CALGARY – Potsdam High School and Clarkson University graduate and hockey standout Craig Conroy has reportedly turned down an offer from his alma mater to lead Clarkson’s Division I men’s hockey program.

Instead, Conroy, who recently ended his National Hockey League career on the ice with the Calgary Flames, has just signed a new deal firming up his position as special assistant to Calgary’s General Manager Jay Feaster.

Said Flames President and CEO Ken King, “Since Craig’s retirement as a player, we have been very pleased with his quick adjustment to the management role. His contributions have been valuable and we look forward to his efforts in assisting to our club’s success.”

Hockey Hearsay, a blog on Sportsnet.ca by Chris Nichols, discuses with Conroy the deal with the Flames and how he had to think more than once about the Clarkson offer, now that George Roll, who had been head coach of the Golden Knights, has left.

Nichols’ blog is at www.sportsnet.ca/fantasy/hockey/2011/05/17/hockey_hearsay/.

Conroy discusses the position in a Flames production at video.flames.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=597&id=114543.