I'm a fan. The guy put in some solid work as a Calgary Flame on and off the ice. A Calgarypuck member.
After I saw this thread I went back into my PM's and looked at a message I sent him after the 04 run.
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I held back till today, but I must tell you how impressed my friends and I have been with you since you came to the Flames.
Let me preface this letter by saying I am 33 years old, and a diehard Flames fan since I was 11 years old. I have had seasons tickets or access to them through work or friends for probably 10+ years. 6 years ago I had twin boys, I got a part time job as an usher, because we couldn't afford seasons tix with the additions to our lives, and I needed that hockey fix...
I have watched a lot of NHL hockey, and I have lived and died as a Flames fan, from the highs of the Stanley Cup to the lows of not making the playoffs for 7 years, and not seeing the Flames win a round since Lanny held up said Cup.
You impressed me from training camp, when the battle for the 6/7/8 spots were on in full effect. I believe it was you, Wallin, and the Doors. I remember posting on the board after going to a couple of training camp scrimmages, saying you looked like the best D out there and that you were a lock.
Of course I had resistance to my post with the majority saying you weren't 6'4 220, and big is always better in the long run for a 5-6 D man. You showed up big in exhibition games, and everybody agreed you had made the team.
One night that season, you guys were playing vs. NYR. Jaromir Jagr was coming in at the blue line, and he baited you into the biscuit, making one of his crazy moves and burning you. I believe we won that game 6-5, and I remember Sutter calling you out. That was also the beginning of the "Ference can't play defense, he is an offensive defenceman" thought on this board, held by people who watch highlight packages, and not entire games. Yeah right.
This is turning into a novel, but I just want you to know that in the Playoffs, your courage was remarkable. Full out no fear hockey, it was a treat to watch. From your battles with Jovoslut, to the pounding of Stillman, to that beautiful hit on St. Louis in the 7th game of the Stanley Cup, not to mention the solid play that you brought to the Flames every night, makes me smile just thinking about it.
Your attitude and outspoken nature during the lockout was refreshing, and made us fans like you even more.
I wish you luck in your contract negotiations. I really hope to see you in the Flaming C for many years to come. You guys made me proud to be a Flames fan again, although it does still hurt that you came so close and just couldn't cap it off, I really do believe that you will get another shot and the results will be different.
You all made me believe. I am proud to have you wearing the C and you will always be one of my favorites. Thank-you for playing with so much heart and passion every night, lets drop the freaking puck!
His response:
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Originally Posted by okotoker
That is a very nice note and I thank you very much for your kind words. I feel very proud to play for a club with such strong and loyal support! I remember that I am not just playing for myself but for the history of the jersey and the pride of the supporters and it feels great to get feedback like this. Thanks again, it means a lot, Andrew
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He ended up signing a three year contract with the Flames after this. Without an agent involved. Just sat down with Darryl Sutter and hammered out a deal that they were both happy with. Of course he didn't get himself a NTC and was traded in 06 to the Bruins. The team was never the same after that.
Rhett Warrener still talks about the downfall of the Calgary Flames after Ference got dealt. How it was like the heart of their Flames family got ripped out.
Thanks for being part of the team that stopped the 2011 Vancouver Canucks from winning the Stanley Cup. Vancouver had won games one and two, then had a great first period in game three. Ference scored 11 seconds into the second period, which then opened up the flood gates where we saw Boston win the game 8-1. Obviously the turning point of the series, Boston came back and won in seven games. Something I will never forget. It really was a riot.
Right after winning the Cup in Boston, while the Stanley Cup is being skated around Ference has an on ice interview. He states how he wishes he could feel winning the Stanley Cup with his Flames teammates. I mean who does that? I could see if it happened a couple of years later but this happened in 2011. A full seven years since 2004 and five years since he had worn the Flames jersey. Showed how much he loved being a Flame.
One of those guys that have an extra gear in the playoffs, small but tough as nails, relentless and full of heart. Too bad about the stinkin' Oilers part, very unfortunate, I will just pretend it never happened.
Congrats to Andrew on a great career.