[tvp2003]

I've been a Flames fan ever since 1985/86 when I was just a little kid; however, I don't think I've ever enjoyed a team as much as the 2014/15 Calgary Flames. And I think the reason for it is because my experiences have transcended hockey and even sports in general -- this team has demonstrated so many good things this season that its hard to pin them down to one or two. Instead, I came up with 11 -- feel free to add your own:

1. Never quit. The comebacks. At Game 4, they showed on the jumbotron the top 5 comebacks of this season (not including the Game 3 OT win). The amazing part is that (i) they still left out some great comebacks from this year, and (ii) you would normally be lucky to get 1 or 2 in a season. We got SIX, plus the ones that never even made that list. Unbelievable.

2. Always earned, never given. For a guy like Josh Jooris to force his way into the lineup in training camp (over other prospects in the system) and become a meaningful contributor to a playoff team... truly earned.

3. It's the size of the game, not the size of the player that counts. Johnny Hockey's ability to create magic in just his rookie season... a special, special player.

4. The importance of heart. From an undrafted free agent to a bonafide Norris candidate and All-star, Gio's path to NHL stardom shows that having elite heart can be just as valuable as have elite skill.

5. There is more to life than hockey. Micheal Ferland's success on the ice this year (and especially in the playoffs) is only surpassed by his personal success off the ice. A young man with a solid plan for both hockey and life and I hope he achieves enormous success with both.

6. Greatness can come from unexpected sources and at unexpected times. The Schlemko. 'Nuff said.

7. The importance of leadership. I don't think there is a single coach in the NHL that could have accomplished what Bob Hartley did with this team. Absolutely brilliant.

8. The value of experience. Three years ago, Jiri Hudler and Dennis Wideman were signed as UFA's. Their impact and contributions to this young team far surpassed the gaudy numbers that both put up this season.

9. The reward of hard work. Lance Bouma, a guy who brings his lunch pail into work and sacrifices his body for the team, ends up with 16 goals (all scored at even strength, which at one point late in the season put him ahead of Sidney Crosby!).

10. Knock one down, another will take his place. This was the ultimate team, with no single player greater than the group. Backlund gets injured, Monahan develops into one of the best two-way centres in the conference. Gio goes down, Brodie, Wideman, Russell and Engelland all step up their game. Bouma goes out, Ferland makes an even bigger impact in his place. Even in goal -- Hiller and Ramo work the whole season to make each other better, not to bring the other guy down.

11. The joy of wishing the unthinkable and seeing it become reality. Make the playoffs without our best player by knocking out the defending Stanley Cup Champions? Win round one with an epic comeback from a 3-0 deficit? This team made it fun to be recklessly optimistic, and to expect the improbable, against all odds, because if a team could do it, it would be the Flames.

A season full of incredible stories, lasting memories, and the promise of even more to come. Very grateful to be a Flames fan because we were just treated to a season for the ages...