Hockey In Calgary AB

Calgary AB Flames

One of my family's favorite things to do in Calgary AB  during the fall, winter, and spring is to attend a Calgary Flames hockey game at the Scotiabank Saddledome. The Calgary Flames are Calgary AB's beloved NHL hockey franchise and have been in Calgary AB since 1980 after relocating from Atlanta, GA. The Calgary Flames play at the Scotiabank Saddledome, the NHL's oldest hockey arena, which is located in Victoria Park near the Calgary Stampede grounds.

Championship

The Calgary Flames won their one and only championship during the 1988/89 season defeating the Montreal Canadiens in 6 games. The feat was historic as it was the only time in history that the Montreal Canadiens gave up the Stanley Cup on their home ice, The Montreal Fourm.

In 2004, the Flames made an outstanding push back into the Stanley Cup Finals. The city of Calgary AB embraced the Flames unlike anything previously seen. Underdogs in every series, they found ways to win the first three series riding the coat tails of Jerome Iginla and Mika Kiprusoff. Martin Gelinas scored the series winner in the first three series.

Known as the eliminator - Martin Gelinas actually scored the series winner in game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final - but the goal was never reviewed after it appeared that the Tampa Bay Lightning goalie made the save. Calgary AB unfortunately went on to lose the series to the Tampa Bay Lightning in seven games. Nevertheless, the Red Mile was created from the Flames success that year.

An established route from the Scotiabank Saddle Dome down through 17th Ave SW, the strip became ground zero for all things Flames. Lined with amazing dining and pubs, it still remains one of the best places to visit whether you are a local Calgarian or a visitor looking for the best that Calgary AB has to offer.

Next Generation

My son is excited about the chance to watch Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau lead the next generation of Calgary Flames back to glory. We have a young crop of amazing forwards and are anchored by some of the best defensemen in the league. Finally, we have a goaltender who is an established number one netminder and someone that can move the puck up to our stellar defense.

We are excited about one day soon having a replacement arena for the Scotiabank Saddledome. It's an old rink that is no longer up to par with other NHL rinks. Currently, the City of Calgary AB and the Calgary Flames have embroiled in a bit an argument over who is going to pay for what. The Calgary Flames offered to build a new hockey arena, field house and football stadium in West Village, a community on the outskirts of downtown Calgary AB.

The project called Calgary Next was rejected by the City of Calgary AB because of a perceived lack of parking, LRT access, and roadway infrastructure. The City of Calgary AB preferred the new arena to be located in the East Village close to where the current Scotiabank Saddledome resides.

However, the debate carries on with the Flames being concerned that a new rink in the East Village will do little in the way of spurring economic development around it. As an example, it uses the lack of development around the Saddledome as a chief worry.

Despite the debate, our family is confident that a successful team and a new hockey arena will meet in the not too distant future - for the enjoyment of all Calgarians!