News and Notes – March 28 2015

It’s been an eventful week in the Calgary Flames world, with signings, games, and all sorts of craziness.

Here’s a quick rundown of some of the “minor” stories that may’ve fallen under the radar a bit.

Already an Honoured Member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Calgary Flames legend Lanny McDonald is now leading that organization. He was announced this week as the successor to the late Pat Quinn as the Hall of Fame’s chairman of the board.

A long-time NHLer, McDonald played 1111 games with Toronto, the Colorado Rockies and the Flames, where he won a Stanley Cup in 1989 prior to his retirement. According to an interview with Sportsnet 960 The Fan, McDonald will take office on July 1 – after his duties on the selection committee are complete. (He’ll have to leave the committee to be the chairman.)

He barely played this season, but when he did, he was pretty good.

Flames first round selection Sam Bennett was returned to the OHL’s Kingston Frontenacs at the end of February. He was named the OHL’s Player of the Month in March, his only complete month of the season. He had 20 points in 8 games in March.

He’s an okay hockey player.

Lastly, the folks at Hockey Canada have named the coaches for the two national junior teams, and by sheer coincidence both men are Flames alumni.

Dave Lowry will be helming the Canadian entry at the World Junior Championship, guiding Canada’s best under-20 players. His counterpart on the Under-18 team will be fellow former Flame, Tim Hunter.