from Eric Duhatschek of the Globe and Maik,

“When you’re a [NHL] head coach, it’s trial by fire,” said Gulutzan, who was only two years removed from coaching Las Vegas of the ECHL when he got a chance to coach the Dallas Stars in 2011. “I can write you a long list of what I know I did well – and what I would change – but at the end of the day, the biggest thing is experience. In Dallas, I had Jamie [Benn] as a young superstar – and Jaromir Jagr and Ray Whitney as older players – all those guys teach you something about the league and the game.

“I would say it’s like going to university and becoming an engineer. They’ll all tell you, ‘I went to school for four years and studied my tail off, but I realized when I got out of there that I didn’t know a thing about building a building until I got on the site.’ You can’t replace experience, and these last five years have given me a good base in the National Hockey League.”

Gulutzan’s career trajectory is similar to that of his new boss, Flames’ general manager Brad Treliving. Both played junior for the Brandon Wheat Kings, Gulutzan arriving the year after Treliving left.

Neither ever emerged too far out of the deep minor leagues as players. Accordingly, they had to work their way up the ranks – and convince people of their ability and worth – every step along the way.

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