future.