Flames, coach Hartley agree to contract extension

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) — Calgary Flames coach Bob Hartley has agreed to a multiyear contract extension with the club.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, despite the fact the Flames are mired in a six-game skid. Calgary dropped to 17-14-2 with a 5-2 home loss to the New York Rangers on Tuesday night.

The Flames, 71-79-13 since Hartley was hired in May 2012, are tied for eighth place in the Western Conference.

He has coached in several leagues during his career and was previously an NHL head coach with the Colorado Avalanche and the former Atlanta Thrashers.