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Ryan Huska

Ryan Huska is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former left winger, best known as the head coach of the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ryan Huska is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former left winger, best known as the head coach of the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Born in Cranbrook, British Columbia, he played one NHL game with the Chicago Blackhawks before moving into coaching. He has also coached in the Western Hockey League (WHL) and American Hockey League (AHL).

Early life and playing career

Huska grew up in British Columbia and played as a left winger. He was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in 1993 and appeared in one NHL game before continuing his career in the minor leagues and junior hockey.

Coaching career

Huska began coaching with the Kelowna Rockets in 2002, later becoming the team’s head coach. He went on to coach in the AHL and joined the Calgary Flames organization before becoming the NHL club’s head coach in 2023.

Calgary Flames

After several seasons as an assistant coach with the Flames, Huska was promoted to head coach in June 2023. As of 2025, the team extended his contract for two more seasons.

Personal life

Sources note that Huska has long been based in Calgary with his family. Publicly available biographical information is limited compared with his professional coaching record.

Key facts

  • Ryan Huska is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player, currently head coach of the Calgary Flames.
  • He was born in Cranbrook, British Columbia, and played one NHL game with the Chicago Blackhawks.
  • Huska began his coaching career in 2002 with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL.
  • He was named head coach of the Calgary Flames on June 12, 2023.
  • His contract was extended in 2025 for two more seasons.
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Canadian context

Huska is Canadian, was born in British Columbia, and has spent much of his coaching career in Canadian hockey organizations, including the Calgary Flames.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ryan Huska?
Ryan Huska is a Canadian ice hockey coach and former player who is the head coach of the Calgary Flames.
Where was Ryan Huska born?
He was born in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada.
What position did Ryan Huska play?
He played as a left winger.
Did Ryan Huska play in the NHL?
Yes, but only in one NHL game with the Chicago Blackhawks.
When did Ryan Huska become head coach of the Calgary Flames?
He was named head coach on June 12, 2023.
Which team drafted Ryan Huska?
The Chicago Blackhawks drafted him 76th overall in 1993.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryan_Huska
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, playing position, draft selection, and appointment as Flames head coach.
  2. Elite Prospects — https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/70275/ryan-huska
    Supports: Birthplace, nationality, position, physical profile, and draft details.
  3. Hockey-Reference — https://www.hockey-reference.com/players/h/huskary01.html
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, NHL playing record, and career summary.
  4. NHL.com — https://www.nhl.com/flames/news/flames-extend-head-coach-ryan-huska-02-10-25
    Supports: Coaching history with the Flames, appointment as head coach, and contract extension.
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/37841588/calgary-flames-elevate-assistant-ryan-huska-head-coach
    Supports: Promotion to head coach, prior assistant role, and previous coaching experience.