Becoming an NHL general manager is a dream come true for Penticton’s Brad Treliving.
Treliving, whose father Jim Treliving opened the Penticton Boston Pizza, was named GM of the Calgary Flames Monday by president of hockey operations Brian Burke.
“I’m pleased to announce Brad as our general manager,” said Flames president of hockey operations Brian Burke said in a team statement. “He has been identified as the top young guy in the business and it’s evident that he has prepared carefully for this day, acquiring extensive front office experience in all areas.”
Treliving joined the Flames after being the assistant GM for the Phoenix Coyotes for seven years.
“I was really happy in Phoenix. I really enjoyed the people we worked with,” said Treliving in a phone interview from Calgary.
Treliving, who played professionally for five seasons in the International Hockey League, American Hockey League and East Coast Hockey League, said it’s a special feeling to be a manager in this league, especially with only 30 jobs.
“There are lots who aspire to do this. It’s a great responsibility,” he said. “It’s an honour to be in the league in whatever capacity.”
Treliving began thinking about a career in management during his playing days.
“I was pretty honest in terms of I knew what kind of player I was,” said Treliving, who played 11 games for the Penticton Knights in 1989 and collected four assists. “Knew what my ceiling was going to be. After a short while, if I’m to advance, it’s not going to be with my skates on.”
Treliving started looking at other avenues and became intrigued by the management side. In the last few years of his playing career he took the initiative to get as much experience possible learning and making contacts.
“It spring boarded. That was my passion,” he said. “My passion was to be involved in the sport.”
Growing up, Treliving’s family moved to Delta from Penticton when he was in Grade 1. He cheered for the Vancouver Canucks, because as he said being in Vancouver, that’s what people did.
Treliving said Vancouver Canucks president of hockey operations Trevor Linden contacted Don Maloney, but it didn’t reach Linden speaking with Treliving. The new Flames GM said it was just timing.
“Once our season ended, Brian moved real quick,” he said, adding that Maloney gave Burke a short window to speak with him. “It came together really quickly here. We’re happy here.”
As for Treliving’s allegiance to the Canucks, that has been put on the shelf for some time.
“I’ve made a switch in the last little bit in terms of my favourite team,” he laughed.
Treliving hasn't forgotten about his hometown and said the family tries to come back to Penticton every summer.
"I love Penticton," said Treliving. "My wife and daughters love it there."