Whatever Happened to ex-Flames & Canucks Micheal Ferland?
Remember Micheal Ferland? The young forward who could hit like a truck, score clutch goals, and never shy away from a scrap? He’s the Cree/Metis forward who spent time with the Calgary Flames, Carolina Hurricanes, and Vancouver Canucks. Over 335 NHL games, he put up 134 points and left a mark, especially in the playoffs. He wasn’t just tough—he was smart, fast, and knew how to make things happen when it counted.
Drafted by Calgary back in 2010, Ferland climbed his way up from the Brandon Wheat Kings to the NHL. He had a knack for showing up in big moments, and fans loved him for it.
As a Rookie, Ferland Turned the Playoff Tide.
Back in the 2015 playoffs, when the Flames took out the Canucks 4-2, a young rookie named Ferland stole the show. Only in the lineup because of an injury, Ferland skated, hit, and made life miserable for Vancouver. Flames coach Bob Hartley even threw him on the Sedin twins, and his battles with Kevin Bieksa became a highlight. In the deciding game, the Canucks raced to a 3–0 lead—but Ferland scored twice, including an empty-netter, to help Calgary storm back and win 7–4. Hits, hustle, and timely goals—that was Ferland’s brand from day one.
In 2018, he got traded to Carolina, and in 2019, he signed with Vancouver. That’s when the concussions hit hard. He played just 14 games with the Canucks and had a short run in the AHL before he had to step away. Not his choice, but his health had to come first.
Ferland Moved From Player to Coach.
Ferland didn’t let that stop his love of hockey. He jumped into coaching, starting with the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA team and even leading Team Manitoba to a national title in 2023. Now he’s working with the Kenora Devils Gap Islanders in the Superior International Junior Hockey League as their skills coach. Last season, the Islanders were at the bottom of the league, winning only 2 of 49 games, so having Ferland around is a huge boost.
As a skills coach, Ferland isn’t just running drills. He’s teaching the little things—skating, shooting, stickhandling—but also the mental side of the game: how to read plays, handle pressure, and bring that edge every night. For young players trying to get better, he’s exactly the kind of mentor you want—someone who’s been there, knows the grind, and can show you how to survive and thrive on the ice.
Ferland Is Still Making an Impact in Hockey.
Ferland isn’t playing anymore, but he’s still in the game. From Swan River, Manitoba, to the NHL and now to Kenora, he’s finding new ways to leave a mark. He’s helping the next generation of players figure out their game, showing them what it takes, and proving you don’t need to be on NHL ice to make a difference.