Comeback kids ignite Flames fever - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Otto-matic · 02-23-2015, 10:26 AM

A nice article on the resurgence of the Flames in the community, and the excitement that surrounds the team.

Quote:

“Around the city,” says Calgary Flames’ assistant GM Craig Conroy, “you can feel the excitement. Sounds corny, I know, but it’s there. I talk to people …’’ Pause. “You know I like to talk to people …”

(Editor’s note: Conroy would strike up a conversation with anyone, be they Tibetan monks or Cosa Nostra hitmen, Yukon trappers or in-character street mimes. With his gift of gab, the man could sell snorkels in the Sahara.)

“Funny thing is, though, people really want to talk about it, but they’re kind of afraid to TALK about it, if you know what I mean.
“Almost as if they don’t want to jinx us.

Quote:

“Everywhere I go,” says coach Bob Hartley, “in movie theatres or on the street, restaurants, minor hockey practices, gas stations, there’s a fire in town right now. A big fire. For myself, I’m just trying to feed as much wood into that big fire as possible.

“I know I keep bringing it up, but those two standing ovations we got after losses last year? You just don’t see this. Anywhere. These people, they deserve a team to be excited about.

Quote:

For so long, down through the years, in the changing of the tides, they were either to be admired, thrilled to, respected, feared, pondered or, lately, dismissed outright.
Now, they’re to be enjoyed.
Now, they’re “fun.”

http://calgaryherald.com/sports/hock...ts-2004-almost

FBI · 02-23-2015, 11:15 AM

This year is definitely reminding me of the year that shall not be named

DiracSpike · 02-23-2015, 11:44 AM

I had a quick chat with Bob Hartley at Joeys Eau Claire back in December, stand up guy who tolerated talking to my friends and I plus snapping a picture with us. It's nice to see that these guys enjoy the attention they get from the community, I was trying not to be a nuisance.
Of course after telling him what a great job he was doing the flames proceeded to go on that brutal losing streak so maybe I'll avoid talking to him in the future.

Jacks · 02-23-2015, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FBI

This year is definitely reminding me of the year that shall not be named

2004?

Nothing to be ashamed of.

ThatsRobbery · 02-23-2015, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacks

2004?

Nothing to be ashamed of.

Absolutely not, it does have a similar feel.

(It went in)

Locke · 02-23-2015, 02:07 PM

I hear you.

I have zero Flames stuff on my car, but the day after that Boston game you couldnt get away from it. The guy working at the drive-through was going on and on about it.

You can really tell that the team is getting the entire City engaged.

saillias · 02-23-2015, 02:11 PM

Doesn't have the same feel as 04 IMO. Once Kipper returned from his injury in the new year the playoffs seemed like a foregone conclusion, we were a dominant team with him in the lineup.

locsofblu · 02-23-2015, 02:15 PM

Maybe if he had a world class goalie it would seem more like 2004. Our Goaltending this year is above average at best.

GranteedEV · 02-23-2015, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by locsofblu

Maybe if he had a world class goalie it would seem more like 2004. Our Goaltending this year is above average at best.

Next year... Ortio...Bennett...

"This isn't even their Final Form"

troutman · 02-23-2015, 02:31 PM

Otto-matic · 02-23-2015, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Locke

I hear you.

I have zero Flames stuff on my car, but the day after that Boston game you couldnt get away from it. The guy working at the drive-through was going on and on about it.

You can really tell that the team is getting the entire City engaged.

Agreed,

I've noticed the dome is more engaged, louder then previous seasons. It doesn't have that library vibe anymore.

Locke · 02-23-2015, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

Agreed,

I've noticed the dome is more engaged, louder then previous seasons. It doesn't have that library vibe anymore.

I can only attest to the one game I've been to and that was the Boston game, it was definitely quiet when they were down 3-0, but as soon as that first goal went in the entire place knew it was on.

I swear I even saw Zdeno Chara's head sag a little bit when that first goal went in.

GioforPM · 02-23-2015, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

Agreed,

I've noticed the dome is more engaged, louder then previous seasons. It doesn't have that library vibe anymore.

A lot of this is due to that Hockey kid. It's amazing what happens to the crowd when he gets the puck.

codynw · 02-23-2015, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otto-matic

Agreed,

I've noticed the dome is more engaged, louder then previous seasons. It doesn't have that library vibe anymore.

I noticed the same thing. I went to a Sharks game in 2013 and it was silent pretty much the whole game. I was at an Oilers game this season and it was incredibly loud, the loudest I've heard it in years.

People are starting to get excited about this team.