The modus operandi for Brian Burke is to be fervent and forthright.

Burke joined the Calgary Flames on September 5, 2013 in the newly created role of President of Hockey Operations. His NHL savvy was gleaned from more than 20 years with Hartford, Vancouver, Anaheim and Toronto.

In 1,145 games as GM of the Whalers, Canucks, Ducks and Maple Leafs was Burke’s record was 521-449-74-101 and included Anaheim’s only Stanley Cup Championship in 2007. He also possesses NHL front-office experience where he served as Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations for five years.

Burke’s outstanding service to hockey in the United States was recognized with the Lester Patrick Award in 2008.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island and raised in the hockey country of Edina, Minnesota, Burke’s devoted much of his time as well to Team USA. That included 2010 when he was GM of Team USA’s Silver Medal men’s squad at the Vancouver Olympics. He did so in the immediate aftermath of the tragic death of his son, Brendan.

Burke has been a spokesperson for the “You Can Play Project” in honour of Brendan. It was co-founded by his Burke’s son and Brendan’s brother Patrick in 2011. “You Can Play” is dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, without regard to sexual orientation.

For that project and others – including being here for Easter Seals just as he did in all his years with the Leafs – Burke more than answers the call for the good of the cause.