"Technically speaking, the Calgary Flames intended on hitting the ice Wednesday at 11:45 a.m.

The first player finally appeared 35 minutes late for a workmanlike practice with plenty of coaching instruction and little in the way of idle chatter.

So why the delay? What happened in the secure confines of the Flames dressing room at the Saddledome?

"I think that stuff should stay behind closed doors," said left-wing Michael Cammalleri. "The coach talked, and we talked. From my short time here, it seems like he's that kind of coach. He likes to wear his emotions on his sleeve and tell you how he feels.""