I think that the FaF was created because the team wanted to honour MacInnis but were a little bit pissed that he has associated himself more with the Blues. The other guys we retired like Lanny, Vernon and now Iggy - they are true Calgary Flames. Lanny and Vernon have been active ambassadors in our community after their career and Iggy's the greatest Flame of all time. I think those three associate themselves with the team and in turn the team associates with them. I think it was a bit petty to isolate MacInnis like that and after a few years now, the team probably realizes it.
Niewendyk is perfect for the Forever a Flame program. He was an elite player and a fantastic Flame but I never really saw him as the face of the franchise, etc.. If we didn't have the FaF, I doubt we would have retired his number.
Anyway, I'm glad they're considering getting rid of the FaF. It was a bad idea from the start.
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