Flames Use Robotic Fill-In While Coach Vacations

Darryl Sittler Robot seen posing with Todd Bertuzzi and Bertuzzi's sun earlier today. No one was harmed during the presser. Mike Sturk/AP

With coach Darryl Sutter on vacation in Honolulu this week, sources say that the Calgary Flames employed a robot to pose as their coach during a press conference today.

At the Saddledome, the Flames introduced the teams' five newest acquisitions; Todd Bertuzzi, Mike Cammalleri, Andre Roy, Curtis Glencross and Rene Bourque. All have been acquired by the team over the summer as they try and fuel up for another playoff run this season.

Representatives for the Flames would not comment publicly on the alleged fill-in robot. Sources inside the organization say that the robot was used multiple times during the Flames' playoff loss to the San Jose Sharks last spring. It was hired in early February after it became clear that having their coach in two places at once would enhance marketing and promotional opportunities.

The robot previously portrayed Steven Segal in Urban Justice and was used as a mannequin at a Filene's Basement in Iowa City, Iowa.

At press time, it is still unclear as to whether or not the Flames are also using a Todd Bertuzzi Robot.