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rogermexico · 01-05-2023, 10:59 AM

I started following the Flames in 86 during that first cup run. I was nine. I'd watched hockey before that but it was those playoffs that turned me into a fan.
Over the next few years I remember getting excited about Joe Nieuwendyk's rookie season, loving Hakan Loob, obviously loving Lanny, and then of course the big thrill of the 89 playoffs.
Through all of that time though, Al MacInnis was my hands down favourite player.
People talk a lot about "game breakers." Chopper was a game breaker. He could take over a game. That 89 team had, what, four hall of famers on it? Plus guys like Vernon and Mullen who have a case to be in there? MacInnis was the best of them all, hands down. The 89 playoff performance was unreal.
I know that he ended up in St. Louis and settled down there and is part of the organization. But he was here for 11 seasons. If Paul Coffey and Ray Bourque hadn't been doing there thing, he'd have been a multiple Norris winner during that time. But Norris trophies don't count as much as Conn Smythes, and he's got that one - the only one a Flame ever won. Chopper absolutely belongs on that mountain.

01-05-2023, 10:59 AM	#45
rogermexico Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Okotoks Exp:	I started following the Flames in 86 during that first cup run. I was nine. I'd watched hockey before that but it was those playoffs that turned me into a fan. Over the next few years I remember getting excited about Joe Nieuwendyk's rookie season, loving Hakan Loob, obviously loving Lanny, and then of course the big thrill of the 89 playoffs. Through all of that time though, Al MacInnis was my hands down favourite player. People talk a lot about "game breakers." Chopper was a game breaker. He could take over a game. That 89 team had, what, four hall of famers on it? Plus guys like Vernon and Mullen who have a case to be in there? MacInnis was the best of them all, hands down. The 89 playoff performance was unreal. I know that he ended up in St. Louis and settled down there and is part of the organization. But he was here for 11 seasons. If Paul Coffey and Ray Bourque hadn't been doing there thing, he'd have been a multiple Norris winner during that time. But Norris trophies don't count as much as Conn Smythes, and he's got that one - the only one a Flame ever won. Chopper absolutely belongs on that mountain.