Burke quits as Flames’ hockey boss

Calgary Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke will be leaving the team May 1, ending a near five-year run with the organization.

“When Brian came to us in September 2013 we discussed a structure and timeline of four to five years for his new role. Each year we review our mandate going forward and determined together that we would move on,” Flames president Ken King said Friday in a statement.

“Brian’s leadership and guidance of our hockey operations and work with general manager Brad Treliving have been exemplary and we are grateful for his contributions. His charity work and organizational representation in our community are legendary as he has touched so many with his generosity.”

The hockey operations side will be directed by Treliving, vice-president of hockey operations Don Maloney, and assistant general managers Craig Conroy and Brad Pascall, the team said.

Calgary missed the playoffs this year after finishing with a 37-35-10 record.

The 84-point finish cost head coach Glen Gulutzan his job. Assistants Dave Cameron and Paul Gerrard were also fired.

Gulutzan was replaced by Bill Peters earlier this week.

Sportsnet announced later Friday that Burke would join its broadcast team for the remainder of the 2018 playoffs. Starting this weekend, Burke will provide commentary, insight and analysis, the network said.

Under Burke’s watch, the Flames made playoff appearances last year and in 2015. Calgary reached the Western Conference semifinal three years ago but fell in the first round last spring.

The team created the position of president of hockey operations for Burke, who joined the Flames after working as a parttime scout with the Anaheim Ducks. Burke had been fired as president and general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs in January 2013.