Right now I am disgusted on so many levels. I will never let the Cammalleri/Jokinen decision down, not ever. What a waste of money, and not only in that respect because let me tell you, if I was in charge of the firing I'd be on a warpath tonight. While it isn't Jokinen's fault that we allowed Cammalleri to slip from our roster, it IS Dion Phaneuf's fault that he is a liability to our team! GET RID OF HIM! I have never really been on the Dion wagon so I can safely say that trading him for ANYTHING would be beneficial to our status as an NHL team. He doesn't hit, he sure isn't scoring and he is a defenseman, not halfway in between center and D. I have had enough. This is a team sport! The only defensemen that deserve any recognition right now is Mark Giordano and Jay Bouwmeester. How are those two guys our best defensemen right now?! Simply because they are doing their jobs and are both playing with heart and effort. Logically, I would hope that someone else with a lot more importance than I is giving their head a shake right now. Sutter brothers?! Are you with me?
So let's play a game and pretend that I am in control of this franchise starting midway through last season. Acquiring Olli Jokinen would have been interesting and something I'd have been able to justify. Trading Matthew Lombardi in that process is also something I think was timely, unfortunately I felt that he had worked very hard last year and did deserve a run to the playoffs. Now, my dilemma with Michael Cammalleri heading into UFA territory would have stopped me in my tracks. He kept our team's fire and motivation levels soaring at all times last season and all Olli showed me in the last stretch was that he was occasionally capable of a few pretty passes and some cutesy goals. Do I want pretty? Do I come out on top because I am cute? Not in this profession, buddy! I would have traded Olli Jokinen in a heartbeat to free up the money I needed in my salary cap to pay MC appropriately. Piece of cake.
Like I stated earlier, losing Dion Phaneuf wouldn't really be any skin off my back. Mikka Kiprusoff has played the last seven games virtually by himself and we apparently have one of the top defensemen on our team? That hasn't been true since he picked up Avery's sloppy seconds; neither man has ever been the same since and I'm not the only one who's noticed. Phaneuf stood back all night tonight and watched...FROM THE ICE - that was his participation. I know a few people that have him in their hockey pools (some of which are franchise pools!) and all I have to say is, whoops. Whatever legacy was inside of him a few years ago has been long gone and I don't see a recovery in his future. I could be wrong, but I'm willing to bet on it. We should start looking now and take whatever we can get for him. I joked tonight with friends that since we're so eager to send Lundmark back and forth from the Flames to the Abbottsford Heat that perhaps it was time to keep him and send Dion down for a while. Whoever we bring up instead might prove himself far beyond the measures of what Dion is providing for us. Although that would never happen, it was the lighter note of our musical disaster this evening.
As critical as I am today, I want to express my love for my hockey team, through and through. I have always been a fan and I will always be a fan. As for each and every one of you who waited for the final buzzer to go tonight simply to boo your own team, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Do you know what is even more embarrassing than losing 7 games in a row? Bandwagon jumpers. Congratulations.
I know changes are on the rise and I'm excited to see what will happen to my team in the very near future. Due care and attention need to be paid to their rightful owners, so I plead to the Hockey Gods once again that the right decisions will be made this time around. At this point I don't see us doing anything memorable for our 30th anniversary year. Please, please prove me wrong!!
GO FLAMES GO!
T
Monday, January 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
"Fun Facts For Ego Boosting!"
Here's what I found on Wikipedia today, helping a friend to try and win Flames tickets for tomorrow night's game hosting the Chicago Blackhawks. I thought I would share to help ease the blow of our freakishly awful loss to San Jose on Monday. Regardless, it made me happy.
It doesn't change what happened, that much is true. Hopefully, it made you smile just a little bit.
Go Flames Go!
T
"On February 10, 1993, the Flames set numerous franchise and league records in a 13–1 victory over the San Jose Sharks . In addition to being a team record for goals scored at 13, the score also represents the largest margin of victory in team history (12). Calgary set a new team mark for fastest four goals scored (1:21). Jeff Reese set an NHL record for points in one game by a goaltender with 3 assists, while Theoren Fleury set a league record by going +9 in this game. All of these records remain today."
-Wikipedia.
-Wikipedia.
It doesn't change what happened, that much is true. Hopefully, it made you smile just a little bit.
Go Flames Go!
T
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
"A Post For Jessica"
I have been told that I need to be writing in here MORE. Bossy, I know. I also thought that I would have been able to give you an excellent update however, all I can tell you is that the Flames have been on their longest losing streak of the season and sliding down that slippery slope at quite the rate. After losing to Anaheim on Sunday night we had officially lost 4 in a row for the first time this hockey year and had our butts handed back to us last night after a staggering 9-1 loss in San Jose. The sad part is that we haven't won a single game in Anaheim in six years, so why stop now? Doesn't that seem a little out of control?
The last time we went through something that ridiculous was with the Nashville Predators, having gone seven years + without winning a single game against the team, period. Fortunately we broke that standing a few years back (2006-07 season? I can't remember, maybe earlier than that. Someone correct me if I'm wrong) and have not established a consistent record of winning or losing since. Anaheim is another story. It's unfortunate when you walk into a game knowing what your statistics are and can't seem to hold down the fort you thought would be sturdy enough to turn the tables. I was unable to watch that game although I caught the first twenty and the last ten on the radio. (OH, FAN 960...I can always count on you!) All of the announcers kept saying that Anaheim played terribly, that the Flames were all over them, however we couldn't keep up with the scoring and fell to the Ducks 4-3. I can't make any judgment calls, but I did hear that Curtis just wasn't on top of his "A" game. Let's not give him any hard times before we discuss the game I did watch, shall we?
What in the land of Hockey Gods happened last night?! I pretty much stopped watching after the halfway point of the second period. Then I told myself that was no way to be and turned the TV back to see that it was 7-1 for the Sharks. I missed the lone Calgary goal, but it's not like it was anything triumphant, and from what most articles are saying this morning, Regehr's efforts to shut down what would have otherwise been a shutout for Nabokov, didn't seem like anything worthy of reward.
The Official Calgary Flames website declared, "Calgary has lost five straight for the first time since November 2007" after last night's embarrassment in San Jose. Everyone who knows me is aware of my passionate dislike for the Sharks... so my hockey ego is a little sore today. I think everyone's ego's are slightly out of shape, or at least they should be. WAKE UP, CALGARY! This isn't the team we started out with this year, so unless something is done and fast, we aren't making history in our 30th year. Yes, we have a cup in our possession but let's get real about that simple fact. 1989 was 21 years ago and unless we can make a run for it like we did in '04, I don't think I'll be able to use that line on anyone anymore. This is the team we have been building since we acquired Jarome Iginla fifteen years ago from Dallas... this is the team that SHOULD be able to get us anywhere. What is the problem? HA!
I still stand by my beliefs and look at how my predictions became a terribly sad reality this season. I was the one who said NO to Olli Jokinen. I wanted to keep Michael Cammalleri and trade Jokinen to free up money that we should have paid someone who was already WORKING for this team. Except Jokinen made two fancy goals and passed a pretty puck here and there. Dazzling. Cammalleri has 22 goals so far this season with the Montreal Canadians, surpassing our Captain, Jarome Iginla by one. Jokinen has less than half that with 10 for the season. Still Dazzled? I'm not a fan and people with more "experience" with the hockey world told me to settle down because he would be far better than Cammalleri for my team. Oh really, well thank you for your wisdom. I was right. You and Darryl Sutter, well, you were wrong.
While I'm at it I might as well tell you how I feel about Bouwmeester. I like him, I do. However, we already have Dion Phaneuf, so if you wouldn't mind staying out of the penalty box and leaving that up to him and Adam Pardy that would be lovely. I like my defensemen on the ice and I think we could all learn a thing or two from Mark Giordano in that area. He's one that I don't talk a lot about here, but he's becoming a far better player before my eyes and another thing that I think he's accomplishing well is leadership skills. I'm not saying that Jay isn't a great player at all, he takes some penalties when he has to and that is part of your job on the ice defending our net minder. No one did their job last night. We can't claim first place in our division anymore and we're going to need a lot more than focus to regain that title anytime soon. As it stands, we are barely in the running for a playoff spot and whether there is time to regroup or not, anything can happen between now and then. Last season we went into the playoffs with a severely injury stricken team and sank. This season we are strong and healthy with the same future ahead of us. That, to me, makes no sense whatsoever.
This is our 30th anniversary, boys! I know that we can make some history with the team we have now, so let's act like it! We have a few days off before we host another of the leagues most effective and talented teams this Thursday night. Chicago is going to march into our 'Dome thinking they can walk all over us. Let's take this streak and end it with them. We are not done here. We will not lay down and die! And Jarome? You are an Olympic athlete! Get out there and show this team how to play like Olympians! We can't allow or expect Kipper play all by himself. Thursday we start a winning streak and we play like 2010 NHL Playoff Champions! Capeesh?
GO FLAMES GO!
T
The last time we went through something that ridiculous was with the Nashville Predators, having gone seven years + without winning a single game against the team, period. Fortunately we broke that standing a few years back (2006-07 season? I can't remember, maybe earlier than that. Someone correct me if I'm wrong) and have not established a consistent record of winning or losing since. Anaheim is another story. It's unfortunate when you walk into a game knowing what your statistics are and can't seem to hold down the fort you thought would be sturdy enough to turn the tables. I was unable to watch that game although I caught the first twenty and the last ten on the radio. (OH, FAN 960...I can always count on you!) All of the announcers kept saying that Anaheim played terribly, that the Flames were all over them, however we couldn't keep up with the scoring and fell to the Ducks 4-3. I can't make any judgment calls, but I did hear that Curtis just wasn't on top of his "A" game. Let's not give him any hard times before we discuss the game I did watch, shall we?
What in the land of Hockey Gods happened last night?! I pretty much stopped watching after the halfway point of the second period. Then I told myself that was no way to be and turned the TV back to see that it was 7-1 for the Sharks. I missed the lone Calgary goal, but it's not like it was anything triumphant, and from what most articles are saying this morning, Regehr's efforts to shut down what would have otherwise been a shutout for Nabokov, didn't seem like anything worthy of reward.
The Official Calgary Flames website declared, "Calgary has lost five straight for the first time since November 2007" after last night's embarrassment in San Jose. Everyone who knows me is aware of my passionate dislike for the Sharks... so my hockey ego is a little sore today. I think everyone's ego's are slightly out of shape, or at least they should be. WAKE UP, CALGARY! This isn't the team we started out with this year, so unless something is done and fast, we aren't making history in our 30th year. Yes, we have a cup in our possession but let's get real about that simple fact. 1989 was 21 years ago and unless we can make a run for it like we did in '04, I don't think I'll be able to use that line on anyone anymore. This is the team we have been building since we acquired Jarome Iginla fifteen years ago from Dallas... this is the team that SHOULD be able to get us anywhere. What is the problem? HA!
I still stand by my beliefs and look at how my predictions became a terribly sad reality this season. I was the one who said NO to Olli Jokinen. I wanted to keep Michael Cammalleri and trade Jokinen to free up money that we should have paid someone who was already WORKING for this team. Except Jokinen made two fancy goals and passed a pretty puck here and there. Dazzling. Cammalleri has 22 goals so far this season with the Montreal Canadians, surpassing our Captain, Jarome Iginla by one. Jokinen has less than half that with 10 for the season. Still Dazzled? I'm not a fan and people with more "experience" with the hockey world told me to settle down because he would be far better than Cammalleri for my team. Oh really, well thank you for your wisdom. I was right. You and Darryl Sutter, well, you were wrong.
While I'm at it I might as well tell you how I feel about Bouwmeester. I like him, I do. However, we already have Dion Phaneuf, so if you wouldn't mind staying out of the penalty box and leaving that up to him and Adam Pardy that would be lovely. I like my defensemen on the ice and I think we could all learn a thing or two from Mark Giordano in that area. He's one that I don't talk a lot about here, but he's becoming a far better player before my eyes and another thing that I think he's accomplishing well is leadership skills. I'm not saying that Jay isn't a great player at all, he takes some penalties when he has to and that is part of your job on the ice defending our net minder. No one did their job last night. We can't claim first place in our division anymore and we're going to need a lot more than focus to regain that title anytime soon. As it stands, we are barely in the running for a playoff spot and whether there is time to regroup or not, anything can happen between now and then. Last season we went into the playoffs with a severely injury stricken team and sank. This season we are strong and healthy with the same future ahead of us. That, to me, makes no sense whatsoever.
This is our 30th anniversary, boys! I know that we can make some history with the team we have now, so let's act like it! We have a few days off before we host another of the leagues most effective and talented teams this Thursday night. Chicago is going to march into our 'Dome thinking they can walk all over us. Let's take this streak and end it with them. We are not done here. We will not lay down and die! And Jarome? You are an Olympic athlete! Get out there and show this team how to play like Olympians! We can't allow or expect Kipper play all by himself. Thursday we start a winning streak and we play like 2010 NHL Playoff Champions! Capeesh?
GO FLAMES GO!
T
Monday, January 11, 2010
"Hello? Hockey Gods? I Have Two Wishes Tonight..."
Today all three top teams fighting for top slot in the North West Division are on the ice in their battle gear. Calgary is facing Colorado this evening for what should prove to be quite an emotional game. As is stands right now the Flames have one game in hand and a point to stand on, while Vancouver trails by only one single point after adding one due to our overtime period and shoot out (We Won!) against them for Saturday's Hockey Night In Canada game. They will be hosting Nashville this evening and since at this point in the game the Predators are no threat to me, you can guess what I would appreciate as an outcome.
The most important game tonight however, is the one we're playing. It amazes me this year how well Colorado is doing after their incredible defeat just one season ago. You can never assume how a team is going to play, who will score and what the outcome will be. So tonight we start with three quick fights brought to you by Regher, McGrattan and Prust. I laughed when the last fight broke out as Prust has been fighting non-stop for the last while. He reminds me of a kid at the bar who has consumed a few too many tequila shots and a bit of an ego; you say one word and he'll drop his gloves. I say let him, he's old enough to fend for himself and if he has the courage to push his team with motivational fist pumps then there is no wrong done.
With a quick burst and a fancy wrist pass from Langkow, Bourque scores! We head to the dressing room for the 1st intermission with a 1-0 lead which is something that the Flames must maintain and build on for the rest of this game. Although thus far it doesn't seem like this particular duel will be as exciting and intense as our Saturday game against Vancouver, we are still playing a fast paced and focused game.
Meanwhile, I am currently listening to the Nashville/Vancouver battle and I am pleasantly relieved to find that halfway through the first twenty minutes of play that the Predators have obtained a 1-0 lead to match the Flames' score against the Avalanche. Knowing full well that this is nothing to make a fuss about quite yet but a nice cushion to rest on while reaching forward is most beneficial. And before I speak too soon there we have it, folks. 2-2 in the Vancouver/Nashville game and everyone is at a standstill. We are giving away far too many penalties and unfortunately this last one left us with a score of 2-1. And then before I blink it's 2-2. All in all, both games tied and dead-locked. Time is ticking and we're running out of the stamina we flew onto the ice with. Both games rushing back and forth, losing the puck, gaining it back, ROBBED. And the buzzer goes ending Calgary's regulation time. Luckily we start with a Power Play and off we go.
But wait! Another penalty with 19 seconds left in the last? We're five on three with less than twenty seconds and then back to a man advantage, which we give up on too easily with focus on pretty passes and jumbled stick handling. This back and forth between listening to the Canucks/Nashville game during whistles and commercials has convinced me that at some point I will be found in my Flames jersey, beer in hand - Dead. Heart Attack. Our PP is over and time is dwindling down, a shoot out could very possibly become our near future. Shoot out sounds nicer than sudden death anyhow, wouldn't you say?
And what do you know...
Shoot outs again! Here we go!
Hejduk: Scores.
Dawes: No Goal.
Shane: NO GOAL!
Jokinen: SCORES!
Stewart: Scores.
Lundmark: Stalls and loses the puck without a shot at all... and loses the game for the Flames tonight. (Danielle did mention that Dawes didn't score either and that all of the pressure shouldn't be on Lundmark. Fair enough, I said.)
Let me just take my minute to talk about how I detest fancy moves during your 15 seconds of fame. There is no reason to start skating before you have a plan. Top corner? Five hole? I don't care what it is but you pick and you skate. You cannot stall halfway through a shoot out attempt and expect to regain your composure....
Confidence, boys! The same guys who scored 3/3 last game cannot score 3/3 every time, this is what I do know. What I do NOT know is why we have regressed back to the team we were in 2005 and 2006. We are not figure skaters! We are not a circus act! We are #1 in the North West Division! We are giving our opponents too much time and they are watching our every move. When your second has passed you can never get it back. Jamie Lundmark...you didn't lose this game for your team. Be confident. Next time.
However, Vancouver lost after the predators scored with just over four minutes left in the third. The Canucks had some close calls to tie it up for the possibility of an OT sudden death five minute rendez-vous but couldn't seal the deal. Isn't that the bright side? I would, however, still like to have a word with the Hockey Gods. Half a wish granted is such a tease!
GO FLAMES GO!
T
The most important game tonight however, is the one we're playing. It amazes me this year how well Colorado is doing after their incredible defeat just one season ago. You can never assume how a team is going to play, who will score and what the outcome will be. So tonight we start with three quick fights brought to you by Regher, McGrattan and Prust. I laughed when the last fight broke out as Prust has been fighting non-stop for the last while. He reminds me of a kid at the bar who has consumed a few too many tequila shots and a bit of an ego; you say one word and he'll drop his gloves. I say let him, he's old enough to fend for himself and if he has the courage to push his team with motivational fist pumps then there is no wrong done.
With a quick burst and a fancy wrist pass from Langkow, Bourque scores! We head to the dressing room for the 1st intermission with a 1-0 lead which is something that the Flames must maintain and build on for the rest of this game. Although thus far it doesn't seem like this particular duel will be as exciting and intense as our Saturday game against Vancouver, we are still playing a fast paced and focused game.
Meanwhile, I am currently listening to the Nashville/Vancouver battle and I am pleasantly relieved to find that halfway through the first twenty minutes of play that the Predators have obtained a 1-0 lead to match the Flames' score against the Avalanche. Knowing full well that this is nothing to make a fuss about quite yet but a nice cushion to rest on while reaching forward is most beneficial. And before I speak too soon there we have it, folks. 2-2 in the Vancouver/Nashville game and everyone is at a standstill. We are giving away far too many penalties and unfortunately this last one left us with a score of 2-1. And then before I blink it's 2-2. All in all, both games tied and dead-locked. Time is ticking and we're running out of the stamina we flew onto the ice with. Both games rushing back and forth, losing the puck, gaining it back, ROBBED. And the buzzer goes ending Calgary's regulation time. Luckily we start with a Power Play and off we go.
But wait! Another penalty with 19 seconds left in the last? We're five on three with less than twenty seconds and then back to a man advantage, which we give up on too easily with focus on pretty passes and jumbled stick handling. This back and forth between listening to the Canucks/Nashville game during whistles and commercials has convinced me that at some point I will be found in my Flames jersey, beer in hand - Dead. Heart Attack. Our PP is over and time is dwindling down, a shoot out could very possibly become our near future. Shoot out sounds nicer than sudden death anyhow, wouldn't you say?
And what do you know...
Shoot outs again! Here we go!
Hejduk: Scores.
Dawes: No Goal.
Shane: NO GOAL!
Jokinen: SCORES!
Stewart: Scores.
Lundmark: Stalls and loses the puck without a shot at all... and loses the game for the Flames tonight. (Danielle did mention that Dawes didn't score either and that all of the pressure shouldn't be on Lundmark. Fair enough, I said.)
Let me just take my minute to talk about how I detest fancy moves during your 15 seconds of fame. There is no reason to start skating before you have a plan. Top corner? Five hole? I don't care what it is but you pick and you skate. You cannot stall halfway through a shoot out attempt and expect to regain your composure....
Confidence, boys! The same guys who scored 3/3 last game cannot score 3/3 every time, this is what I do know. What I do NOT know is why we have regressed back to the team we were in 2005 and 2006. We are not figure skaters! We are not a circus act! We are #1 in the North West Division! We are giving our opponents too much time and they are watching our every move. When your second has passed you can never get it back. Jamie Lundmark...you didn't lose this game for your team. Be confident. Next time.
However, Vancouver lost after the predators scored with just over four minutes left in the third. The Canucks had some close calls to tie it up for the possibility of an OT sudden death five minute rendez-vous but couldn't seal the deal. Isn't that the bright side? I would, however, still like to have a word with the Hockey Gods. Half a wish granted is such a tease!
GO FLAMES GO!
T
Saturday, January 9, 2010
"Play Every Game Like It's the Playoffs in Seven!"
It's been a long time since I have been able to sit down and blog while actually watching a game. After last night I am thrilled to say that tonight's game against the Vancouver Canucks is worth tuning in for. The excitement and hostility levels between these two teams fills my living room and my finger tips... to understand and actually be a part of that emotion is something that a lot of fans don't get to really feel.
And my favorite words spoken by the announcers this evening so far: "Daniel robbed AGAIN by Kipper!" OR "Luongo, having to bail his team mates out AGAIN." I don't know which I like more. Sometimes I enjoy the announcers more than the game. "And a routine glove save for Mikka Kiprusoff." Love it.
Back from the second intermission entering the third period with a 2 all tie. This battle to take back first place in the division is looking to prove a bit difficult but we're off to the power play thanks to Glass for a check from behind. We have to play a better game here if we want to walk out of GM Place with the title and our pride, this isn't the team we thought they were going to be this year. Calgary hasn't scored a PP goal in three games while Vancouver hasn't allowed a PP goal in as many games. What's ridiculous is that Calgary has out-shot Vancouver 33-11 and we are tied in this third period of play. We have to maximize our chances and start using our advantages with tighter plays and better puck handling. All in all, such a better game than last night but on the other hand the intensity and the stress is painful! We just aren't going to get lucky after Lundmark's goal off the draw in the 2nd. We're taking every shot unlike last night and not making as many mistakes but both teams are playing for their lives tonight.
Six minutes left in the third and time seems to be ticking down faster than usual. We're spending a good amount of time in their zone but having trouble owning the puck, which seems to be sent over the glass quite a bit this evening.
***SO this just in! A Vancouver fan shining a laser into the eyes of Kipper! Announcers: "How inappropriate!"***
Honestly, is that what happens at Vancouver games? I have been to my fair share and have to say that tops the cake. At a professional hockey game? One of the most ridiculous things I've heard in a long time. Come on.
Nearing Overtime...Nearing Shoot Out!
Wellwood: Scores
Dawes: SCORES!
Kessler: NO GOAL!
Jokinen: SCORES!
Raymond: Scores
Lundmark: WINNING GOAL!!! SCORES!!!
GO FLAMES GO!!!!!
T
And my favorite words spoken by the announcers this evening so far: "Daniel robbed AGAIN by Kipper!" OR "Luongo, having to bail his team mates out AGAIN." I don't know which I like more. Sometimes I enjoy the announcers more than the game. "And a routine glove save for Mikka Kiprusoff." Love it.
Back from the second intermission entering the third period with a 2 all tie. This battle to take back first place in the division is looking to prove a bit difficult but we're off to the power play thanks to Glass for a check from behind. We have to play a better game here if we want to walk out of GM Place with the title and our pride, this isn't the team we thought they were going to be this year. Calgary hasn't scored a PP goal in three games while Vancouver hasn't allowed a PP goal in as many games. What's ridiculous is that Calgary has out-shot Vancouver 33-11 and we are tied in this third period of play. We have to maximize our chances and start using our advantages with tighter plays and better puck handling. All in all, such a better game than last night but on the other hand the intensity and the stress is painful! We just aren't going to get lucky after Lundmark's goal off the draw in the 2nd. We're taking every shot unlike last night and not making as many mistakes but both teams are playing for their lives tonight.
Six minutes left in the third and time seems to be ticking down faster than usual. We're spending a good amount of time in their zone but having trouble owning the puck, which seems to be sent over the glass quite a bit this evening.
***SO this just in! A Vancouver fan shining a laser into the eyes of Kipper! Announcers: "How inappropriate!"***
Honestly, is that what happens at Vancouver games? I have been to my fair share and have to say that tops the cake. At a professional hockey game? One of the most ridiculous things I've heard in a long time. Come on.
Nearing Overtime...Nearing Shoot Out!
Wellwood: Scores
Dawes: SCORES!
Kessler: NO GOAL!
Jokinen: SCORES!
Raymond: Scores
Lundmark: WINNING GOAL!!! SCORES!!!
GO FLAMES GO!!!!!
T
"Yawn"
Wow! So I attended the Flames game last night hosting the Columbus Blue Jackets and I can easily say that if I wasn't in the company of my Dad, James and my cousin Nicole, I may have thrown myself down the stairs for entertainment purposes. I was already aware of how slow games tend to be when we face the CBJ's yet I suppose this was my first live game watching, so I figured that being there in person would make for more excitement. Wrong. After leaving the game I watched the highlights and couldn't believe how much better everything looked when you could only see a portion of the ice. Neither team did anything fancy, none of the goals were worth standing up for and I don't think anyone so much as looked at another player let alone try and start a scrap. I'm not saying that a fight makes good hockey but I mean, come on! If any one player thought he played with heart last night I'd have to laugh. Let's hope that whatever the problem was last night doesn't carry over provincial barriers, we have a serious team to kill tonight.
I did have a great time last night regardless of the outcome of the Flames, who scored only once in the first period thanks to defenseman, Mark Giordano. After the first period my cousin and I ventured off for a walk while my dad and his friend, James went off on their own adventure. When Nicole and I get back to our seats there are nachos (jalapenos on the side) on our seat waiting for us but still no Dad and James. One old geezer at a time they make their way up the stairs about halfway through the second period and have no answer as to where the heck they were the whole time. Oh well, We continue watching our game and head off altogether during the third. This time we stop at the hard-bar downstairs and grab a drink and the boys leave us AGAIN...what are they doing??
Well... apparently Dad placed a bid at the silent auction (which I didn't even realize existed until a few weeks ago when I was at the CGY/VAN game in December with Danielle) for a signed and framed photo of CRAIG CONROY! He won! He makes his way up the stairs and after catching his breath hands me this delicious present! What a great dad! What a great day! What great company!
Let's fast track to tonight's up and coming game in our Away Jersey's being hosted by the Vancouver Canucks. It's about now that I usually talk about standings and where we're sitting but I would much rather forget that we've given them any chance at catching our stride. Although we are tied in points they sit in top spot due to a few minor technicalities. They have two more wins than we do so I think it's about time to switch gears and play some good hockey here, fellas! Unfortunately for me, my phone Vacationed in a snowbank outside my house for the last four days and is airing out for the night so I won't get to hear all of the lame jokes and such from all of the Canucks fans I have as friends....fortunately for them I won't be able to send gloating messages when we make this right tonight!
GO FLAMES GO!!!
T
I did have a great time last night regardless of the outcome of the Flames, who scored only once in the first period thanks to defenseman, Mark Giordano. After the first period my cousin and I ventured off for a walk while my dad and his friend, James went off on their own adventure. When Nicole and I get back to our seats there are nachos (jalapenos on the side) on our seat waiting for us but still no Dad and James. One old geezer at a time they make their way up the stairs about halfway through the second period and have no answer as to where the heck they were the whole time. Oh well, We continue watching our game and head off altogether during the third. This time we stop at the hard-bar downstairs and grab a drink and the boys leave us AGAIN...what are they doing??
Well... apparently Dad placed a bid at the silent auction (which I didn't even realize existed until a few weeks ago when I was at the CGY/VAN game in December with Danielle) for a signed and framed photo of CRAIG CONROY! He won! He makes his way up the stairs and after catching his breath hands me this delicious present! What a great dad! What a great day! What great company!
Let's fast track to tonight's up and coming game in our Away Jersey's being hosted by the Vancouver Canucks. It's about now that I usually talk about standings and where we're sitting but I would much rather forget that we've given them any chance at catching our stride. Although we are tied in points they sit in top spot due to a few minor technicalities. They have two more wins than we do so I think it's about time to switch gears and play some good hockey here, fellas! Unfortunately for me, my phone Vacationed in a snowbank outside my house for the last four days and is airing out for the night so I won't get to hear all of the lame jokes and such from all of the Canucks fans I have as friends....fortunately for them I won't be able to send gloating messages when we make this right tonight!
GO FLAMES GO!!!
T
Friday, January 1, 2010
"Happy New Year and HAPPY 30th Anniversary!"
Upon moving home I realized that I would be in Calgary for New Year's Eve for the first time in three years. I had a few weeks to round up some good quality friends and decide on an event with everyone that would be enjoyed by all. Finally, Flames Central was brought into conversation and we had a winner! I'd never been since I had moved either shortly after it opened or right before so I was looking forward to ringing in the New Year where the Flames game was not only accessible but enjoyed among fellow fans! Off to Ticketmaster I went ($20! Can't beat that!) and six happy faces later we were on our way downtown to Stephen Avenue!
Doors opened at four so we tried our best to make it down for around that time but I woke up with a terrible cold and couldn't find my motivation anywhere. After a long shower and some time to pick myself up, I was dolled up I was on my way to meet up with the gang. I decided against wearing a Jersey, but hear me out. It's New Years Eve and although I'm a jeans and sweatshirt kind of girl I enjoy having a reason to dust off the pumps! A friend of mine said to me, "You wear your Jersey three or four times a week!" and there was my decision already made for me. I thought of wearing it over my outfit for the game, classy - I know, and also decided against that in the off chance I lost it. Anyhow...
I was blown away at how beautiful the bar was after spending my share of nights downtown when the venue used to be called "The Palace". What an incredible transformation and innovative idea for a bar so close in quarters to the Saddledome. The sound system was incredible along with the company we were surrounded by. There was no drama that you normally would try to avoid at a regular night club, no meat market feel, just a bunch of hockey fans enjoying their last hours of 2009.
The World Juniors game against USA was an outstanding experience at Flames Central. They have TV's everywhere you look, not to mention the main screen that stretched from floor to ceiling at the stage of the bar. After having some holiday balloons removed from our view we had some of the best seats in the house. Stage left, first table right beside the bar and up a level from where they would transform seating to dance floor in just mere hours. Our Juniors game commenced at 6:00pm and we watched, we laughed, we cheered... the atmosphere was perfect. Announcements came on for shuttles to the 'Dome for those who bought the Game Night package (which we did not...but it was worth staying at the bar for all of the games and events that night) and I can see a shuttle ride from Flames Central in my future! Come 7pm we switched from watching a nail biting game to starting our first period of Traditional New Years Eve Flames hockey. The entire crowd was pumped and although we lost a bundle that headed to live seats we still had a comfortable fit of Flames fans, eyes glued to the big screen, beers in hand.
After a period of no scoring and what seemed like two very tired teams we sat back for some intermission entertainment provided by two volunteers and Wii boxing on the larger than life big screen. I must say that it was a pretty good idea to have some interaction with the patrons during the break in games, all in all I was actually impressed with the whole night. Back into the second period I witnessed Conroy score his second goal of the season and watched his arms shoot straight up in the air in excitement. Having missed his first goal of the season just one night before you can imagine how excited I was for my New Year's wish... well, in terms of hockey here people! A second period of intermission in progress and we snap back to the Junior's game while it's a staggering 4-2 for USA. We're informed during play that we have a choice to make. We can finish watching this grueling and intense game or switch back... it's 4-3, it's 4-4...it's OT and then shoot out! Amazing! Now, I am not a big fan of five minutes of overtime. In fact, some of my favorite hockey moments and memories with friends are tangled and intertwined with two or three full overtime periods, although I do understand that playing intense hockey for that long is quite tough on the players. Anyhow, this might have been one of the best shoot outs I have watched as far as excitement goes.
Flames Central will definitely be somewhere I plan to watch a few games at between now and the end of the season. I am definitely happy with our decision to spend our night there and think everyone was pretty content. So Calgary claims a win and Canada claims a win. That's starting the year off on the right foot!
Go Flames Go!
T
Doors opened at four so we tried our best to make it down for around that time but I woke up with a terrible cold and couldn't find my motivation anywhere. After a long shower and some time to pick myself up, I was dolled up I was on my way to meet up with the gang. I decided against wearing a Jersey, but hear me out. It's New Years Eve and although I'm a jeans and sweatshirt kind of girl I enjoy having a reason to dust off the pumps! A friend of mine said to me, "You wear your Jersey three or four times a week!" and there was my decision already made for me. I thought of wearing it over my outfit for the game, classy - I know, and also decided against that in the off chance I lost it. Anyhow...
I was blown away at how beautiful the bar was after spending my share of nights downtown when the venue used to be called "The Palace". What an incredible transformation and innovative idea for a bar so close in quarters to the Saddledome. The sound system was incredible along with the company we were surrounded by. There was no drama that you normally would try to avoid at a regular night club, no meat market feel, just a bunch of hockey fans enjoying their last hours of 2009.
The World Juniors game against USA was an outstanding experience at Flames Central. They have TV's everywhere you look, not to mention the main screen that stretched from floor to ceiling at the stage of the bar. After having some holiday balloons removed from our view we had some of the best seats in the house. Stage left, first table right beside the bar and up a level from where they would transform seating to dance floor in just mere hours. Our Juniors game commenced at 6:00pm and we watched, we laughed, we cheered... the atmosphere was perfect. Announcements came on for shuttles to the 'Dome for those who bought the Game Night package (which we did not...but it was worth staying at the bar for all of the games and events that night) and I can see a shuttle ride from Flames Central in my future! Come 7pm we switched from watching a nail biting game to starting our first period of Traditional New Years Eve Flames hockey. The entire crowd was pumped and although we lost a bundle that headed to live seats we still had a comfortable fit of Flames fans, eyes glued to the big screen, beers in hand.
After a period of no scoring and what seemed like two very tired teams we sat back for some intermission entertainment provided by two volunteers and Wii boxing on the larger than life big screen. I must say that it was a pretty good idea to have some interaction with the patrons during the break in games, all in all I was actually impressed with the whole night. Back into the second period I witnessed Conroy score his second goal of the season and watched his arms shoot straight up in the air in excitement. Having missed his first goal of the season just one night before you can imagine how excited I was for my New Year's wish... well, in terms of hockey here people! A second period of intermission in progress and we snap back to the Junior's game while it's a staggering 4-2 for USA. We're informed during play that we have a choice to make. We can finish watching this grueling and intense game or switch back... it's 4-3, it's 4-4...it's OT and then shoot out! Amazing! Now, I am not a big fan of five minutes of overtime. In fact, some of my favorite hockey moments and memories with friends are tangled and intertwined with two or three full overtime periods, although I do understand that playing intense hockey for that long is quite tough on the players. Anyhow, this might have been one of the best shoot outs I have watched as far as excitement goes.
Flames Central will definitely be somewhere I plan to watch a few games at between now and the end of the season. I am definitely happy with our decision to spend our night there and think everyone was pretty content. So Calgary claims a win and Canada claims a win. That's starting the year off on the right foot!
Go Flames Go!
T
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