"When Brian came to us in September 2013 we discussed a structure and timeline of four to five years for his new role," said Ken King, president and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation (CSEC), the Flames' parent company. "Each year we review our mandate going forward and determined together that we would move on.
"Brian's leadership and guidance of our hockey operations and work with general manager Brad Treliving have been exemplary and we are grateful for his contributions. His charity work and organizational representation in our community are legendary, as he has touched so many with his generosity."
Burke has been an NHL executive for more than 30 years and was GM of the Hartford Whalers, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs and Flames. He won the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007.
He worked for the NHL for five years as executive vice president and director of hockey operations and held several posts with USA Hockey, including GM of the United States team for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics; director of player personnel for the United States at the 2014 Sochi Olympics; and GM of the U.S. World Championship teams in 1993, 2009 and 2010.
Burke won the Lester Patrick Trophy in 2008 for outstanding service to hockey in the United States.
He is active in many charitable causes, including as a spokesman for the You Can Play project, which works to ensure the safety and inclusion of all in sports, including LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans; Ducks Unlimited Canada, a wildlife conservation organization; and groups supporting the Canadian Forces and first responders, the Special Olympics and women's hockey.
"Thank you to the Flames organization and fans for all your support," Burke tweeted. "Southern Alberta is a great place for hockey and I feel lucky to have called Calgary home."
